Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

alphabeticdisorder t1_j1veznj wrote

There's a slew of books taking alternate looks at the Iliad. Like, way more than I expected when I decided to try and read them all just because I dig the whole scene with Troy. Of the bunch, I thought Song of Achilles was the best. Maybe a close second behind The Songs of the Kings, but that's more about Iphigenia.

6

my-nips-hurt OP t1_j1vns9t wrote

Feel free to suggest some of your favorites, if you’d like! I’ve always wanted to dive more into The Iliad, the classic and any retells. It’s was a motivating factor when I picked up this one.

3

GrangerWeasley713 t1_j1w0xjd wrote

“The Song of Achilles” is amazing, but I think “Circe” is even better.

I’m currently reading “A Thousand Ships” and I’m enjoying it.

You might also like “The Penelopiad” by Margaret Atwood as its Penelope’s view on “The Odyssey”

5

my-nips-hurt OP t1_j1w3633 wrote

Thank you for the recommendations! Heading to the library this week and will see if I can find them! Thanks so much!

1

atget t1_j1y3ucy wrote

I am so glad you made this post! I adored Circe and The Song of Achilles (though personally I preferred Circe) and there are so many great recs in these comments!

1

my-nips-hurt OP t1_j1y7ohw wrote

I hesitated in it since I know it’s talked about a lot, but these recommendations were worth it and I’m glad I did 😭

1

alphabeticdisorder t1_j1vqhfy wrote

For me personally, with the standard caveat this is entirely subjective:

Yea: Circe, The Songs of the Kings, Song of Achilles

Nay: Silence of the Girls, Women of Troy, A Thousand Ships, Daughters of Sparta

Mostly I'm fascinated at just how many of these there are in the past couple decades. The Iliad is a rich mine for material, and has been for a couple thousand years, but it's interesting to me how modern writers are wrapping our current cultural values into it.

3

TheJester0330 t1_j1w6ks0 wrote

If you're interested in general to diving into the Illiad, I'd highly recommend Achilles in Vietnam by Jonathan Shay.

Its nothing like the Song of Achilles (personally I didn't care much for it or it's YA nature though I can understand why it appeals to others), but if you're interested in a deeper understanding of the Illiad as well as exploring the social and cultural themes throughout it, I'd highly recommend it.

Its a non-fiction comparative work, analyzing how Homer explores topics such as trauma, morality, purpose, and self-worth by comparing it to his own studies (Jonathan Shay is a clinical psychiatrist) of PTSD in Vietnam Veterans. It's tragic and powerful, as it compares Homer's description of loss and PTSD to the modern day, showcasing how (to little surprise but interesting to read nonetheless) America often fails in providing support and care for not only veterans but those suffering from PTSD in general as well as discussing the consequences of suppressing emotion and mourning.

Highly recommend it, while having read the Illiad is helpful it's not required as any relevant passages being discussed have excerpts and background information provided

3

my-nips-hurt OP t1_j1wcg83 wrote

I have a huge interest in anything psychology related—will definitely add Shay’s book to the list as well. Thank you!

1