32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Nice Book - a review of "The Wanderings of Odysseus", May 20, 2007
I've been reading and comparing children's books which retell the tales of brave Odysseus, and this one rates well. In general, I found it an engaging read that had nice artwork that portrays the dress and architecture of those times.
The author begins the story with a prologue that talks about the battle before the walls of Troy. She then briefly covers the sack of the Trojan cities before picking up the story on the island of the Cyclops. Unlike another book that I quite liked -- "The Odyssey" which was retold by Robin Lister - this book is written in a slightly more formal style. There is a "search inside this book" feature for both books so you can take a look and decide which style you and/or your child might like - although I don't think you could go wrong with either.
Here are two paragraphs for a quickie comparison.
Example from the current Sutcliff edition:
Then Odysseus brought the sharpened stake from its hiding place and
made the point hot in the fire, while the rest of his band - there were but
six of them now - stood round ready and waiting. And when the point
glowed clear red, they took it up and with all their strength drove it into
the giant's one eye and rammed it home, and Odysseus twirled it as
though it were some mighty timber drill.
Example from Robin Lister's version:
The Odyssey (Kingfisher Epics)
He awoke suddenly in a cold sweat. For a
moment he thought another nightmare had begun.
Everywhere he looked he saw eyes staring at him,
and he froze like an animal froze in it's lair. As
his own eyes adjusted to the dim light, he was
amazed to see a group of young women peering
into his shelter.
Although this book - Sutcliff's - has fewer pages it contains more detail in my opinion, mentioning episodes such as young Elpenor's death as he descends from the ladder at Circe's palace; and it mentions more people by name, such as Penelope's various suitors.
Four Stars. Good Storying telling. Very Nice pastel artwork. Mild Adult themes. For those of a very conservative nature I would point out that there are one or two pictures portraying partial upper body nudity. As this is an ancient tale, expect various acts of violence.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
the best version of the Odyssey for children, May 21, 2002
I just finished reading the Wanderings of Odysseus to my five year old. Most people would hesitate to read something so complex to one so young, but Ms. Sutcliff breaks up the scenes into manageable bits, which are beautifully illustrated. And while I did need to simplify and explain many of Ms. Sutcliff's words to my little one, she actually looked forward to reading it.
I guess the best compliment that I can pay to this version, is that I read it 3 years ago to my oldest child who was then 5. As I read it to my younger one, my older child would come in periodically to find out what part we were on. He still remembered it quite well and even stopped to listen to it frequently. There are precious few books that appeal to so many ages.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A superb read-aloud for elementary age students!, September 24, 2002
This version of The Odyssey is beautifully illustrated, but even if you do not show them the pictures, your children will sit spellbound by the poetic language used by Rosemary Sutcliffe. The many adventures of Odysseus on his way home from the Trojan War were thrilling to my 6- and 8-year-old children, and I often found them acting out the day's reading with their stuffed animals later in the afternoon. This is not a "dumbed-down" version of the Odyssey-- it is appropriate for adults as well as children. The poetic style of Homer's original is continued by Sutcliffe. I heartily recommend this book, as well as her book, "Black Ships Before Troy", which is her version of Homer's "The Iliad".
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
