10.13.2010

The Penelopiad - Margaret Atwood


Margret Atwood wrote The Penelopiad for an international project called The Canongate Myth Series, which brings together an array of writers who explore and re-tell timeless myths in a contemporary way. Other Myth writers include Chinua Achebe, Philip Pullman and Alexander McCall Smith.

In this novella, Atwood used the story of The Odyssey to explore the roles Penelope and her maids while Odysseus was gone at war. She explains what Penelope was really up to in the 20 years her husband was at war and why her 12 maids were hung upon Osysseus' return to Ithica. Atwood convincingly gives Penelope a voice that is both strong and progressive.
I was a child who learned early the virtues - if such they are - of self-sufficiency. I knew that I would have to look out for myself in the world. I could hardly count on family support.
I thought this was a fun, interesting read, but it is not Atwood at her best. If you haven't read anything by Atwood yet, I would suggest starting with The Handmaid's Tale or Oryx and Crake. She really is amazing. On the other hand, I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in Greek mythology or really loves the classics.

Publisher: Knopf Canada, 2005

17 comments:

  1. I think I'll need to check this out. I've only ever read The Handmaid's Tale and to be honest I remember the movie better than the book. I love Greek mythology though and I like the idea of seeing a well-known myth from another point of view.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Red, It sounds like you might appreciate this story more than I did. Go for it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. The concept of this book seems outrageous to me, and as such, it will probably be one I never read.

    "The Handmaid's Tale" was fabulous, though.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I really enjoyed The Penelopiad. Maybe that has to do with my also being interesting in mythology. I do think if you're first venturing into Atwood territory, you should read The Handmaid's Tale first.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Eclectic, Outrageous? How so?

    Loni, I'd agree with you on starting with The Handmaid's Tale. My first Atwood and still my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I still have yet to read anything by Atwood. I had Handmaiden's Tale out from the library for a few months but never got up the time or inclination to pick it up and actually start to read it for some reason. Some day. Once I get caught up with everything else!

    I also have an award for you on my blog: Tedious & Brief!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for the recommendation, Brenna! I am definitely going to find a copy of this and read it. I love Atwood's writing, and I am deep in the midst of all of the Greek classics, so this comes to me quite timely. Have a great day! Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Tedious, Thanks for the blog award! And wait until you want to read The Handmaid's Tale - you don't want it to be the wrong book at the wrong time. It's too good!

    Christopher, This soudns like it's right up your alley! Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Modern-day retellings of classic stories -- like Greek myths -- usually interest me, so I have a feeling I might enjoy this one! I've never read Atwood, actually, but it sounds like I need to change that. I think I'll take your advice and start with The Handmaid's Tale someday.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I actually enjoyed this one, but then again, I really don't like Atwood. She's one of those authors I feel like I should like, but no matter what I read of hers, I'm fairly cold on it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I enjoyed this book, but I agree it's not Atwood at her best. This was my introduction to her work, but it took me until The Handmaid's Tale to really fall for her.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Meg, You should start with The Handmaids Tale! Immediately.

    Audra, I can understand that she's not for everyone, but at least you tried her!

    Nymeth, Glad you agree! That makes me feel smart :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hear, hear! I definitely think this one is for those whose love of Atwood is already firmly in place. Definitely an interesting look at the legend though, that's for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I saw Atwood speak at Emory University in Atlanta upon the release of this title. I have yet to read it, as much as absolutely adore her, so thanks for this post. I wasn't aware that she wrote The Penelopiad for an international project. Learn something new everyday!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Nice review! I have been wanting to read Margret Atwood for a while now so I'll take your advice. And I just saw who the publisher is and it reminded me of one of those last scenes in Julie and Julia when Julia gets a letter from the publishing house stating that they are going to publish her book. Lovely blog!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hmmm. My YA novel is steeped in mythology. I may have to look into this...

    ReplyDelete
  17. I liked this book also but agree Hand Maidens Tale is much better-I have copies of After the Flood and Orxy and Crake and plan to read them both by year end

    ReplyDelete