I know the story well, through years of reading younger/abridged versions with my children through our Ancient Greek school years, but I did not enjoy this translated version, which was my first time reading an "adult" version. It could be the timing of the reading for me, or it could be the story itself. Therefore, it was just ok for me, and that's all.
I found the the gods' infantile bickering difficult to endure. The Greek and the Trojan warriors were the pawns - or more like puppets - of the god's greedy manipulation to work out their own selfish pride and jealousies against one another. It was cruel and contentious, and after a short while, quite annoying.
As far as the translation: it was acceptable; but obviously I have only read this one translation. Therefore, if I dare reread The Iliad, it will be a different edition.
I think I am in the minority when it comes to rating The Iliad, but what else is new? However, I am curious if anyone did have a similar opinion after reading the Iliad. If so, what was your issue with it? The translation, the style, the plot, the characters?
I know the story well, through years of reading younger/abridged versions with my children through our Ancient Greek school years, but I did not enjoy this translated version, which was my first time reading an "adult" version. It could be the timing of the reading for me, or it could be the story itself. Therefore, it was just ok for me, and that's all.
I found the the gods' infantile bickering difficult to endure. The Greek and the Trojan warriors were the pawns - or more like puppets - of the god's greedy manipulation to work out their own selfish pride and jealousies against one another. It was cruel and contentious, and after a short while, quite annoying.
As far as the translation: it was acceptable; but obviously I have only read this one translation. Therefore, if I dare reread The Iliad, it will be a different edition.
I think I am in the minority when it comes to rating The Iliad, but what else is new? However, I am curious if anyone did have a similar opinion after reading the Iliad. If so, what was your issue with it? The translation, the style, the plot, the characters?