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Waiting for Odysseus
Four women.
Four stories.
One man's journey.
Odysseus. His epic tale has been told countless times, but rarely is it heard through the voices of the women who loved and served him. Penelope, Circe, Athena, Theirs are the silent voices, the voices of longing, waiting, strength. They are the women who moved him and motivated him. And now they shed new light on his age-old journey.
Four stories.
One man's journey.
Odysseus. His epic tale has been told countless times, but rarely is it heard through the voices of the women who loved and served him. Penelope, Circe, Athena, Theirs are the silent voices, the voices of longing, waiting, strength. They are the women who moved him and motivated him. And now they shed new light on his age-old journey.
160 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 2000
7 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Clemence McLaren
6 books20 followersClemence McLaren was born in New Jersey on November 3, 1938 to Edward Dobson, an engineer, and Grayce Berg Dobson. She attended Rutgers University from which she received a degree in 1960. In the same year she married Robert McLaren. Together, the couple had two children, Kevin and Heather.
For a number of years she and her husband taught overseas. During this time they built a cottage on a small Greek island "only four miles from Achilles' home island of Aegina," she says. She studied the Greek language and walked the trails which dated back to antiquity. Always fascinated by the ancient myths, her own elaborations of them became stories which she first told to her students and her own family.
The McLarens later moved to Hawaii, where Clemence McLaren taught in Honolulu secondary schools for four years and obtained an doctorate degree in religion.
Supplemental Information:
Career
Pan American Airlines, flight attendant, 1960-61; teacher in Dover, NJ, Guam, Saudi Arabia, and Maui, Hawaii, 1962-84; affiliated with Johns Hopkins University as a summer program dean, 1987—; occasional stints as a professor and researcher with University of Hawaii, 1987-95; teacher of senior English, Kamehameha Secondary Schools, Honolulu, HI, 1993—.
Member
Phi Beta Kappa.
Awards, Honors
Books for the Teen Age, New York Public Library, 1997, and Best Books for Young Adults, American Library Association, 1997, both for Inside the Walls of Troy.
Writings
Inside the Walls of Troy: A Novel of the Women Who Lived the Trojan War, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1996.
Dance for the Land, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1999, expanded edition published as Dance for the Aina, Bess Press (Honolulu, HI), 2003.
Waiting for Odysseus, Atheneum (New York, NY), 2000.
Aphrodite's Blessings: Love Stories from the Greek Myths, Atheneum (New York, NY), 2002.
Contributor to popular magazines and professional journals. Contributor to Cat Heaven, Island Heritage Press, 1998.
For a number of years she and her husband taught overseas. During this time they built a cottage on a small Greek island "only four miles from Achilles' home island of Aegina," she says. She studied the Greek language and walked the trails which dated back to antiquity. Always fascinated by the ancient myths, her own elaborations of them became stories which she first told to her students and her own family.
The McLarens later moved to Hawaii, where Clemence McLaren taught in Honolulu secondary schools for four years and obtained an doctorate degree in religion.
Supplemental Information:
Career
Pan American Airlines, flight attendant, 1960-61; teacher in Dover, NJ, Guam, Saudi Arabia, and Maui, Hawaii, 1962-84; affiliated with Johns Hopkins University as a summer program dean, 1987—; occasional stints as a professor and researcher with University of Hawaii, 1987-95; teacher of senior English, Kamehameha Secondary Schools, Honolulu, HI, 1993—.
Member
Phi Beta Kappa.
Awards, Honors
Books for the Teen Age, New York Public Library, 1997, and Best Books for Young Adults, American Library Association, 1997, both for Inside the Walls of Troy.
Writings
Inside the Walls of Troy: A Novel of the Women Who Lived the Trojan War, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1996.
Dance for the Land, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1999, expanded edition published as Dance for the Aina, Bess Press (Honolulu, HI), 2003.
Waiting for Odysseus, Atheneum (New York, NY), 2000.
Aphrodite's Blessings: Love Stories from the Greek Myths, Atheneum (New York, NY), 2002.
