Reading Critically

The world we live in is wonderful. It's bursting with billions of different people, each one with a story to tell. Fiction explores new worlds and new stories--essentially, books have the power to open our eyes to people and experiences we've never imagined before. 

If this planet is so diverse, then how come only a few peoples stories get told? Can you honestly say that the books you read are as representative as they could be? I can't. Novels centred around people who aren't just straight, white, and cis-gendered aren't as common as they should be. Fiction is definitely getting better, but it's not there yet.

It's not just a case of representation. A book may have a diverse cast yet be problematic in an entirely different sense. It could be the way they portrayed, or the things they say... to put it simply, there are thousands of reasons why a novel could be dubious in its portrayal.

There is definitely an argument to say that fiction is just entertainment, and in a way it is. That doesn't change the fact that it influences our lives. I don't think any of us would read if it didn't. And that is exactly why I think it's important to read critically rather than passively.

I don't think it's patronising to say that as human beings we're impressionable. The media is all around us, and fiction is yet another way that we gather information and form opinions. Say, for example, a novel depicts a cast of female characters that instead of supporting each other, label each other 'sluts' and backstab their friends just to win the attention of a man. That's not positive, and yet it's everywhere in fiction. Yes, a book is just a book, but if the ideas they present are negative the impact it might have would be extremely harmful.

If we don't read books and carefully scrutinise whats being said, who will? If you read something that has elements of racism--take Bronte's Jane Eyre as an example--and don't call it out, then that says just as much about you then it does the text itself. I'm not saying that you can't enjoy something that has flaws, but if you don't even acknowledge the problems with the book, then that's just lazy. I'm definitely guilty of reading passively in the past and even now I'm not perfect. I just think it's important to make an effort.

I'm aware that I speak from a position of privilege. I'm straight, white, middle class, cis-gendered, British... aside from the fact that I'm a woman (which, lets face it, is still a disadvantage even in the 21st century) I'm about as privileged as it gets. It's so easy for someone like me to forget that not everyone is like us, but if the people society tends to favour don't act critical towards things, then nothing will change. It's not always a case of boycotting a book because of its flaws, but simply being aware of them.

The world we live in is prejudiced enough as it is. Surely we shouldn't just be standing by when we see something problematic, no matter how minor it is? The only way for things to get better is for people to be critical.

In the end it might be 'just a book', but if it wasn't for the stories I've read I wouldn't be the same person I am today. I'm interested to hear what you think--should we always try to read critically, or are there instances were books are nothing more than entertainment? As far as I see it, words are powerful, and powerful things are the ones that should be criticised the most.

Review: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY BY OSCAR WILDE
Publisher: Random House
Format: Paperback
Series: No
Pages: 194
Date Finished: 21.01.16
Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: Dorian is a good-natured young man until he discovers the power of his own exceptional beauty. As he gradually sinks deep into a frivolous, glamorous world of selfish luxury, he apparently remains physically unchanged by the stresses of his corrupt lifestyle and untouched by age. But up in his attic, hidden behind a curtain, his portrait tells a different story...

“The books that the world calls immoral are books that show the world its own shame.”

To put it simply, this novel is fantastic. Not only is the prose absolutely beautiful, but it explores themes that most authors wouldn't dare to (especially in the stuffy, oppressive Victorian era). The Picture of Dorian Gray is bold, daring, thought provoking and philosophical. It's no wonder that most of Wilde's contemporary didn't give it the best reception.

Dorian Gray follows an eponymous protagonist who essentially trades his soul for eternal youth and beauty. The portrait of him painted by his friend Basil Hallward bears not only his age but a visible sign of the sins he commits. As well as being a fantastic novel it also has elements of being a social commentary, sometimes even using very dark cynicism to highlight the flaws of Victorian society.

“I don't want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them, to enjoy them, and to dominate them.”

Some characters are more likable than others, though they all feel extremely real. Along with most of the classics I have read (which, sadly, isn't many) I did struggle to deeply connect with the characters in the same way I have with other novels. However, that doesn't change how beautifully crafted they are. Each one serves a purpose, from Henry Wotton to Sibyl Vane. Some were sexist, some were sympathetic, and others were downright evil.

Perhaps my favourite thing about The Picture of Dorian Gray is how Wilde's life adds to the narrative. I have to admit that I don't know much about Oscar Wilde, though I do know that he was gay. The homosexual undertones to the novel are quite frankly a delight to read. They're so blatantly obvious (at least they are to me, reading in the 21st century) and it's just wonderful. Fuck you, Victorian homophobia. This book is a work of art, and I like to think that it's sticking it's middle finger up at oppression.

