The Odyssey by Homer

Bibliography
Homer and T. Mucci. (2009). The odyssey. New York: Sterling Publishing.

Not paginated

Plot
Odysseus, one of the few remaining Greek survivors from the Trojan War takes fate into his own hands and set out upon the stormy seas to once again return to his beloved wife, Penelope. The war, which pitted both man against man and God against God, though has left Odysseus cursed by Poseidon. Plagued by Poseidon’s son, Cyclops, the evil Sirens, the conniving spirits from the Island of the Lotus Grove, and the seductive Calypso, Odysseus and his crew are desolate to return to their home on Ithaca. Left to the machinations of the Gods, Odysseus’ own cunning, and a bit of luck, will Odysseus ever see his wife again?

Review
Mucci’s interpretation of Homer’s The Odyssey is fun and intriguing. The symmetrical and very geometric illustrations makes the pages appear very much like classic Greek architecture and sculpture. Additionally, Mucci takes a dense subject and is able to condense the material in a way which makes it interesting to the reader. Mucci has taken some liberties with the plot, but for the most part readers are easily able to interpret the ambivalence of Zeus, the hot bloodedness of Poseidon, the trickery of Hermes and the righteousness of Athena. Readers interested in Greek mythology and books like Percy Jackson should enjoy this graphic novel.

Genre
Graphic Novel

Reading Level/Interest Level
This book should appeal to readers in 7th – 9th grade.

Similar Content
Percy Jackson Series
The Odyssey
The Trojan War

Personal thoughts
In Junior High School, our Literature Class was required to read The Trojan War. This book, a sequel to a certain degree, offers a more exciting view of the aftermath of the war. The author’s own notes at the end provides the reader with a short history of Homer and his work.

Subjects/themes
Voyage
Greek Gods/Mythology
Good vs. Evil
Hero
Epic Story

Awards
No known awards.

Series information
No known sequels

Character names/descriptions
Odysseus: One of the heroes of the Trojan War. However has angered Poseidon, thus his trip back home takes an extra 10 years.

Poseidon: God of the Sea, is angry with Odysseus and curses his journey and his men.

Athena: Goddess of Wisdom, sides with Odysseus and often comes to his aid.

Hermes: Messenger God, a bit of a trickster often playing Gods against Gods.

Cyclops: Poseidon’s Son and one of the obstacles in Odysseus’ way along his journey home.

Annotation
The Trojan War was only half of the story for Odysseus. With the gods tight on his heels will he ever be able to return to Ithaca?