Contributor to popular magazines and professional journals. Contributor to Cat Heaven, Island Heritage Press, 1998.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 5, 2019
Picked this up after reading Madeline Miller's Circe. This is described as a retelling of The Odyssey from the perspectives of four women who "loved and waited for [Odysseus]." For a book that claims to want to give a voice to the overlooked women characters, this is certainly not a very female-friendly book. Penelope is a love-sick teenager. Circe gets two chapters and it's all info-dump, no characterization. The worst is Eurycleia, the old nurse - she's super bloodthirsty, reveling in the slaughter of the suitors, and a terrible slut-shamer, constantly describing the maids as "hussy" and "minx." The title is certainly accurate: all these women do is wait for Odysseus, and think exclusively about him. Very disappointing.
The most interesting part of this book, for me, was the author's note, and this enlightening passage: "An even more curious tradition has Odysseus murdered (accidentally) by Telegonus, a son he fathered with Circe. For reasons difficult for modern readers to fathom, Penelope takes Odysseus's body back to Circe's island for burial. There she marries Telegonus, and her son Telemachus marries Circe!" I was unaware of this myth when I read "Circe"; it was interesting to see that Miller's ending didn't come entirely from her imagination.
The most interesting part of this book, for me, was the author's note, and this enlightening passage: "An even more curious tradition has Odysseus murdered (accidentally) by Telegonus, a son he fathered with Circe. For reasons difficult for modern readers to fathom, Penelope takes Odysseus's body back to Circe's island for burial. There she marries Telegonus, and her son Telemachus marries Circe!" I was unaware of this myth when I read "Circe"; it was interesting to see that Miller's ending didn't come entirely from her imagination.
May 20, 2015
I was impressed. I didn't think I'd enjoy anything that included Greek Mythology, but I was wrong. Waiting For Odysseus by Clemence McLaren takes you on highly daring adventures with twists of heroism and romance (a read for both girls and boys). Included in this book, are four different perspectives of four different women emanating their thoughts on Odysseus' journey. The four women are Penelope, Circe, Athena, and Eurycleia. First, the story starts off with Penelope; a passionate love affair with Odysseus. Soon after, the two get married and moves to Odysseus' island, Ithaca. After this first level, the book rapidly became a riveting read and definitely a page turner. Here on after, the book takes us through Odysseus' journey throughout the Trojan War. Towards the middle of this trip, Odysseus encountered cyclops ( one eyed monsters ). After him and his men cause troubles there, a sea God grants a rough trip at seas. This caused Odysseus to land in Circe's land, which takes the reader through the second lover. However, Circe was reluctant to let him go. Athena pops in the story soon after Odysseus was out of Kalypso's grasp. At the end, Eurycleia ( old servant ), played an important role as to how Odysseus decides to present himself.
The main conflict of Waiting for Odysseus is the journey itself. There were many conflicts that intervened the progress of the journey. There were blockage and stops that hindered Odysseus' return to Ithaca. However, this brought him to a better condition. A leader's journey, has shaped him into a hero. In this book, there were many times where I thought, "Oh this has to be the climax", "Oh no, this is definitely the climax". But considering there were exactly four different stories, with four different perspectives, it was difficult to pick out which part was the ultimate turning point. It could've been the part where Odysseus was cursedly turned into a pig. But it might as well have been the part where Odysseus becomes a braggadocio and redundantly claims his win against the cyclops, which later was only repaid with karma.
In my opinion, this was one of the better novels that interpreted the journey of Odysseus. It was able to sustain the stories by engrossing the readers with day to day events. For example, romance played a huge and important role in this book. Romance is seen everywhere nowadays, especially in real life. I loved how Mclaren was able to utilize different voices for the four different women. I would recommend this book to those who love to lose themselves in a good journey, despite of what obstacles they may face.
The main conflict of Waiting for Odysseus is the journey itself. There were many conflicts that intervened the progress of the journey. There were blockage and stops that hindered Odysseus' return to Ithaca. However, this brought him to a better condition. A leader's journey, has shaped him into a hero. In this book, there were many times where I thought, "Oh this has to be the climax", "Oh no, this is definitely the climax". But considering there were exactly four different stories, with four different perspectives, it was difficult to pick out which part was the ultimate turning point. It could've been the part where Odysseus was cursedly turned into a pig. But it might as well have been the part where Odysseus becomes a braggadocio and redundantly claims his win against the cyclops, which later was only repaid with karma.
