Reviews

The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

sterrenkijker's review against another edition

2.5

What did Helen ever do to Margaret Atwood

alisarae's review against another edition

4.0

Amaaazingly awesome! This is the first book by Margaret Atwood that I've read and, boy oh boy, she is all that she's cracked up to be (maybe more). This story is even more fun if you know the Odyssey. I'm glad I got a refresher before I go to Greece.

Makeway Murakami, new fav contemporary author right here.

ngeru's review against another edition

4.0

Excellent and thoroughly enjoyable as with most of her work. Thorough research and skilled writing make this a must read for any classicist.

angeybotas's review against another edition

reflective tense fast-paced

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

3.5

c_totume's review against another edition

challenging inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

oli_mercado's review against another edition

dark funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

annaardon's review against another edition

adventurous informative reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

cyrahewison's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative inspiring fast-paced

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

4.0

lycanbreakfast's review against another edition

emotional sad medium-paced

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

Wow that was amazing it made me feel sick reading the odyssey and knowing he killed those 12 maids for having sex with the suitors and knowing full well Odysseus had sex with goddesses the whole time. It infuriated me and this book finally explored why. Makes me hate men and Greek mythology men I know the times were so misogynistic but the stories fascinate me so much so maybe that’s why I love the feminist retellings. Probably need to read the rest of Margret art wood stuff I know I need to read the handmaiden tale but maybe Ill read her other stuff too this was a great take on Penelope and her character 

beccaboyes's review against another edition

3.0

2.5/5

A unique and refreshing take on the Odyssey, and Penelope’s retrospective outlook suits the bittersweet tone. Epic Poem retellings are a huge success nowadays, and for good reason, but unfortunately this just was nowhere near as engaging. It’s a very surface level approach to Penelope and the Maid’s perspective of the Odyssey, that simply doesn’t indulge in the plot enough. I had hoped for a silence of the girls-esque dive into the maids and how they were not at fault, but we learn no names, no distinct voices — they are a homogenous chorus — and I feel this contradicts the message of the book.

All in all, don’t regret reading it, but not sure I’d recommend it to others when there’s more out there for classics fans.