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Margaret Atwood's 'The Penelopiad' reviewd by Katarina Ilic
By Katarina Ilic
I have read the Odyssey going on seven times and I have always had the same thoughts running through my head. What was Penelope’s side of the story? If the twelve maids were forced to sleep with the suitors why were they executed? What would Penelope have thought about her husband bedding every goddess, nymph or virgin maiden he came across?
Apparently Margaret Atwood thought of those same questions in The Penelopiad: The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus. This book is beautifully written with several poems addressing issues such as Penelope’s feelings towards Helen, Penelope’s marriage and the real occurrence on Penelope’s wedding night. We get into the head of Penelope and actually find out what it was that attracted her to Odysseus. We also find out her feelings about her cousin Helen and how she ruined Penelope’s life.
The story is set in the underworld. Penelope is long dead and now she reflects on her life and tells her side of the story about all the occurrences. Atwood presents a wonderfully written book that is hard to put down. From the moment I opened the book I couldn’t let go. Penelope finally has a voice. We learn of her pain and suffering during the time of Odysseus’ journey home as well as her little scams to stay single. I’ve always suspected that Penelope knew more than Homer let on and Atwood explores this.
We even get to see a videotaped trial of Odysseus in one chapter. Here finally Odysseus answers the Maids that he ordered killed. In this chapter of the book we get a change from straight journal type story telling and poems into a mini script of the trial.
Finally the book answers the question of whether or not Odysseus can stay faithful even in the afterlife. This book is sure to both rouse your anger and tickle your funny bone. Atwood beautifully weaves historical fact with fiction and creates a book truly worthy of being called a classic.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed The Odyssey but felt that there were many unanswered questions. I’m sure Homer himself would sing Atwood’s praise.
Pick it up! Read it! You’ll love it!
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