I love old books. I’m a history student; I mostly read political/historical textbooks but i like to dabble in fiction. Greek mythology has always been fascinating (thanks to Percy Jackson), so this book is enormously interesting to me. I think i can finish it, although it’s definitely outside my wheelhouse. Has anyone read it, what’s the difficulty level, and did you find it engaging or thought-provoking? I’m just a little worried that I wont vibe with homers writing style.
by International_Cap245
3 Comments
Is one of the most influential books ever written worth a read?
It’s a classic for a reason! If you’re into history and mythology, it seems like you should definitely read it at some point. Can’t gauge whether it would be a hard read for you; it would depend on whether you’ve read a lot of classics. You could always start with the Odyssey; people tend to find it more accessible. The right translation is important too; I read Fagles’.
The *Iliad* and the *Odyssey* are essential and fascinating. They are endlessly imitated and referenced throughout the centuries since Ancient Greece. If you find these works unappealing, then you probably just need a different translation. I really like the new translation by Emily Wilson. But you might prefer the translations by Richard Lattimore or Stanley Lombardo. Enjoy!