Homer's The Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson discussion

Welcome to our group read of Homer's The Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson. Please feel free to introduce yourselves here.

Hi Everyone! I'm very excited about this group. Wilson's translation has become quite an event, with the publisher facing some challenges to meet demand. We're very proud of her at the University of Pennsylvania, and I'm delighted that so many GR friends are as excited about the translation as I am.

The group site is kind of bare bones atm. It's likely not the best idea for me to open it at the end of the semester, but I wanted to get it ready so that we can all start adding content. I'm planning to start doing that in earnest when I'm on Winter Break after December 15. In the meantime, welcome! Please make yourself at home, explore, and feel free to add books and discussion threads to the site.

Thanks for inviting me Kris. I've read this monumental work many years ago and always wanted to discuss it again. I'm really excited.

Thanks Kris! I really should read this again, after my last read at least half a century ago. Always a sucker for a new book, I'll certainly get the new translation. I'm actually not a very good group-reader, but will try to use the reading schedule to pace myself through the book. Might even throw in a comment somewhere.

How could I say no to this group? One of my favorite books moderated by one of my favorite Goodreads readers, Kris? I just read the Fagles version two years ago (late on the train), so the comparison will be interesting.

Always ready for a hero's journey, as they say!

Thanks for having me! When you posted the link to the article on this new translation, my interest was piqued; and only two weeks ago, when discussing The World's Wife with students I thought it's high time for a reread. I read it more than twenty yeras ago and in a different language, so I don't have much to compare it to, but will try to contribute if/when I find I have something to say.

Thanks for the invite, Kris. This is exciting. Hoping this will encourage a read again. I sampled this epic as a freshman in high school, probably should have read more, but one of the works I did enjoy. Hoping this will spur a reread of Ulysses for me. Looking forward to taking to the seas with others traveling with Odysseus.

Hi - I read this, probably in some terrible prose translation, many years ago and, to be honest, remember very little. My plan for 2018 is to start with reading Caroline Alexander's translation of the Iliad, then on to the Odyssey, and then David Ferry's new translation of the Aeneid. After which I plan a re-read of Ulysses and then Death of Virgil by Broch. Might throw in some non-fiction about the relevant periods too just to fill up the many many gaps in my knowledge. I am not sure if i will stick to the reading schedule for this group, but will certainly try and take part in the discussions. Looking forward to it!

Thanks for the invitation, Kris. I remember reading it in high school, but a re-read with a group discussion and additional topics to clarify the setting and times will be great. I'll look for the new translation.

Kris -- thanks for starting this! I have been following the news about the publication of this translation with great interest and have been hoping to get to a reading or lecture by Dr. Wilson. My track record with online group discussion is dismal but I am motivated by this book and group and will try to keep up. And perhaps we can even manage an in-person meet up for some of the Philly area readers. :)

Thanks for the invite. I have already read the translation by Lawrence of Arabia and look forward to reading a new version.

In! But surely there must be a "symposium" thread for drunken chitchat about reading and reading while drinking (and assorted silliness could be confined there as well)?

Thanks a lot for the invite, Kris - what a fine chance to learn more about what my son is digesting :)

W.D. wrote: "In! But surely there must be a "symposium" thread for drunken chitchat about reading and reading while drinking (and assorted silliness could be confined there as well)?"

Seconded!

Thanks for the invite! I read the Odyssey years ago (Fitzgerald translation) but have been wanting to revisit. The publication of Wilson's translation seems to be the perfect chance to do so. Looking forward to the group read.

W.D. wrote: "In! But surely there must be a "symposium" thread for drunken chitchat about reading and reading while drinking (and assorted silliness could be confined there as well)?"

I'm rushing this reply in from work -- will send greetings and welcomes to everyone who has posted here soon. But for now -- introducing the Symposium thread: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

My track record on group reads is, well, spotty...but this is an exciting new version of a foundational myth of the culture I live in, how can I say no? Thanks for setting this up, Doc.

I'm in! This is all I need to push me to buy the book (an early birthday gift to myself -- I turn 61 on December 12).

Looking forward to re-immersing myself in Homer's world. Thanks!

Kris, many thanks for your invitation. I've a longstanding love of both The Iliad and The Odyssey. I originally read them in the Fitzpatrick translation. I loved Fagle's rendering. Excited by the thought of the new translation.

Just received my copy of the new Odyssey yesterday. Thank you, Boyfriend! When I said I would really like to read this along with other people, he said, "Why don't you look online?" And ta da! Can't wait to get started!

Margitte wrote: "Thanks for inviting me Kris. I've read this monumental work many years ago and always wanted to discuss it again. I'm really excited."

Margitte, welcome, and thanks so much for joining us! So glad to be exploring this work with you.

Ted wrote: "Thanks Kris! I really should read this again, after my last read at least half a century ago. Always a sucker for a new book, I'll certainly get the new translation. I'm actually not a very good gr..."

