Ithaka
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Product Description
Book Description
A fascinating retelling of the classic story of Odysseus from the unusual perspective of his wife, Penelope.
Product Description
ITHAKA tells the story of the women left behind after the end of the Trojan War. While Odysseus is slowly making his way home, overcoming terrible obstacles sent by the gods, his wife Penelope does not know whether he's alive or dead. How long will she be able to withstand the pressure of the numerous suitors who seek her hand (and Ithaka) - and will she remain as faithful as mythology states, or might she fall in love with one of them?
The vivid colours of life on the abundant island of Ithaka are evoked with magic and warmth, as Penelope and those around her tell their own incredible stories. Interspersed with wonderful verse retellings of Odysseus' adventures, this is a thrilling novel with a contemporary feel.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
One of the best books for mature young readers written in the last twelve months. This refreshing and refreshed classic story is told by a consummate contemporary storyteller. The gripping story of Odysseus's journey home is seen through the eyes of those left behind, Penelope and her young handmaiden, Klymene. Weariness, boredom, longing and yearning are skilfully depicted by Adele Geras, who has a compassionate eye for the delights and turmoil of love. Even though experienced readers know the outcome of Penelope's patience, this version brings a fresh understanding and insight to what it means to be placed in sentient stasis. The earlier companion novel, 'Troy' represented a high water mark in this novelist's career but 'Ithaka' has achieved a higher standard yet.Adele Geras employs all of her sensitive emotional intellegience and provides a fresh perspective, which will appeal to those who enjoy retellings of the Greek legends, such as, 'The King must die' by Mary Renault. A truly five star novel
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If you've ever read the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer, you know that the author focuses on the thrilling journey of Odysseus. After the Trojan War has ended, Odysseus must battle witches, supernatural monsters, and even gods to gain back his lands and his faithful wife from the thieves that have kidnapped her. In the story of ITHAKA, the focus isn't on Odysseus, but on those that were left behind--first when he went off to war, and then when he fails to return home after the war ends.
The book is narrated by Klymene, a teenage girl who serves as handmaiden to Penelope, the wife of Odysseus. It's been two years since the Trojan War ended, and still her husband has not returned home to rule their land. There is a steady, never-ending stream of suitors vying for Penelope's hand in marriage, hoping that the (mostly) faithful wife will soon realize that her husband is gone forever. Penelope is not sought after because of love, but because of her wealth and the lands she will soon possess if she gives her husband up for dead.
For Klymene, it's difficult to fathom why Penelope is so determined to stay faithful to a husband who is most likely never to return. She soon learns about love and the matters of the heart, however, when she becomes infatuated with Odysseus's troublesome son, Telemachus. Matters are complicated even further when Klymene realizes that she, a lowly handmaiden, is not the apple of Telemachus's eye. That privilege belongs to another young woman who has come to serve in the household, Melantho.
One of the most interesting parts of ITHAKA is the paranormal aspect of Klymene, who is able to see the gods. She is also a keeper of secrets, and since she deals every day with individuals who would do anything to keep those secrets safe, it's a somewhat demanding job.
This is not a retelling of The Odyssey. This is a completely different story, full of magic and heartbreak, joy and sadness, and the trial and error of growing up. There's something for everyone here, with mystery, romance, and action-adventure. If you love historical stories, or those based on myths, you won't go wrong with ITHAKA.
[...]
The book is narrated by Klymene, a teenage girl who serves as handmaiden to Penelope, the wife of Odysseus. It's been two years since the Trojan War ended, and still her husband has not returned home to rule their land. There is a steady, never-ending stream of suitors vying for Penelope's hand in marriage, hoping that the (mostly) faithful wife will soon realize that her husband is gone forever. Penelope is not sought after because of love, but because of her wealth and the lands she will soon possess if she gives her husband up for dead.
For Klymene, it's difficult to fathom why Penelope is so determined to stay faithful to a husband who is most likely never to return. She soon learns about love and the matters of the heart, however, when she becomes infatuated with Odysseus's troublesome son, Telemachus. Matters are complicated even further when Klymene realizes that she, a lowly handmaiden, is not the apple of Telemachus's eye. That privilege belongs to another young woman who has come to serve in the household, Melantho.
One of the most interesting parts of ITHAKA is the paranormal aspect of Klymene, who is able to see the gods. She is also a keeper of secrets, and since she deals every day with individuals who would do anything to keep those secrets safe, it's a somewhat demanding job.
This is not a retelling of The Odyssey. This is a completely different story, full of magic and heartbreak, joy and sadness, and the trial and error of growing up. There's something for everyone here, with mystery, romance, and action-adventure. If you love historical stories, or those based on myths, you won't go wrong with ITHAKA.
[...]
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I loved this book which brings to life the characters left behind on the island of Ithaka when those black ships sailed off to Troy. Mostly it's the story of Odysseus's family, his son Telemachus and his faithful wife, Penelope - seen though the eyes of Klymene, first Telemachus's playmate, then Penelope's handmaiden. But it's her story too. We see her growing from girl to young woman facing moral dilemnas, rapacious men, and heartbreak. Klymene is Geras's brilliant invention, a character who fits into the ancient story and makes it accessible to modern readers. It's bleak but not depressing. Read on! Emotionally involving, the story carries the reader to another world,which can be experienced through all the senses. You see hear and smell the Greek island. You see, hear and smell the characters including those capricious gods who play havoc with human lives. Sumptuous storytelling!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Not Impressed
Not impressed with this book, in fact I had to put it down half way through which I rarely do.
The story is very simple and written in a remarkabley child-like way so much so... Read more
The story is very simple and written in a remarkabley child-like way so much so... Read more
Published 4 months ago by H. Jane
A very poor adaptation
I have read and loved `The Odyssey' and I have read and loved Margaret Atwood's brilliant adaptation of the myth in 'The Penelopiad', both of which are fantastic pieces of... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Katie Stevens
Ithaka
This is a brilliantly thought out and researched book by Adele Geras which tells the heart-wrenching story of Penelope as she waits for her darling Odysseus to return safely home... Read more
Published 22 months ago by A helpful customer
wow
wow! This book was truly great. It was funny, sad, romantic, and I loved the way that the Greek Gods and Goddesses were worked into the plot. Read more
Published on 4 Nov 2007 by Jamie fan
I LOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVEEEEEE THIS BOOK!
this is a fantastic book. My mum bought it for me, and i got straight into it. The characters are realistic, and i could really relate to Klymene as she was growing up. Read more
Published on 19 Nov 2006 by Ellie Dawson
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