Andrew Kaiser’s Reviews > The Odyssey > Status Update

Finished book 16, then decided to switch translations, to read the final third using Fagles’ text. I have read some of the criticisms of Wilson’s translation, and while I liked the iambic pentameter and found the simple language compelling, I was finding it hard to understand the character and motivation of Odysseus and his son. After switching, things did become more clear.

The use of active, modern language gives this translation an immediacy that moves the story along. I also appreciate how clear this makes the culturally specific bits of the tale (knee touching, religious and sacrificial systems, social and household titles, etc.). It definitely gives less of an epic vibe, tho. Still unsure how I feel about that.

No one prepared me for all the peer pressure on Goodreads. So now I’m reading the Odyssey

It’s been 40 years since I read this. Expecting it to hit a little different, if I can get through the introduction and start the actual text…