The Odyssey translated by Emily Wilson Book Review

Released: 7^th November 2017

Genre: Fantasy, Historical

Number of Pages: 525

Homer’s The Odyssey is one of the most venerable and iconic tales from Ancient Greece, an epic that spans twenty years of war, journey and the destruction of social laws. Many writers and scholars have examined the piece through the centuries, delivering their own versions of a story that still resonates today. Emily Wilson offers the most recent take and it’s a superb translation.

Nearly two decades after the city of Troy was razed to the ground in an orgy of raging violence, the Greek captain Odysseus has been stranded on an island after losing all of his men in a series of fantastical misadventures. With the Goddess Athena at his side, he resolves to return home and deliver swift vengeance on those who are trying to court his wife and seize control of Ithaca. Along the way, he reflects on the actions taken by both himself and wider civilization, the rules of hospitality that have been tossed aside.

The core text is presented in verses that take up a small portion of each page. As a result, all twenty-four books are very easy to read and digest. The plot shifts between the main actions of Odysseus and the hand of the Gods with seamless transitions along the way. Around two-thirds are dedicated to the main protagonist and the rest focuses on his wife Penelope and son Telemachus. With descriptive language and many conversations, every character and major plot point is brilliantly presented.

Watson adds an extra layer of depth with both notes at the end and an extended introduction that goes into much more detail. It analyses the history and social features of the time from the commonly accepted practice of slavery to the contrast between men and women when it comes to intimacy and the actions they take against their foes. This adds a lot of context to the main narrative without altering its finer details.

Recommended?

YES: With intensive research and close interpretation, Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey is one of the most comprehensive rendition of Homer’s original story. Taking every event of the Ancient Greek tale and presenting it in a concise manner already puts the book in high company, but the author has gone much further, considering ancient history and sensibilities. It’s a must-read for any follower of classical stories.

This book served as the main inspiration for Christopher Nolan’s 2026 film adaptation, which I have also reviewed on this blog.