“Nowadays most people die of a sort of creeping common sense, and discover when it is too late that the only things one never regrets are one's mistakes.”

I genuinely see myself wanting to reread this in a few years. The prose is so good it made me want to drool, and every other sentence felt quote worthy. It wasn't overly challenging to read, and whilst there was one chapter that dragged I was hardly ever bored. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic that's lasted the test of time, and I completely understand why.

“Some things are more precious because they don't last long.”

Review: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

ARISTOTLE AND DANTE DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE BY BENJAMIN ALIRE SAENZ 
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Format: Audiobook
Series: No
Pages: 359
Date Finished: 19.12.15
Rating: 4.5/5
Summary: A lyrical novel about family and friendship from critically acclaimed author Benjamin Alire Sáenz. 

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

I don't really know what to say about this book, other than the fact that it felt alive. The characters had a life of their own, and it wasn't one of those contemporary novels that, no matter how enjoyable, has a detachment from reality. Everything about Aristotle and Dante feels like it could happen in real life. It feels like it already did.

“Words were different when they lived inside of you.”

The prose in this novel lent itself perfectly to being read as an audiobook, and I definitely recommend enjoying it that way. Lin Manuel Miranda's narration took the words of the page and completely immersed me in the world of Ari and D0ante. I'd be lying if I told you the reason I read this wasn't because Miranda was the narrator (he just happens to be my favourite human being. Ever). That aside, I can't form into words how magical this novel is.

I completely understand why it's won so many awards. It's powerful, and manages to be profound without becoming overly pretentious. Even though I can't relate to the two main characters on certain levels, I am beyond happy that this book exists. In terms of representation, this is the kind of book we need. Aristotle and Dante explores the themes of race and homosexuality, two things which are arguably underrepresented in YA at the moment. Books like this one are important, not just because it's a fantastic novel because it tells the stories of characters which don't normally get a voice.

“I got to thinking that poems were like people. Some people you got right off the bat. Some people you just didn't get--and never would get.”

Speaking of the characters, I bloody loved them. Aristotle and Dante both feel like real people, and the connection between them never felt as if it was fake. The supporting characters were just as great--I loved that family was an important theme, and that we got to know the parents of both characters as human beings, not just as 'mum' and 'dad'. They fleshed out the story and gave it its heart.

I can't quite give it five stars only because it took me a while to get through, partly because when I stopped listening I didn't feel a sense of urgency to continue the story. That aside, this is a beautiful novel that, in my opinion, everyone should read.

“I bet you could sometimes find all the mysteries of the universe in someone's hand.”

Review: A Room With a View by E.M. Forster

A ROOM WITH A VIEW BY E.M. FORSTER
Publisher: Penguin
Format: Paperback
Series: No
Pages: 221
Date Finished: 31.12.15
Rating: 3.5/5
Summary: "But you do," he went on, not waiting for contradiction. "You love the boy body and soul, plainly, directly, as he loves you, and no other word expresses it ..."

Lucy has her rigid, middle-class life mapped out for her until she visits Florence with her uptight cousin Charlotte, and finds her neatly ordered existence thrown off balance. Her eyes are opened by the unconventional characters she meets at the Pension Bertolini: flamboyant romantic novelist Eleanor Lavish, the Cockney Signora, curious Mr Emerson and, most of all, his passionate son George.

Lucy finds herself torn between the intensity of life in Italy and the repressed morals of Edwardian England, personified in her terminally dull fiancé Cecil Vyse. Will she ever learn to follow her own heart?

A Room With a View by E.M. Forster is a little novel that manages to tackle a great number of themes in its few pages. From the summary it may seem like a frivolous story surrounding a love triangle, but that is almost definitely not the case. Ultimately, it criticises the many flaws of society in 1908, it's date of publication, and presents many ideas that have significant merit, even today.

"I want you to have your own thoughts even when I hold you in my arms."

The novel follows Lucy Honeychurch, firstly during her holiday in Italy and secondly back at her home in Surrey. Essentially Lucy has to choose between George Emerson, a man considered beneath her in terms of class yet someone she could live a passionate life with, and Cecil Vyse, a wealthy yet generally boring and selfish man. There are definitely other aspects to the novel such as the elements of social critique and the cast of varied characters.