In my opinion, this was one of the better novels that interpreted the journey of Odysseus. It was able to sustain the stories by engrossing the readers with day to day events. For example, romance played a huge and important role in this book. Romance is seen everywhere nowadays, especially in real life. I loved how Mclaren was able to utilize different voices for the four different women. I would recommend this book to those who love to lose themselves in a good journey, despite of what obstacles they may face.
July 30, 2017
In all fairness, I didn’t expect much from this book except for it being a quick read. And yet I was still disappointed. I mean, you have Penelope, Circe (whose chapter was of course the shortest -_-), Athena (!!), and Eurycleia right there, and all you can come up with is this bland, incredibly superficial reading of them that reads more like a summary than an actual story? Not amused.
The author’s clarification at the end and the ideas she voiced in there were actually interesting, but it’s a pretty big fail that none of those came through in the actual story. McLaren can go one about the heroine’s journey all she likes, she ended up writing a book where the female (supposed main) characters and their lives still all revolve around Odysseus. None of their lives or stories are explored beyond his presence in them and the chapters always cut off whenever he leaves their vicinity and moves on to the area of another female character. Oh, and of course all the women hate or at least severely dislike and mistrust each other. Blegh.
The author’s clarification at the end and the ideas she voiced in there were actually interesting, but it’s a pretty big fail that none of those came through in the actual story. McLaren can go one about the heroine’s journey all she likes, she ended up writing a book where the female (supposed main) characters and their lives still all revolve around Odysseus. None of their lives or stories are explored beyond his presence in them and the chapters always cut off whenever he leaves their vicinity and moves on to the area of another female character. Oh, and of course all the women hate or at least severely dislike and mistrust each other. Blegh.
June 26, 2025
Ugh. Read this since it was assigned as a summer reading to my rising 9th graders for their ELA class. As their Latin teacher, I always am up for a good retelling of the Greek myths through the female lens. But this brought nothing new or complex to the table. Just women watching Odysseus and telling of his journey without really fleshing out their own ideas or emotions. Would not recommend of all the retellings I have read. I am left wondering why the teacher decided on this summer reading.
August 12, 2025
I can normally get through a 400-500 page book in 2 days but this flimsy little book took me a whole 2 weeks of reading to get through. Its so slow that I couldn't read more than a chapter at a time. I dreaded reading this book but I paid for it so I might as well. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND READ SOMETHING WORTH IT!!
January 8, 2022
Always have fun reading about Greek Mythology/Culture. It's very fascinating. I think it was interesting to read about The Odyssey and about Odysseus in a different perspective; especially from the women's point of view. This was a good read.
June 4, 2018
oheruwbowi
August 14, 2018
A young adult modern imagining of portions of the Odyssey, told from four of the female characters. Nowhere near as good, critical and original as Madeline Miller’s work but I am glad I read it.
November 27, 2018
Good storyline. The original point of view.
April 12, 2019
3.5 stars
October 23, 2018
My opinion on Waiting for Odysseus is that it’s a descent book that I can give sense that it tries its best. For the star it would be three since there some stuff in it that I was not interested in.
This book is about 4 women's that we met in The Odyssey and see from their perspective in the story.
Athena is a good character in the story since she was also important in the original story of The Odyssey. There are examples that 1. Athena has faith in Odysseus since she fought alongside him during the war against Troy and help him get back to his homeland. "When Odysseus turned down Kalypso's gift of immortality, I knew that his guile had matured into wisdom."(65), 2. Athena is glad that Odysseus doesn't see himself as a god. "'He's spoken of as god in songs and stories,' I interrupted, 'but he knows nothing of what the bards have been singing about him. In truth, he accepts his own humanity. Kalypso offered him immortality, and he turned it down.'"(85) and 3. Athena also help Odysseus son to find his father and help him gather up his courage against suitor "Night fell. I summoned Telemachus, who supervised the loading of provisions into the hull. As the moon rose from the sea, I sat beside him on the stern and watched approvingly as he ordered the men to cast off the cables and hoist the white sail, which billowed out with a rippling West Wind that I provided to speed us on our way."(77).
