The Odyssey

by Homer
The Odyssey cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Adventure
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Paperback • £3.99–£29.99 Hardback • £8.99–£31.99
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Format • £8.54–£17.10
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  • ID: 6933
  • Added: 2025-12-07
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9780007477418
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2012-05-31
  • Formats: 28
  • Reviews: 3

The Odyssey is one of the most renowned works of ancient Greek literature, attributed to the poet Homer. It tells the story of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, and his long journey home after the Trojan War. Along the way, he encounters various challenges, including the Cyclops, the enchantress Circe, and the deadly Sirens. The epic is not only a thrilling adventure but also a profound exploration of themes such as loyalty, perseverance, and the human condition. /n/n HarperCollins presents this classic in a new range of best-loved, essential classics, making it accessible to modern readers. The Odyssey has been translated and interpreted numerous times, but its core narrative and themes remain as compelling as ever.

Reviews
Tony's Reading List · Tony · 2022-02-08
excellent 4.50

The Odyssey is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its rich narrative and complex characters. It's a must-read for anyone interested in ancient literature.

Tony's review highlights the enduring appeal of The Odyssey, praising its intricate storytelling and deep character development. They note that the epic's themes of adventure, homecoming, and the human condition are as relevant today as they were in ancient times. The review also touches on the translation by E.V. Rieu, which is lauded for its accessibility and faithfulness to the original text. Tony's enthusiasm for the book is evident, and they encourage readers to embark on this literary journey.

Quick quotes

    The Odyssey is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its rich narrative and complex characters.

    The translation by E.V. Rieu is lauded for its accessibility and faithfulness to the original text.

    The epic's themes of adventure, homecoming, and the human condition are as relevant today as they were in ancient times.

KellRead · Kell · 2021-05-09
brilliant 4.75

The Odyssey is a masterpiece of ancient literature that offers a wealth of insights into the human experience. Its complex narrative and memorable characters make it a compelling read.

Kell's review delves into the rich tapestry of The Odyssey, highlighting its complex narrative and memorable characters. They appreciate the epic's exploration of themes such as loyalty, revenge, and the struggle for identity. The review also notes the significance of the poem's historical and cultural context, which adds depth to the reading experience. Kell's analysis is thorough and thoughtful, making it a valuable resource for both new and seasoned readers of the epic.

Quick quotes

    The Odyssey is a masterpiece of ancient literature that offers a wealth of insights into the human experience.

    Its complex narrative and memorable characters make it a compelling read.

    The epic's exploration of themes such as loyalty, revenge, and the struggle for identity is particularly noteworthy.

Reddit - r/books · u/k2oi72 · 2020-01-01
mixed 3.00

The Odyssey is a challenging read due to its repetitive nature and archaic language, but it offers valuable insights into ancient Greek culture. It's not for everyone, but it's worth persisting with.

The Reddit review provides a candid assessment of The Odyssey, acknowledging its challenges and rewards. The reviewer points out that the epic's repetitive nature and archaic language can be difficult to navigate, but they also highlight the cultural and historical insights it offers. They suggest that readers should approach the book with an open mind and a willingness to engage with its complexities. The review is balanced and thoughtful, offering a perspective that is both critical and appreciative.

Quick quotes

    The Odyssey is a challenging read due to its repetitive nature and archaic language.

    It offers valuable insights into ancient Greek culture.

    Readers should approach the book with an open mind and a willingness to engage with its complexities.

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