The Odyssey (Puffin Classics) [Paperback]

Geraldine McCaughrean (Adapter), Homer (Author)

Book Description

Series: Puffin Classics | Publication Date: December 1, 1997

This book describes the epic journey of Odysseus, the hero of Ancient Greece...After ten years of war, Odysseus turns his back on Troy and sets sail for home. But his voyage takes another ten years and he must face many dangers - Polyphemus the greedy one-eyed giant, Scylla the six-headed sea monster and even the wrath of the gods themselves - before he is reunited with his wife and son.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A lively, brief retelling with colorful, action-filled pictures."--Los Angeles Times Book Review

"A real winner."--Children's Bookwatch

"McCaughrean's fine retelling of Odysseus' wanderings is a heroic tale in the truest sense of the word. 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

"Captures the flavor and adventure of Homer's famed epic."--Calliope

"This serious retelling of the Odyssey, illustrated with lush watercolors and line drawings, is a modern prose version of Homer's epic tale about Odysseus's return from Troy. A good introduction to Homer and an exciting story."--Reviews from Parent Council

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

The PUFFIN CLASSICS series contains work by the most renowned writers, titles include; THE CANTERBURY TALES A CHRISTMAS CAROL JANE EYRE GULLIVER'S TRAVELS THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER WUTHERING HEIGHTS FRANKENSTEIN POLLYANNA

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (December 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140383093
• ISBN-13: 978-0140383096
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #25,309 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Epic
  • #13 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Literature > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Greek & Roman
  • #26 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Teens > Literature & Fiction > Classics

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Homer restored to his rightful place as serious competition, January 15, 2001

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Odyssey (Oxford Illustrated Classics Series) (Paperback)

...for Pokemon, dinosaurs, ghost stories, Robin Hood, and piratical history! I am no classical scholar, as is obvious from that last sentence, but I am a mom who reads alot to her children and I've a working understanding of Homer's poetic tale, The Odyssey. Ms. McCaughrean's version was gripping! We had a very hard time putting it down the first time, and on our second read through we just kept going until the end! This book enthralled a 7 and a 4, while remaining as true to the text as I've seen yet in a children's version (slight editing may be required for the very squeamish or quite young.) My children acted the tale out on their own when we were through and held impromptu literary discussions for days afterwards. Like Bible stories, Greek myths have been done a thousand times over for children. Before you set off to wade through to find the diamonds, take my word for it that this is definitely one of them. Also, her collection of classic mythical stories is recommended although, dare I say it, this is even better than that.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars All the Hits, December 2, 2004

By 

Michael S. Mahoney "Gruffybear" (Goshen, Kentucky, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Odyssey (Puffin Classics) (Paperback)

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Imagery, Simile, Metaphor, Hyperbole Galore, February 21, 2010

By 

R. Hart "swedehart" (nowhere) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Odyssey (Puffin Classics) (Paperback)

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.