A Room With a View is a book I'm required to read for my A Levels. I'm not honestly sure that I would have picked it up otherwise, and whilst I am glad that I did I wouldn't be surprised if months of in depth analysis eventually kill it for me. I did quite like it, yet my general attitude towards Forster's novel isn't full of praise simply because I didn't fall in love with it. It is a great work of literature that can definitely be analysed in detail, but in terms of enjoyment it didn't blow me away.

“Life' wrote a friend of mine, 'is a public performance on the violin, in which you must learn the instrument as you go along.”

Perhaps the best element of the novel was Lucy herself. Starting out naive, Lucy's bildungsroman saw her develop as a character and by the end I would definitely call her progressive in terms of assertiveness and gender equality, something I enjoyed. She became honest and strong, and one of the final scenes between her and Cecil was just wonderful to read.

Cecil, one of the love interests, comes across as the kind of person that is just asking for for a punch in the teeth. He's dry, boring, sexist, controlling, and selfish, and as much as I dislike him that's exactly why he's a great character. He represents many of the flaws with the era, and contrasts against Lucy and George on many aspects. 

“No, he is not tactful, yet have you ever noticed that there are people who do things which are most indelicate, and yet, at the same time, beautiful?”

Whilst I definitely preferred George, and liked where his character was going, I felt like Forster didn't give us enough time to get to know him as a character. That's where I think the novel fell short for me--I wanted to truly see Lucy falling for him, not be told that she did. More depth from his character would make the romance work a lot better, and then I think I definitely would've pushed the rating up higher. I'm not saying that George is underdeveloped, but rather that I just wanted to see more of him.

Overall, this is an excellent novel that just failed to make me fall in love with it. In terms of the prose alone I would give it five stars, but I didn't enjoy it enough to warrant it that. That be said, I'm definitely looking forward to writing essays where I can rip apart Cecil for being a patriarchal idiot. That's always fun.

“Men were not gods after all, but as human and as clumsy as girls.”

Bedtime Book Tag!

Erin over at The Book Archive tagged me to do this at the beginning of December and I'm finally getting around to it. This tag is perfect for me, considering it's physically impossible for me to fall asleep before midnight and I spend most nights awake until ridiculous hours of the morning.

A BOOK THAT KEPT YOU UP ALL NIGHT

Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

This was one of those instances where I put the book down at 1 A.M, then picked it back up again five minutes later because I just had to finish it. 

A BOOK THAT MADE YOU SCARED TO SLEEP 

Can I pass on this one? I really don't get scared easily, and I honestly can't remember a time that a book has terrified me. 

A BOOK THAT MADE YOU GO TO SLEEP

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

I've never actually fallen asleep because of a book, though I read this last year and despite loving the Muppet version, it was honestly one of the most boring things I have ever read. I know so many people love it, but it definitely wasn't for me. 

A BOOK THAT LEFT YOU TOSSING AND TURNING ALL NIGHT IN ANTICIPATION OF ITS RELEASE

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Even though my love towards this series has diminished over time, I was beyond excited for its release. When my preorder arrived I couldn't have been happier. 

A BOOK THAT IS YOUR DREAM BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND SHIP OF TWO SEPARATE BOOKS

Hmm. I just don't ever end up shipping characters from different books together. Something about splitting up current couples or taking a character out of their world makes me uncomfortable. 

A BOOK THAT WOULD BE YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE TO LIVE IN

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

I know this is a weird answer, but I couldn't stand to live in the Victorian period. I would absolutely hate it. It's full of patriarchal oppression, sexism, poverty and classism. There is no way I would ever trade places with Jane. 

A BOOK THAT REMINDS YOU OF NIGHT TIME

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas

I know a lot of this book occurs at daytime, but when I think about it I always imagine Celaena creeping around at night. Midnight is in the title, after all. 

A BOOK THAT HAD A NIGHTMARISH CLIFFHANGER

The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

To say why this cliffhanger was bad would be to spoil the entire series, but oh my god I would've killed for a few more pages (or chapters).

A BOOK YOU ACTUALLY DREAMED ABOUT

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling

I've had multiple dreams about Harry Potter over the years. The one that sticks in my memory was where I was Voldemort's niece fighting in the Battle of Hogwarts. My brain does weird stuff sometimes. 

A BOOK MONSTER YOU WOULDN'T WANT TO FIND UNDER YOUR BED

The Woman in Black by Susan Hill

I don't really get scared by reading books, but if the woman in black appeared under my bed I'm pretty sure that I would be completely and utterly terrified. 