My opinion on Waiting for Odysseus is that it’s a descent book that I can give sense that it tries its best. my recommendation would be to reading this if you like to read something for a short time and if you like things that involves mythology.
This book is about 4 women's that we met in The Odyssey and see from their perspective in the story.
Athena is a good character in the story since she was also important in the original story of The Odyssey. There are examples that 1. Athena has faith in Odysseus since she fought alongside him during the war against Troy and help him get back to his homeland. "When Odysseus turned down Kalypso's gift of immortality, I knew that his guile had matured into wisdom."(65), 2. Athena is glad that Odysseus doesn't see himself as a god. "'He's spoken of as god in songs and stories,' I interrupted, 'but he knows nothing of what the bards have been singing about him. In truth, he accepts his own humanity. Kalypso offered him immortality, and he turned it down.'"(85) and 3. Athena also help Odysseus son to find his father and help him gather up his courage against suitor "Night fell. I summoned Telemachus, who supervised the loading of provisions into the hull. As the moon rose from the sea, I sat beside him on the stern and watched approvingly as he ordered the men to cast off the cables and hoist the white sail, which billowed out with a rippling West Wind that I provided to speed us on our way."(77).
My opinion on Waiting for Odysseus is that it’s a descent book that I can give sense that it tries its best. my recommendation would be to reading this if you like to read something for a short time and if you like things that involves mythology.
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February 22, 2023A fair young-young adult retelling of the Odyssey. Quick, easy & enjoyable but not memorable.
May 28, 2015
Waiting for Odysseus by Clemence McLaren was a surprisingly entrancing read. Within the first few pages I was hooked. I never thought any book about Greek Mythology could be so endearing. It starts off telling the story about a girl Penelope who loved this boy Odysseus. To her his was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Like most amazing love story their love was somewhat forbidden. So that’s why when they were finally able to be together I felt like everything was right in the world. I was obsessed with their story and what would happen next. I loved Odysseus, I loved Penelope, and I loved them together. So that’s why when Odysseus was sent to a war he wasn’t intended to return from my heart broke. The rest of this book goes on to tell the journey Odysseus has to take in hopes of once again returning to his home Ithaca and to his dear sweet Penelope.
As I stated before I loved Penelope more than anything and I was absolutely obsessed with her story. So I wasn’t too fond of having to switch gears and read about a girl I didn’t know or care about. Even more so I was upset at Odysseus for taking on this women Circe as his lover. Although whether or not he is a cheater is not clear to me. After Circe story is told the book goes on to tell Athena’s story and her role in this whole adventure. I absolutely love Athena, seeing as she does whatever she can to make sure Odysseus can make it home. This includes mentoring his son Telemachus who was just a young boy when his father left for his almost never ending journey home. The book ends telling the story of Eurycleia , a servant who basically raised him and his son.
Overall I think this is a great book and a better pick for anyone wanting to learn about Odysseus’ journey home after the Trojan War. I feel like this could be a good pick for girls because there is always the underlying tone of romance. It shows how much Odysseus loves Penelope each time he puts up a fight to make his way home. This would also be a good read for boys because there is a lot of action going on in Odysseus’ adventures. There is also not too much romance to where it would be a turn off. This book will keep you intrigued and leave you rooting for Odysseus as read about his long journey home.
As I stated before I loved Penelope more than anything and I was absolutely obsessed with her story. So I wasn’t too fond of having to switch gears and read about a girl I didn’t know or care about. Even more so I was upset at Odysseus for taking on this women Circe as his lover. Although whether or not he is a cheater is not clear to me. After Circe story is told the book goes on to tell Athena’s story and her role in this whole adventure. I absolutely love Athena, seeing as she does whatever she can to make sure Odysseus can make it home. This includes mentoring his son Telemachus who was just a young boy when his father left for his almost never ending journey home. The book ends telling the story of Eurycleia , a servant who basically raised him and his son.
