The Penelopiad

Oh. I did not like this at all. I'm a big fan of Greek myths, and love reading retellings/adaptations. But this one fell flat. I was excited to read about a nuanced, complex Penelope, but instead got one-note, slut shaming Penelope. Like, WHAT?I felt betrayed by this book. I thought agency was going to be given to the maids. That we were going to see their side of the story. And to see more of Penelope. Often in the original myths/texts, the female characters are sidelined for the male ones. So I was thrilled to have a novel that made them centre stage. But....it didn't? And it was bland? The maids had random, sporadic choruses, in between Penelope either a) complaining about them or b) dismissing them....and none of it made logical sense?? Like what was the aim here??I don't know. Atwoods writing style was just so bland and patronising. Did not like.

Told in an unusual way, Atwood picks Penelope to be her main character as she delves into Greek Mythology and brings it to life in the 21st century.Penelope is Odysseus’ wife and whilst she’s not as “popular”, I did at least recall two things about her:1) When Odysseus had not returned in years, many men took over the palace grounds and hounded Penelope to pick one of them as her next husband. To bide time she would claim to be weaving a cloth (a shroud, if we are being pernickety) for her father-in-law, but each night alongside her twelve maids, she would unpick the day’s work to slow the decision down… but I never knew anything more than just this line, Penelope was always a sub-story and not the main story. Nevertheless I had always admired her for this.2) When Odysseus finally returned, he killed all his wife’s pursuers and her maids.Why the maids? It’s a question that isn’t clearly answered in any of the textbooks that analyse the myths, and so Atwood offers her take on it all.I mentioned earlier that the tale is told in an unusual way and again there are 2 aspects why I think this:1) The book is told from two perspectives: from Penelope’s voice and also a singing chorus from the maids.It is told in modern times, i.e. Penelope is reflecting on her events from the underworld but also well aware of the current times playing on in the world.2) Both aspects added such uniqueness to this tale, that there is no doubt that you’ll recall this book in years to come, whether you enjoyed or did not.When I was studying classics in school, women in greek mythology always appeared to shine because of their beauty and not their brains; but Atwood alongside Miller, Barker, Haynes and many others are changing my perceptions and are teaching me the ingenuity, quick thinking and determination that many of these unsung heroines exhibited numerous times throughout their lives.Atwood’s style is self-assured and provokes the reader to question, to think and to learn.Having gone into this story knowing only two things, not only do I now understand these in more detail, I also know much more about Penelope’s childhood, personality and her marriage. Penelope’s story is fascinating and not well known, I am grateful that Atwood has allowed Penelope to be the star in her own story and come out of the shadows of Odysseus.

Rather a skimpy book playing to Atwood's obsession with the death of young women (Particularly by hanging) and over-dramatization. Well-written as a piece of literature but felt incompletely researched and lacking substance. I had to read it because my name is Penelope.

I didn't know what to expect from this book but I'm so glad I bought it.I love Margaret Atwood and don't think I've ever read one I didn't enjoy.The Penelopiad is the story of Penelope and her life, before, during and after her marriage. Penelope is a compelling narrator and the chapters are short but well written and engaging.Interspersed with references to modern life; other Greek myths and verses from the twelve maids this is an interesting and readable and enjoyble book. It has made me want to re-read the Odyssey with the things I have learnt about Penelope in my mind.Definitly recommended

Well written and intentioned but fell completely flat.Penelope never develops, changes or really has any agency of her own. This book felt like a big case of telling instead of showing. I found myself frustrated with her throughout, it seems more of a highlight of the struggle with her jealousy and inferiority towards Helen as well as an austere and disconnected relationship with odysseus.There was no new perspectives on the story of the Odyssey, and, although Penelope is the main focus of the book, she is somehow still set aside.The ending was also strange and stunted with no real resolution or development. If you are looking for something displaying a female character with agency and sincerity, I suggest you read Circe Madeline Miller.