I can't think of anyone to tag, so feel free to do this tag if you want to! Thanks again to Erin for tagging me! 

2015: A Year in Review

2015 is over? Nope. I refuse to believe it. Come back in a few weeks and then we'll talk about new year.

In all seriousness, I can't believe that 2015 has come and gone. I've had a pretty good reading year, and although I haven't read as much as I wanted to in the latter half of the year (A Levels are slowly killing my soul) I did manage to read 66 books. Yay! Here's what that looks like broken down:

Books: 43

Graphic Novels: 2

Rereads: 21

According to Goodreads, this is what my stats for 2015 look like. 

Although a vast majority of the books I read this year were rereads (I actually read the Throne of Glass series twice this year), I'm pretty happy with all the books I got round to reading considering that it's been very busy. I don't know if I'll have more or less time in 2016, but either way I'm still looking forward to finding some amazing new books to read. 

2015 FAVOURITES

There have been so many great books that I've read this year and I couldn't possibly rank them all, so instead I've decided to choose a couple of categories and select a book for each. 

FAVOURITE BOOK OF 2015 

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas

FAVOURITE COVER OF 2015

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

BIGGEST SURPRISE OF 2015

Maya's Notebook by Isabel Allende

FAVOURITE NEW AUTHOR OF 2015

Sara Raasch (author of Snow Like Ashes)

 NON BOOKISH THINGS 

Here are a few of my favourite places/things/memories from 2015, including
my Hamilton/Buffy obsessions, prom, my trip to North Carolina and one of
my favourite albums!

So, 2015 is definitely over. Woah. I still can't process that properly. Still, all I can say now is that I hope you have a great 2016!

Things I'm Thankful For in 2015

I can't believe 2015 is over in less than two hours (I can believe that I have no New Years Eve plans aside from reading, however). So much has changed in the past twelve months and I'm struggling to work out how time has gone so fast. I've always hated New Years Eve because it makes me feel overly nostalgic. It has a sense of closure to it, and I just don't like it.

This year, I'm determined not to be so mopey. I'm not going to wallow in self pity or make resolutions that I definitely won't keep. Instead I'm hoping for an amazing 2016, and although this year hasn't been perfect I've still made lots of memories that I'll definitely look back on fondly. These are just some of the things that I'm grateful for in 2015.

STARTING MY BLOG

Okay, so technically my first blog post is dated 30th December 2014, and I know that there were a couple of earlier ones that I deleted. Even so, I began to frequently use this blog around April 2015 and that was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I know I've been absolutely hopeless at posting regularly these past few months, but because of this blog I've made so many great friends and read so many amazing books.

LEAVING BAD FRIENDS BEHIND

At the beginning of 2015, I had a completely different group of friends to the ones I have now. I'm not saying that they're bad people but they definitely weren't the right friends for me, and I was not the right friend for them. I felt like I had literally zero close friends and that majorly sucked. Most of my old friends went to a different place from me to do their A Levels, and in all honesty I'm not sad that we don't talk anymore. I feel so much better now I'm not surrounded by people I couldn't be myself with, and 2015 really was the year where I decided to let go of people who made my life worse rather than better.

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER 

I know that Buffy the Vampire Slayer is just a TV show and putting it on the list of things I'm thankful for is kind of trivial, but I honestly don't care. It's been just over six months since I cried my eyes out over the ending of Chosen, and I'm still just as obsessed with the show. Buffy is just one of those shows that made me care so deeply about the characters, has something important to say and  inspired my writing. Buffy, I love you.

MEETING MY FAVOURITE AUTHOR

Meeting Sarah J. Maas and getting my books signed was just amazing. I'm so grateful that I got the opportunity to meet her, and I hope that hers won't be the last book signing I get to go to.

PASSING MY GCSE'S

It's pretty self explanatory why I'm glad I did well in my exams. In all honesty I didn't revise as much as I should have (the night before my physics exam I decided to read the entirety of The Order of the Phoenix instead of doing revision) but thankfully I still got good grades. It's also such a relief to know I'll never have to study science or maths again.

MAKING NEW INTERNET FRIENDS

I'm so thankful for the wonderful people I've spoken to and the friends I've made in 2015, whether it be through Twitter or this blog. Where would I be without the conversations I've had on twitter with Erin and Rebekah? Internet people are honestly so great, and I'm grateful for every tweet and each and every blog comment.

