Reviews with content warning for Sexual violence - The Iliad of Homer

I did not enjoy reading this book. It was such a slog.

I am not a big fan of war focused narratives, so that part is on me. But the descriptions are simply too in-depth. I also would have an existential crisis if I lived in this book, as the Gods seem to always do what they want, except when they don't, so it doens't even make anything feel important.

If you like lists, then boy do I have a story for you. The lists in this book are endless, and include: the name of every ship being sailed including a description and how many men are on board - the name of every person who dies ever in this war, how they die, and who they are related to - the names of everyone that participates in any sort of game, wager, race, etc. A list lovers dream, truely.

Content Warnings

dioinysus's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This translation of the Iliad achieves one aspect of it that has long been forgotten, that the tale within it precedes writing. Oral tradition is the basis of all culture and before it was compiled and studied by the greeks themselves these were the legends told as history that were passed down through generations til they became myths. Without losing any the beauty and carnage of the poem this translation discards the "elevated language" that any "classic" story is often approached with, crafting what I believe is a version of the Iliad that is both truly engaging and exciting as well as heartbreaking but without falling into added meaning by the author. The tale is presented as was, is, and will be and it's up to the one that engages with it to do with it what they will, either as an insight on early greek culture and it's values or by grasping the human experience conveyed in it and understanding what makes this a timeless tale about grief.

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michaelatrelby's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Lombardo translation is really fantastic, and accessible to a reader who is looking for digestible, contemporary language. Highly recommend if you have never read through the Iliad before.

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gilnean's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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foxmulders's review against another edition

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emotional informative slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

"if only i had will and heart to do it
i would carve up your flesh and eat it raw,
for the abominations you have done me."

"my friend patroclus, whom i loved, is dead.
i loved him more than any other comrade.
i loved him like my head, my life, myself.
i love him, killed him."