The Wanderings of Odysseus

Title: The Wanderings of Odysseus
Author: Rosemary Sutcliff
Publisher: Laurel Leaf, 1995
Reading Level: 5th and up
Pages: 131
Genre: Mythology





Summary:

Homer's Odyssey is retold by Rosemary Sutcliff in a simple version for children to be able to follow more easily. Odysseus begins a voyage with his men to Troy where they fought in the war. Odysseus comes up with the idea for the Trojan Horse, and when they have won he begins his journey home. Their first stop takes them to the cave of the Cyclops where they are held captive in the Cyclops cave. To escape, Odysseus stabs the Cyclops' eye and is able to return to his ship. However, Cyclops begs with his father, Poseidon, to curse Odysseus and his men for blinding him. As Odyyseus continues his journey we begin to see that the Cyclops wish was granted. Disaster after disaster strikes as Odyyseus strives to make it back to Ithaca and his wife. After many years and tribulations he makes it to his home. When he gets there he finds out that his wife has had trials dealing with many suitors who have been trying to steal his crown. After tricking them, Odysseus slays the men and is able to be reunited with his wife.

My Reaction:

For me, this book wasn't very good. I found myself struggling to get through it because of the lack of detail. The general story is able to be portrayed, but I feel that many of the intricate detail that Homer strove for was lost in this rendition of the story.

Potential Problems:

There are some gruesome points that are told. Where the Cyclops gets blinded being one of them, and when Odysseus kills all of the suitors. A parent might not be comfortable reading it to her children.

Recommendations:

I would recommend this book to someone if they wanted a little but of background knowledge on Greek Mythology. However, if you are just looking for a good read, then I don't recommend this book, because I found it slightly boring and lacking in detail.