MAKING NEW REAL LIFE FRIENDS 

Like I said earlier, I didn't start out 2015 with the best group of friends. I'm now ending it having people in my life who I can completely be myself around. I'm beyond thankful for the two people I met in my politics class who tolerate my weirdness, and the acquaintances from my old school who I've started to become close with. Surrounding myself with positive people is honestly one of the best things I've ever done.

LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA

As with Buffy, it may seem trivial to put Lin Manuel Miranda on this list. Considering how much I love and adore Hamilton, the word trivial doesn't come into the equation one bit. I've also fallen in love with In the Heights and 21 Chump Street, and can't wait to watch Moana (his next project). The obsession with Hamilton has also brought me closer to two of my friends, and that alone has made the tears worth it (I can't be the only one who cries over the last song. Lin also wrote music for The Force Awakens, so that's another reason to love him.

FALLING IN LOVE WITH BOOKS

It's not a surprise that there have been some wonderful books that I've read and loved this year. I'm grateful for each and every one of them. Queen of Shadows, Uprooted, Vicious, The Raven Boys, The Hero of Ages, The Wrath and the Dawn, Maya's Notebook... The list goes on and on.

I just want to say a final thank you to every person who made my 2015 memorable, and to the people who I can't wait to spend 2016 with. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Writing Music

It's no secret that I love to write and have done for as long as I can remember, but what I don't mention as often is how much I love/get inspired by music. Combining the two things, I wanted to talk about the music that I listen to when writing. This could be tracks that go well with a certain scene, or get me in the mind set of a particular character.

SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL BY THE ROLLING STONES

This one of my favourite songs and for some reason it helps me get into the mind of a couple of characters from my current WIP.

OUTRO BY M83
This track is absolutely fantastic. I feel like it sums up the arc of one of my characters perfectly.

WHISPERING WINDS BY JAMES HORNER

This is just so beautiful. Nothing more can be said.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON BY THE ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST OF HAMILTON

Hamilton is my new obsession. I am completely and utterly in love with the whole soundtrack despite the fact that I originally thought I'd hate it. The themes of the first track relate to one of my characters, and I'm also just using this as an excuse to talk about Hamilton. 

THE IMPERIAL MARCH BY JOHN WILLIAMS

I like to play this as entrance music for one of my characters. It's just so damn badass I can't even.

THE LARK ASCENDING BY VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

Again, I don't care that I have the same music taste as your grandma. I love writing to this.

THE PROMISE OF LIVING BY AARON COPLAND

I found about this track because Sarah J Maas said she listened to it when writing the end of The Assassins Blade and I completely understand why (ignore the video).

WALK THROUGH FIRE BY THE BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER CAST

I kid you not when I say that this song can reduce me to ugly tears. It completely breaks my heart, and that's why it's perfect to write to.

RIVERS AND ROADS BY THE HEAD AND THE HEART

This is another song that makes me cry, and for some reason I write better when I'm an emotional wreck.

Reading on a Budget

Books are expensive, especially if you want to keep up with new releases. I definitely have a book buying problem, but I also have very little money to spend on reading. Because of this I spend a lot of time trying to find cheap books and rarely buy them at full price. I thought I'd talk about how I try to get my books for as little as possible, and maybe one of the things on this list could help you too.

When I was a kid my dream wasn't to be a princess, but to have a library
like this. Nothing has changed.

THE LIBRARY

Libraries are amazing. If you want to know why, read this post that the wonderful Erin wrote back in September. If you don't have much money, they're the best place to go to get books. I understand that sometimes you really want to own a favourite book, but for me the library is my go to place for books I want but don't need. Besides, if you use and support your local library you're stopping it from closing, meaning that more and more people can read for free.

EBOOKS

EBooks are so much cheaper than regular books, and you don't have to pay for postage. The kindle store frequently reduces the price of books to just a couple of pounds, and you can even get a lot of books for free. I've started reading a lot more eBooks lately because of this. I know that buying a kindle is really expensive, but if you have a smartphone you can download the (free) kindle app and use that instead. Even though I do prefer reading physical books, I'm not going to turn down a better deal.

AMAZON MARKETPLACE

I use Amazon a lot, but 90% of the time I buy used books from their marketplace. Most of the time you can get a book in good condition for a fraction of Amazon's already cheaper price--there are so many books that you can get for a penny. I've saved so much money using this, even if you have to pay for postage. 

CHARITY SHOPS (E.G. OXFAM)

Otherwise known as thrift stores if you're American. The selection is limited but you can pick up used books for a couple of pounds. I bought a hardcover copy of The Book Thief for £2.50 from my local charity shop. It was in perfect condition. You have to be prepared to spend a while sifting through rubbish (I swear that most of the books in my local charity shop are either Fifty Shades of Grey or The Life of Pi) but there are always gems waiting to be found.