Overall I think this is a great book and a better pick for anyone wanting to learn about Odysseus’ journey home after the Trojan War. I feel like this could be a good pick for girls because there is always the underlying tone of romance. It shows how much Odysseus loves Penelope each time he puts up a fight to make his way home. This would also be a good read for boys because there is a lot of action going on in Odysseus’ adventures. There is also not too much romance to where it would be a turn off. This book will keep you intrigued and leave you rooting for Odysseus as read about his long journey home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2016
Waiting for Odysseus by Clemence McLaren is a really interesting and captivating book, I really liked it. Actually this is my first time reading an actual book about Greek mythology, since we have been reading short stories about Greek mythology. I think this will be the beginning of me reading Greek mythology books.
There are several people who are telling the story: Penelope who was Odysseus’ wife, Circe who held him for years as her lover, Athena who helped Odysseus to return home and even was also a mentor of his son Telemachus, and Eurycleia who raised him and his son.The story does not draw us to Odysseus’ thought so much and does not give so much details about the events in the story, since it was not told by Odysseus himself. The main themes of the story are love and waiting.
Initially, the story is mainly about Odysseus who goes to Sparta for Helen’s hand in marriage but ended up falling in love with Penelope who is Helen’s cousin. After the birth of his son, when the baby was about a year old, he goes to the Trojan war and stayed away for 19 years. I feel like the story has so much suspense because when I was reading it, I would always wonder "there goes more years, when is he going to arrive home?" I couldn't wait. There is not so much romance though, to some people it might be a let down but if you are one of those people who like drama, whereby the lovers can't be together because of something and then at the end they can finally live happily together, I think you might like it.
There are several people who are telling the story: Penelope who was Odysseus’ wife, Circe who held him for years as her lover, Athena who helped Odysseus to return home and even was also a mentor of his son Telemachus, and Eurycleia who raised him and his son.The story does not draw us to Odysseus’ thought so much and does not give so much details about the events in the story, since it was not told by Odysseus himself. The main themes of the story are love and waiting.
Initially, the story is mainly about Odysseus who goes to Sparta for Helen’s hand in marriage but ended up falling in love with Penelope who is Helen’s cousin. After the birth of his son, when the baby was about a year old, he goes to the Trojan war and stayed away for 19 years. I feel like the story has so much suspense because when I was reading it, I would always wonder "there goes more years, when is he going to arrive home?" I couldn't wait. There is not so much romance though, to some people it might be a let down but if you are one of those people who like drama, whereby the lovers can't be together because of something and then at the end they can finally live happily together, I think you might like it.
March 3, 2014
This book annoyed me a lot. It can very close to being a DNF, but I kept reminding myself that it wasn't a very long book.
This book tried to breathe new life into the myths, but failed miserably. It was basically a retelling of the myth with bad narrators and borderline accuracy.
One thing in particular that annoyed me about the narrators was what information they found important. Odysseus' issues with the cyclops and the lotus eaters takes only a couple paragraphs, but the author feels the need to hit you over the head with the fact that "THEY HAD SEX!!" I don't care! I especially don't want any of the details the author so willingly provides.
I'm not even sure why this book is considered YA it didn't seem YA at all.
Odysseus annoys me, he goes and sleeps with other women, but Penelope is still his only love?! I understand he could get away with this in that time period, but if you're going to pretend your book is YA, why not throw in some morals?
So, if you're thinking of reading this, don't.
This book tried to breathe new life into the myths, but failed miserably. It was basically a retelling of the myth with bad narrators and borderline accuracy.
One thing in particular that annoyed me about the narrators was what information they found important. Odysseus' issues with the cyclops and the lotus eaters takes only a couple paragraphs, but the author feels the need to hit you over the head with the fact that "THEY HAD SEX!!" I don't care! I especially don't want any of the details the author so willingly provides.
I'm not even sure why this book is considered YA it didn't seem YA at all.
Odysseus annoys me, he goes and sleeps with other women, but Penelope is still his only love?! I understand he could get away with this in that time period, but if you're going to pretend your book is YA, why not throw in some morals?
So, if you're thinking of reading this, don't.
July 20, 2014
A Y.A. book about the women of The Odyssey? Sure, sounds fine.
But this is more-or-less a boring translation with minor shifts in point of view. The narrators--Penelope (wife who is obsessed with Ody), Circe (captor who is obsessed with Ody), Athena (Goddess who is obsessed with Ody), and Eurycleia (nurse who is obsessed with Ody)--are flimsy, flimsy, flimsy characters. Penelope has almost no character development beyond her contrast with Helen, and Eurycleia's inverted voice is almost painful to read.
