The Penelopiad
Books | Performing Arts / Theater / Playwriting
3.8
(310)
Margaret Atwood
As portrayed in Homer's Odyssey, Penelope - wife of Odysseus and cousin of the beautiful Helen of Troy - has become a symbol of wifely duty and devotion, enduring twenty years of waiting when her husband goes to fight in the Trojan War. As she fends off the attentions of a hundred greedy suitors, travelling minstrels regale her with news of Odysseus' epic adventures around the Mediterranean - slaying monsters and grappling with amorous goddesses. When Odysseus finally comes home, he kills her suitors and then, in an act that served as little more than a footnote in Homer's original story, inexplicably hangs Penelope's twelve maids. Now, Penelope and her chorus of wronged maids tell their side of the story in a new stage version by Margaret Atwood, adapted from her own wry, witty and wise novel. The Penelopiad premiered with the Royal Shakespeare Company in association with Canada's National Arts Centre at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, in July 2007.
AD
Buy now:
More Details:
Author
Margaret Atwood
Pages
112
Publisher
Faber & Faber
Published Date
2014-10-23
ISBN
0571319009 9780571319008
Community ReviewsSee all
"I liked how it resembled a classical Greek storytelling. Also, Penelope as a main character is relatable and Atwood makes her easy to understand as a person, even in this modern day and age"
Summer
"I have lent this book, bought copies of it for others and read it 2 times through. I love the story put in Penelope’s perspective. I’m sure I will read it again. Margaret Atwood, being the skilled artist always, created a story that most of us know from a male perspective and turns it on its head. I felt Penelope’s pain, loneliness and frustration at a life she never expected. Her take on cousin Helen is funny and perceptive. I loved this book. "
Katrina Brogdon
"It was an insightful look into the female perspective of a usually paternal-based story. The imagery and small mock-plays were genius; Margaret Atwood never is a bad idea. I totally suggest reading this since this is a quick book; no more than 200 pages, but it tells an eye opening other story from the loyal Penelope rather than just knowing Odysseus’ myth. After all, there will always be, “[a] danger of a single story.” - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie."
Duerice
"Greek mythology retelling"
Shelby Lieurance
"This was a unique and fun read, was drawn to this book after reading Circe. I thoroughly enjoyed the concept of how the story is told in penelopes prescriptive from the under world as well as a mocking way from the 12 hung maids. It was a quick and enticing read, finished in about 3 hours."
Becca Roberts
"Ohhh that sounds good thank you ☺️ "
Sara Wirth
Similar Books
3.9
4.2
3.6
3.8
3.5
4.2
3.9
4
3.7
3.8
4
3.9
4