Ted, I'm so happy you're joining us! I'm going to try to set up the discussion threads so it's easy to participate in any way that you like.

Ken wrote: "How could I say no to this group? One of my favorite books moderated by one of my favorite Goodreads readers, Kris? I just read the Fagles version two years ago (late on the train), so the comparis..."

Awww, thanks so much, Ken. I was hoping you'd join us! It's especially good to have poets in our company on this journey.

Bloodorange wrote: "Thanks for having me! When you posted the link to the article on this new translation, my interest was piqued; and only two weeks ago, when discussing The World's Wife with students I thought it's ..."

Bloodorange, it sounds like serendipity, or perhaps fate is more appropriate? And btw, The World's Wife looks like a great collection -- thanks for mentioning it. Any contributions you make are always welcome.

George wrote: "Thanks for the invite, Kris. This is exciting. Hoping this will encourage a read again. I sampled this epic as a freshman in high school, probably should have read more, but one of the works I did ..."

George, I'm so glad you're here! The varied backgrounds and levels of engagement with The Odyssey are part of what will make the discussions so much fun. Plus, I appreciate having a fellow member who's currently reading shelf is as crazy as mine is!

Hello! Hello!

Kris, thanks so much for setting this group up. I ran out and bought the Emily Wilson translation the day it was published and it has been sitting there waiting for the right moment ever since. It will be great to have company reading it.

I'm much more familiar with The Iliad--I've read about a zillion translations of it. The Odyssey? I think just the Fagles.

Jonathan wrote: "Hi - I read this, probably in some terrible prose translation, many years ago and, to be honest, remember very little. My plan for 2018 is to start with reading Caroline Alexander's translation of ..."

Jonathan, as soon as I saw your update about your 2018 reading plans I was hoping you'd join us! I think it's possible that others will be inspired by your plans, and may join in. I also was messaging another group member about setting up additional reads on/from ancient Greece and Rome -- if there's interest, this group may continue with that broader focus after we finish reading Wilson's translation. So, please feel free to share your updates and perhaps even set up discussion threads if you'd like.

Diane wrote: "Thanks for the invitation, Kris. I remember reading it in high school, but a re-read with a group discussion and additional topics to clarify the setting and times will be great. I'll look for the ..."

Welcome, Diane, and thanks so much for joining us! I'm also excited about the opportunity to read and discuss additional resources to provide historical context -- and I see that fellow group member Lisa Lieberman has us off to a good start with the first additional sources added to our shelves.

M wrote: "Kris -- thanks for starting this! I have been following the news about the publication of this translation with great interest and have been hoping to get to a reading or lecture by Dr. Wilson. My ..."

M, thank you so much for joining us! It's good to have group representation from another Philly area friend, and I like your idea about possible in-person meet ups. I'm going to keep my eyes open for possible lectures from Emily Wilson as well.

Czarny wrote: "Thanks for the invite. I have already read the translation by Lawrence of Arabia and look forward to reading a new version."

Czarny, it's such a pleasure to have you join us! I always enjoy reading your insights on your reviews, and I'm looking forward to your contributions to group discussions.

W.D. wrote: "In! But surely there must be a "symposium" thread for drunken chitchat about reading and reading while drinking (and assorted silliness could be confined there as well)?"

Bill, thanks not only for joining the group, but also for bringing humor and conviviality to the site. Your symposium thread idea was a masterstroke! So glad you're here.

Ilse wrote: "Thanks a lot for the invite, Kris - what a fine chance to learn more about what my son is digesting :)"

Welcome, Ilse! It sounds like you can provide us not only with your own insights into the translation (in which I am always interested), but a cross-generational perspective as well!

Andrew wrote: "Thanks for the invite! I read the Odyssey years ago (Fitzgerald translation) but have been wanting to revisit. The publication of Wilson's translation seems to be the perfect chance to do so. Looki..."

Thank you so much for accepting it, Andrew! I think the combination of a new translation and the passage of time will make a re-read especially rewarding. I'm looking forward to sharing reactions with you.

Richard wrote: "My track record on group reads is, well, spotty...but this is an exciting new version of a foundational myth of the culture I live in, how can I say no? Thanks for setting this up, Doc."

Richard, thank you so much for joining us! You were one of the first GR friends to share my excitement over Wilson's translation, so I am especially happy to share this experience with you.

Lisa wrote: "I'm in! This is all I need to push me to buy the book (an early birthday gift to myself -- I turn 61 on December 12).

Looking forward to re-immersing myself in Homer's world. Thanks!"

Lisa, I'm very excited you've joined the group! I'm always happy to provide others with reasons to buy books (I get a lot of practice on myself). Your research expertise and critical eye are especially welcome -- as seen in your early contribution to our group shelves and the Historical Background thread. I'm looking forward to learning from and with you.

Lawyer wrote: "Kris, many thanks for your invitation. I've a longstanding love of both The Iliad and The Odyssey. I originally read them in the Fitzpatrick translation. I loved Fagle's ren..."

