The Odyssey

By Homer and Geraldine McCaughrean

Book Overview

"McCaughrean's fine retelling of Odysseus' wanderings is a heroic tale in the truest sense of the world. It captures all the drama and bloodcurdling action of the original work while making the story accessible to young people in language that is still vigorous and expressive. . . . Illustrations by Victor Ambrus complement McCaughrean's style perfectly, their bold colors and lively portrayals displaying all the energy of the text".--BOOKLIST. Color and black and white.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0192741306
• ISBN13: 9780192741301
• Release Date: March 1995
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, Incorporated
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.5" x 0.8" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 7 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 2 to 9

Customer Reviews

Imagery, Simile, Metaphor, Hyperbole Galore

The disclosure of the publisher "Puffin" rightly gives the fact that this is a child's version away. Yet, the prose of this text is not condescending. I love the use of imagery, similes, metaphor and hyperbole; this read is a treat for all ages, as it inspires the imagination in ways the original text may not for lack of so much detail. I enjoy reading the different versions of they Odyssey- analyzing the differences and appreciating the variety of interpretations is an exercise in and of itself.

The Odyssey review

this book was for a 11year old girl who was doing a school summer project. She loved the book, the simplicity of the story and had her project completed in two days

All the Hits

For young readers not yet ready to tackle Homer in translation this prose version is a superb introduction to the epic's most stirring episodes. McCaughrean writes in an alliterative prose which honors the poetry of the original. She pumps new life into the tangle with the Cyclops, the lure of the Sirens, and the final smackdown on Ithaca when a weathered Odysseus teaches the loutish suitors a thing or two. Seventh graders here have really warmed to this commendable retelling. Our ancient history curriuculum has certainly benefitted from its inclusion.