Before ‘The Odyssey,’ revisit these timeless stories that shaped it
From classic translations to inventive retellings, these books offer different ways to experience the myths that continue to shape popular culture.
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Daily TribuneFrom classic translations to inventive retellings, these books offer different ways to experience the myths that continue to shape popular culture.
EMILY Wilson's translation of 'The Odyssey.'
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF W. W. Norton & Company.
'CIRCE' by Madeline Miller.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF LITTLE BROWN & COMPANY.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SIMON & SCHUSTER.
'ITHACA' by Patrick Dillon.
'THE Penelopiad' by Margaret Atwood.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE.
'THE Palace of Eros' by Caro de Robertis.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SIMON & SCHUSTER
'THE Silence of the Girls' by Pat Barker.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTRESY OF DOUBLEDAY
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is fueling renewed interest in Greek mythology and the classic stories that have captivated readers for centuries.
As the buzz continue for the epic film starring Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and a star-studded ensemble, we are spotlighting novels, retellings and translations that delve deeper into the world of Odysseus, gods and legendary heroes.
Whether you’re looking for faithful editions of Homer’s masterpiece or fresh takes on familiar myths, these titles make ideal companions before — or after — a trip to the cinema.
‘The Odyssey’ by Homer (Emily Wilson translation)
A modern translation, praised for its accessible language and fresh perspective on the timeless epic, follows Odysseus as he embarks on a perilous journey home after the Trojan War. The acclaimed edition also served as Christopher Nolan’s inspiration for his film.
‘Ithaca’ by Patrick Dillon
Revisiting the legendary kingdom of Odysseus, this novel explores the hero’s homeland and enduring legacy through a fresh storytelling lens.
‘Sing, Unburied, Sing’ by Jesmyn Ward
Though not a direct retelling of Greek mythology, the novel follows Jojo, a young boy whose haunting road trip echoes The Odyssey’s themes of journeys, memory and search for home.
‘Circe’ by Madeline Miller
The bestselling novel centers on Circe, the powerful enchantress who famously crossed paths with Odysseus, giving her a rich and compelling voice beyond Homer’s epic.
‘The Penelopiad’ by Margaret Atwood
Penelope, the faithful wife of Odysseus, finally tells her side of the story in this witty and thought-provoking reinterpretation of the Greek classic.
‘Odyssey’ by Stephen Fry
Fry reimagines the adventures of Odysseus, retelling Homer’s epic with his signature blend of humor, wit and accessible storytelling.
‘Ulysses’ by James Joyce
A literary landmark, the novel follows Leopold Bloom, a modern-day counterpart to Odysseus, as he navigates a single day in early 20th-century Dublin.
‘No-Man’s Lands’ by Scott Huler
Author Scott Huler retraces the legendary voyage of Odysseus in this blend of travel memoir and literary exploration, examining how Homer’s epic continues to shape the modern world.
‘The Island of Forgetting’ by Jasmin Sealy
Inspired by mythological storytelling, the novel follows multiple generations of women in one family as they grapple with memory, identity and the emotional pull of home.
‘An Odyssey’ by Daniel Mendelsohn
Part memoir and part literary criticism, the book follows Daniel Mendelsohn and his father, Jay Mendelsohn, as they reflect on Homer’s epic while deepening their own relationship.
‘The Silence of the Girls’ by Pat Barker
The Trojan War is retold through the eyes of Briseis, whose powerful perspective shines a light on the women often overlooked in the ancient tale.
‘Ithaca’ by Claire North
This imaginative retelling places Penelope at its heart, exploring her intelligence, resilience and political strength while Odysseus is away.
‘The Lost Daughter of Sparta’ by Claire M. Andrews
The novel follows Daphne, the fierce daughter of King Tyndareus of Sparta, as she embarks on a dangerous quest across the mythological world to save the gods.
‘Medea’ by Eilish Quin
Centered on Medea, one of Greek mythology’s most infamous women, this fresh retelling explores her ambitions, powers and the events that shaped her tragic legacy.
‘The Palace of Eros’ by Caro De Robertis
This contemporary retelling follows Psyche as she navigates love, transformation and self-discovery in a bold reimagining of the timeless myth of Psyche and Eros.
