2nd read through of this book and just WOW. I love Odysseus. I love Penelope. I love Telemachus and I love this whole story so dearly. The journey from the city of war to the city of peace, both physically and metaphorically, is heartwrenchingly painful and beautiful.

I will eventually write a proper review, or at least put in some of my favorite quotes, but for now, a few miscellaneous thoughts on Emily Wilson's translation... At first I wasn't sold because it's so spare and simple, but I learned to see its beauty as I read, and I think it's a great way to get into this book. Rather than getting caught up in the fancy diction and struggling to understand, you can dive right in to the modern English. Do try others, too, though. I particularly like Lattimore's (though I haven't read it in a few years).

The scene where Odysseus says to Eumaeus, "I am here now." !!!! I need a movie of this book!

And Penelope and Odysseus' conversation in Bk 19... she definitely knows it's him and I love it.

Anyway go read this book because it's great. Not only is it a *good* book (like the Iliad), but it's a *fun* book. People are sarcastic and there are marvelous battle scenes and great journeys and coming of age (Telemachus my child) and just... yeah. I am rambling. Go read this book.