Inspired by Homer's Odyssey, Aleta relates the feats of women whose stories equal the drama of that great epic. Queen Penelope, left in charge when Odysseus went to fight at Troy, must outwit the traitors in her court. Twelve-year-old Aleta finds a way to help.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8?Fans of Greek mythology will enjoy this engaging story of life at the royal court of Ithaca after the Trojan War, as seen through the eyes of a young serving girl. Queen Penelope is besieged by suitors eager to claim the kingship of Ithaca; Odysseus, her husband, has been away for 19 years. Her clever attempt to stall them by spending years weaving and unraveling the same piece of cloth is exposed by the daughter of Kleea, her companion. Kleea's granddaughter, Aleta, is ashamed of her drunken, traitorous mother; a portion of the tale deals with the girl's efforts to cope with these feelings. In the meantime, Prince Telemachus sets out to find his father. Parts of Odysseus's adventures are woven smoothly into the narrative, providing historical background for the action. Ultimately, the king returns and, with his son's help, defeats the suitors and reclaims his place. This original retelling gives readers a unique look at life on the ancient Greek "home front" while remaining faithful to the details of the classic story. Illustrated throughout with colorful paintings rendered in the Grecian style, it is an excellent addition.?Mary Jo Drungil, Niles Public Library District, IL
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 4^-7. This is an engaging reworking of sections of The Odyssey. Galloway has added her own characters to Homer's cast and given the tale a fresh perspective. The action, which takes place in the court of Queen Penelope during the final weeks before Odysseus' return, is viewed through the eyes of Aleta, the 12-year-old granddaughter of the queen's housekeeper. Like her grandmother, Aleta helps in the fight against the queen's unwanted suitors. In between keeping watch and running errands, she learns the story behind the current situation and struggles with her feelings toward her mother, who has joined the other side. When Odysseus returns, she is there to witness and assist. Galloway's simple, graceful prose style makes her tale accessible without diminishing its interest or complexity. An appealing introduction to Homer for middle-grade readers. Leone McDermott
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