BORROWING BOOKS

I hate lending out books to someone unless I trust them not to damage it, but borrowing books from friends/family is a great way to read without spending any money at all. Besides, you then have someone to fangirl with. 

Review: The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

THE PENELOPIAD BY MARGARET ATWOOD
Publisher: Canongate BooksFormat: Paperback
Series: No
Pages: 199
Date Finished: 13.11.15
Rating: 4/5
Summary: Now that all the others have run out of air, it’s my turn to do a little story-making.

In Homer’s account in The Odyssey, Penelope—wife of Odysseus and cousin of the beautiful Helen of Troy—is portrayed as the quintessential faithful wife, her story a salutary lesson through the ages. Left alone for twenty years when Odysseus goes off to fight in the Trojan War after the abduction of Helen, Penelope manages, in the face of scandalous rumors, to maintain the kingdom of Ithaca, bring up her wayward son, and keep over a hundred suitors at bay, simultaneously. When Odysseus finally comes home after enduring hardships, overcoming monsters, and sleeping with goddesses, he kills her suitors and—curiously—twelve of her maids.

In a splendid contemporary twist to the ancient story, Margaret Atwood has chosen to give the telling of it to Penelope and to her twelve hanged maids, asking: “What led to the hanging of the maids, and what was Penelope really up to?” In Atwood’s dazzling, playful retelling, the story becomes as wise and compassionate as it is haunting, and as wildly entertaining as it is disturbing. With wit and verve, drawing on the story-telling and poetic talent for which she herself is renowned, she gives Penelope new life and reality—and sets out to provide an answer to an ancient mystery.

“Now that I am dead, I know everything.”

I'm currently studying Classical Civilisations for one of my A Levels, and a huge part of our course centres around Homer's The Odyssey. If you weren't aware, The Odyssey is an epic poem that follows the journey of Odysseus as he tries to make his way to Ithaca (his home) from the Trojan wars. To put it eloquently, he kills a lot of shit and shags his way around the Mediterranean.

Personally, I don't find Odysseus a very compelling character. Even though he yearns to get home to his wife Penelope, that doesn't stop him sleeping with at least two other woman (a witch and a nymph, no less). He's also rude, abrasive, selfish, arrogant and occasionally foolish. I understand that The Odyssey was written in a different era, but that doesn't change the fact that Odysseus still pisses me off. 

Maybe that's why I love The Penelopiad so much. It's a relatively simple story, retelling The Odyssey from the point of view of the woman Odysseus sought to return to: Penelope. Instead of focusing on the hero who killed monsters and men alike, it tells the story of a strong woman using her own wit to stop the advances of hundreds of suitors. It gives justice to the twelve maids that were cruelly murdered in The Odyssey for crimes that a modern day audience would barely batter an eyelid to. In short, The Penelopiad is as wonderfully feminist as it is enjoyable. 

“Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can't go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does.”

It is so wonderful to read a novel devoted to Penelope. She's one of my favourite characters in The Odyssey, however Atwood creates her into a well rounded and developed heroine. She's surprisingly sarcastic and sassy (which I just loved), yet still closely resembles the Penelope we're all familiar with. Every characterisation feels true to the original and I loved it. 

One of the best things about The Penelopiad is how Atwood interprets and adapts aspects of The Odyssey. Characters are given more agency, and certain situations are shown in a new light. 

"Odysseus was the guest of a goddess on an enchanted isle, said some; she'd turned his men into pigs -- not a hard job in my view."

If I have to give any criticism to The Penelopiad is that I don't think it would work very well on its own. It's more like a short companion to The Odyssey that presents the poem in a feminist 21st century perspective rather than a novel on it's own. There are wonderful references to The Odyssey however that do really enhance the narrative. 

I'm saving the best part about The Penelopiad till last. As much as I love The Odyssey, it bothers me a lot how the twelve maids are treated. Essentially I feel like it's unjust, wrong and downright disgusting. It makes the feminist in me want to punch someone. But not in The Penelopiad. The way Atwood handles it is just beautiful, and I am so, so glad this book exists. The fact that Melantho, one of my favourite characters in The Odyssey gets her own justification makes me so happy. 

"I had the highest confidence in him, and considered him to be a sea captain who could not fail."

If you've read The Odyssey you'll appreciate how bloody hilarious that last quote is.