Mike, a warm welcome to the group! I feel fortunate to be able to explore Wilson's translation with you, as I know how insightful and perceptive your comments and reviews are. I'm especially looking forward to hearing your views on how Wilson's translation compares to Fagles and Fitzpatrick. So, welcome, and thanks for being here!

Lucia wrote: "Just received my copy of the new Odyssey yesterday. Thank you, Boyfriend! When I said I would really like to read this along with other people, he said, "Why don't you look online?" And ta da! Can'..."

It's a pleasure to meet you, Lucia -- and please thank your boyfriend for giving you the idea to look for this group! I'm looking forward to exploring The Odyssey with you.

poingu wrote: "Hello! Hello!

Kris, thanks so much for setting this group up. I ran out and bought the Emily Wilson translation the day it was published and it has been sitting there waiting for the right moment..."

poingu, thanks so much for joining us! It is so wonderful to share excitement over Wilson's translation with you, especially as some of my friends started to back away from me as I was sharing the latest interviews and articles about the work. BTW, I think it's likely that we'll put up a thread in case people want to discuss The Iliad as well. It's exciting to have so many different topics for discussion.

Kris wrote: "It is so wonderful to share excitement over Wilson's translation with you, especially as some of my friends started to back away from me as I was sharing the latest interviews and articles about the work...."

you might know I co-moderate the "Newest Literary Fiction" group, where we read the latest in contemporary fiction, sometimes even in ARC--I was seriously tempted to call Emily Wilson's "Odyssey" a new 2017 book in that group and suggest we read it together but I lost my nerve.

poingu wrote: "you might know I co-moderate the "Newest Literary Fiction" group, where we read the latest in contemporary fiction, sometimes even in ARC--I was seriously tempted to call Emily Wilson's "Odyssey" a new 2017 book in that group and suggest we read it together but I lost my nerve. "

That group sounds wonderful -- going to check it out now!

I'm excited to join the group, read the Odyssey (for the first time!) and discuss. I'm committed to reading a few classics in 2018 so this fits right in. Thank you for the invite!

Suzy wrote: "I'm excited to join the group, read the Odyssey (for the first time!) and discuss. I'm committed to reading a few classics in 2018 so this fits right in. Thank you for the invite!"

Thanks so much for joining us, Suzy! I'm excited to see your reactions. It's such a rich work.

So glad to join Kris. This will be my 3rd reading. I think ?Fitzgerald way back in college, then Fagles a few years ago. This should be a wonderful adventure. And such a wonderful group.

I'm excited about reading this translation, thanks so much for asking me to join, Kris. I've been reading versions of the Odyssey and the Iliad since I was about 10, and am looking forward to reading this translation with such an interesting group.

Thank you for the invitation, Kris. I have read the book about 2 or 3 times, and did not know about this translation.

I may join in the reading. Exciting. With you as moderator, I will read anything.

Sue wrote: "So glad to join Kris. This will be my 3rd reading. I think ?Fitzgerald way back in college, then Fagles a few years ago. This should be a wonderful adventure. And such a wonderful group."

I'm so glad you're joining us, Sue! It's great to share another group read with you. Looking forward to the journey.

Lyn wrote: "I'm excited about reading this translation, thanks so much for asking me to join, Kris. I've been reading versions of the Odyssey and the Iliad since I was about 10, and am looking forward to readi..."

Thanks so much for accepting, Lyn! I'm excited to hear what you think of the translation, especially given your own history with Homer.

Kalliope wrote: "Thank you for the invitation, Kris. I have read the book about 2 or 3 times, and did not know about this translation.

I may join in the reading. Exciting. With you as moderator, I will read anything."

Kall!! I know how busy you've been, so it's a real surprise -- and a delight -- to see you here. It will be wonderful to share thoughts about the translation with you.

Wilson has a fascinating approach to her translation, which has become a real event. (The NYTimes interview with her that I posted in the Published Articles topic outlines it in some detail.) I heard from the department chair of Classical Studies (Wilson's department at Penn) that Amazon actually sold out of their initial allotment of the translation last month, although they have since restocked. It's exciting to think about Homer on the best seller list -- one bright spot in an otherwise dark time.

I'm so excited about this, Kris. I read the Fitzgerald version in college with a wonderful teacher to enlighten me, and here I feel like again there are wonderful teachers here to enlighten me! Thanks for the invitation, and the work you've put into this. So glad the actual read isn't til March, when I hope to have a bit more time to dive in. Can't resist all of this great background info tho ...

Kathleen wrote: "I'm so excited about this, Kris. I read the Fitzgerald version in college with a wonderful teacher to enlighten me, and here I feel like again there are wonderful teachers here to enlighten me! Tha..."

Kathleen, I'm so glad you're joining us! It gives us another reading project to focus on now that ModPo is over. As a historian, I love background information for reads like this, so I'm also excited about the ramp up to the actual read. Looking forward to sharing this with you.