There's a chance to either revise the original text by giving depth to these characters, or to fill the text by pouring more into the story--this one just translates it and changes the angle a bit. It's more of a translation (of a translation) than any sort of new take.
More or less boring. 2 stars means it's okay, and it is: I don't despise it, but I would not recommend it unless you're bored and have the time to knock it out in one sitting (it is short--165 pages of relatively large font).
But this is more-or-less a boring translation with minor shifts in point of view. The narrators--Penelope (wife who is obsessed with Ody), Circe (captor who is obsessed with Ody), Athena (Goddess who is obsessed with Ody), and Eurycleia (nurse who is obsessed with Ody)--are flimsy, flimsy, flimsy characters. Penelope has almost no character development beyond her contrast with Helen, and Eurycleia's inverted voice is almost painful to read.
There's a chance to either revise the original text by giving depth to these characters, or to fill the text by pouring more into the story--this one just translates it and changes the angle a bit. It's more of a translation (of a translation) than any sort of new take.
More or less boring. 2 stars means it's okay, and it is: I don't despise it, but I would not recommend it unless you're bored and have the time to knock it out in one sitting (it is short--165 pages of relatively large font).
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June 4, 2015I liked the book waiting for Odysseus and I would recommend it for high school and college students to read. It is very fascinating, and leaves you wondering what will happen next throughout the entire story. This book is filled with many suspenseful moments that you would have never foreseen. I was amazingly surprised when an ordinary man was able to inflict a twinge onto a Cyclopes caused by puncturing his eye, blinding him. The overall story was about the main character, Odysseus, feeling lost in life, told through the point of view of his wife Penelope, the witch Circe, the goddess Athena, and his servant Eurycleia.With him feeling so, he received help from the gods and was able to find his way back home, to security. Even though the story is told through a different point of view, it is self-evident on how Odysseus felt. This book would be compelling to read for anyone who loves mythology.
April 23, 2013
This book is about Odysseus and his adventures before and sfter the Trojan war. In the book after marrying Penelope Odysseus goes to war and after the war has ended he is determined to go back home to his family. But before he could get home he is faced with many challenges like Poseidon trying to kill him, the Cyclops killing some of his crew, and Circe who tries to keep him for herself. My favorite character is Penelope because she is strong, smart, and loyal. "Until I saw your face, your quiet strength... you have a way at putting people at ease." I think all the characters were good, I didn't dislike any. I think all the characters played a role in making this story what it is. I don't think the ending was effective though, I kind of saw it coming... it was obvious.
August 23, 2010
3 stars for the story and 4 stars for the Author’s Epilogue (basically the Author’s Afterward)
The story of The Odyssey as told from four different perspectives− all women. Penelope, Odysseus’ wife; Circe, Odysseus’ lover and sorceress; Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, Odysseus’ patron and protector; and finally Eurycleia, an old serving woman; nursemaid to Odysseus when he was young.
This is a fun and fast read, but what I found most fascinating was the Author’s Epilogue. I agree with Ms. McLaren’s POV and ideas about what The Odyssey and its characters truly meant.
The story of The Odyssey as told from four different perspectives− all women. Penelope, Odysseus’ wife; Circe, Odysseus’ lover and sorceress; Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, Odysseus’ patron and protector; and finally Eurycleia, an old serving woman; nursemaid to Odysseus when he was young.
This is a fun and fast read, but what I found most fascinating was the Author’s Epilogue. I agree with Ms. McLaren’s POV and ideas about what The Odyssey and its characters truly meant.
August 12, 2016
Told from the point of views of Penelope, Circe, Athena, and Eurycleia, you follow Odysseus on his journey home after fighting in the Trojan War. Originally, I thought this book was going to be great and then I was disappointed because my expectations were too high I guess. I loved the different point of views and some of the stories, like the one about Circe turning men into pigs and the bow during the festival for Apollo but, I really didn't like the neediness of the women, like how Penelope needed Odysseus to be happy. It's a decent book and a quick read but, I would only recommend it to a specific few that have a taste for mythology.
