A review by sofipitch
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

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

4.5

I'd been looking forward to reading this book for so long I was disappointed by how short it was, I read it in a day, practically one sitting. I expected the epic that Song of Achilles or Helen of Troy had been and was let down. Especially considering how hard it was to actually get a copy of this book at a reasonable price. Otherwise I enjoyed it. I liked the choice to focus on the maids and their murder. I also like that the story doesn't stick only to one version of Penelope, the maids tell the story not of the faithful wife but of the cheating one. Which considering her cleverness and lying in the Odyssey would not be surprising. I think I might have enjoyed that character more. I also dislike the way Helen was portrayed, I think if you can see the feminist retelling that the maids were raped and used by the men it's easy to see how the same could be said of Helen.
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