Jonas Grethlein is Chair in Greek Literature at the University of Heidelberg. Reading the Odyssey, translated by Sabrina Stolfa, will be his sixth publication on the topic; it is an exciting introduction to the epic and its impact on cultural history as well as literature and art in the present day. Grethlein’s exploration of narrative form and function is sure to ignite new ideas in any reader!
Reading the Odyssey considers the narrative techniques and subject matter of Homer’s Odyssey, and their influence on Western storytelling. Grethlein draws on a wealth of scholarly and fictional literature to help unpack this epic poem’s layered narrative, and all its forms and functions. His aim? To show how we all rely on narratives first laid out by Homer in order to form identities and communities and even to make sense of our own lives.
The structure of this introductory text follows the narrative of the Odyssey chronologically, using different sections to explore his arguments. Grethlein discusses ‘Tales of the Father,’ the transition between listener and narrator, historic art based on the poem, ideas of homecoming and recognition, as well as ethics. There is also a broad and accessible introduction to the reception and interpretation of the Odyssey.
Throughout the book, the author offers a panoptic exploration of critical theories on Homer’s story which is thoroughly referenced and explicated. One particularly thought-provoking thread in the early chapters is the examination of the receptions of stories, including reference to reactions to stories within the poem itself. Grethlein compares reactions of Penelope and Telemachus to songs and stories performed in the Odyssey with aspects required for the epic’s own audiences to connect with the tale.
Furthermore, in Chapter 6, ‘Ethics and Narrative’, we see a careful and considered examination of the role of morality and ethics in the Odyssey. Grethlein offers a key analysis of demonstrable ethics within the poem, whilst recognising that many of the moral standards are unfamiliar to the modern reader. In this sense the author helps us to connect with the Homeric characters and the contextual ethos in a productive way.
Jonas Grethlein’s undeniable expertise in Greek literature offers a comprehensive guide to narrative in Homer’s Odyssey. Reading the Odyssey is a sophisticated yet approachable companion to the classic epic poem which will suit both students and casual readers alike. Throughout, readers will engage with a range of topics which also provoke reflection on modern narratives.
In all, whilst reading this book, I realised that you don’t need to be a classics student to enjoy Grethlein’s work! It is both interesting even if you haven’t read the Odyssey in full, and offers a helpful shaping of the narrative to help readers interact with the epic story. It also presents an appealing discussion of narrative theory throughout.
Words by Martha Luke
Want more Books content from The Indiependent? Click here