August 21, 2013
This was the type of book where the premise was awesome, but the follow through was just alright. The stories are so short that you really don't have time to connect with the characters. Also, most of the book is just a 3rd person narrative telling of The Odyssey. It's like 'Odysseus did this/this is what happened' without even any personal interjection. The one exception of Eurycleia, who had some pretty hilarious running commentary on the goings on, it wasn't the re-telling I was expecting and looking forward to.
May 12, 2014
I believe people should read this book because you better understand odysseus's relationships. it also may be counter argued that it doesn't relate to the real Odyssey story.
I would like to ask the author why her reason for writing the story of this perspective.
You'll be surprised from reading this book and the many actions of Odysseus.
In many cases of Odyssey heroic acts reminds me when i helped my friend from not drowning to death.
From looking at many perspectives at the book many people seem to like it while many others don't. So it depends what type of learner you're.
I would like to ask the author why her reason for writing the story of this perspective.
You'll be surprised from reading this book and the many actions of Odysseus.
In many cases of Odyssey heroic acts reminds me when i helped my friend from not drowning to death.
From looking at many perspectives at the book many people seem to like it while many others don't. So it depends what type of learner you're.
April 12, 2016
Waiting for Odysseus is the story of Odysseus told from four different perspectives of the different women in his life and what happened on his journey. Although there are lots of ups and downs I do not like this book because I feel like it gets slightly boring at times and other times it's very confusing to keep the different characters in order and remember the different names for one person. This is not a book I would like to read again and if I did I would use a notebook and write who was who and keep it with me so I don't confuse the people.
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April 25, 2013I really liked this book. Especially the character Athena because she is a very determined character thoughout the hole book. She kept trying to help Odyssues get back to his family thorough the hole book and kept fighting the gods to stay awway and let him get home. I loved how she rescued him from the island with the crazy person. I really like her because she just kept fighting bye Odyssues side and never gave up and kept going side bye side with him.-----------------------
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May 12, 2014I think that people should read this book. It keeps you guessing what may happen next! I was surprised when an average man was able to stab a giant cyclops in the eye and blind him. I can relate to this book, because I have felt lost in life before, and used the help of God to find my way back home. I wonder if the author has gotten lost in life before, because it seems that they wrote this book as though its an easy place to get lost.
July 2, 2014
Chick lit, not unlike my queries to Socchan (Socrates) in pretending to speak to Classicists.
Not hard to read by any means, but not what I'm used to experiencing (um, Graves).
Short stories are easy to get through - by this logic, I shouldn't have such trouble with Chekhov. So, by this I mean that the short stories appeal due to their lack of necessity of intense focus. This is why I didn't say I disliked this.
Oh well, I suppose I am feeling inimical to literature today.
Not hard to read by any means, but not what I'm used to experiencing (um, Graves).
Short stories are easy to get through - by this logic, I shouldn't have such trouble with Chekhov. So, by this I mean that the short stories appeal due to their lack of necessity of intense focus. This is why I didn't say I disliked this.
Oh well, I suppose I am feeling inimical to literature today.
March 16, 2019
1.5 Stars. According to what it says on the back this book was supposed to add the female perspective to the classic tale of the odyssey. It didn't do that at all. It was literally just a retelling of the odyssey from the women in the story's perspective but it may as well not have been. You barely get any of the women's thoughts at all it's just all about odysseus they have no personalities of their own.
August 26, 2008
Penelope, Cyclopes, Odysseus, and ….. (mythology) teen version
Overall, I remember this book being mostly clean. There is a lot one can learn from this book, concerning Mythology. The author does a great job of breaking down complex literature. McLaren makes mythology fun and interesting! I really enjoyed her work.
Overall, I remember this book being mostly clean. There is a lot one can learn from this book, concerning Mythology. The author does a great job of breaking down complex literature. McLaren makes mythology fun and interesting! I really enjoyed her work.
November 16, 2025
I liked this book especially because it managed to turn the situation around and, instead of reading about what Odysseus had done and went through on his way to Troy and back, you get hear the women's side of the story and what they done and went through while he was on his famous adventure! I really liked it! :)
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