Secrets of the Starcrossed, which I received for review from NetGalley, is the first book in the Once and Future Queen series by Clara O’Connor. The novel is set in Londinium, in an alternate history in which the Roman Empire never fell and exists in an uneasy relationship with Celtic tribes beyond its walls. PrimarilyContinue reading “Book Review: Secrets of the Starcrossed by Clara O’Connor”
Author Archives: WhyHomer
Andromache’s Lament
“‘Husband, you are dead, gone from life too young, leaving me awidow in our halls! Our son, whom you and I, ill-fated parents,gave life to, is still but an infant, and I do not think he willreach manhood. Before that happens this city will be sackedfrom top to bottom, because you, its guardian, are dead,Continue reading “Andromache’s Lament”
Book Review: Lore by Alexandra Bracken
What qualities and elements do you like to see in ancient Greek myth retellings? Generally, I prefer modern settings that explore ancient themes and ideas to books that try to “reimagine” the ancient world. The latter can be extraordinarily difficult to pull off, as it requires a willingness to enter into the ancient world seekingContinue reading “Book Review: Lore by Alexandra Bracken”
Odysseus’ three timeless words
τέτλαθι δή, κραδίη—Odyssey 20.18 I’ve shared often these three words, rendered as Odysseus’ rallying cry to himself after he returns to Ithaca and prepares to battle the suitors, as I find them so resonant, especially in these strange days we are living through. What I find neat about them is how similarly they’re translated acrossContinue reading “Odysseus’ three timeless words”
Book Review: City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda
What qualities do you like to see in middle grade novels? As with any novel, I like to see a thought-provoking premise that is executed thoughtfully in the narrative and compelling characters. Often when I read middle grade novels, I’m reading not only for my own enjoyment but also to determine whether I would recommendContinue reading “Book Review: City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda”
Why do we remember?
“For Mnemosyne, who rules over the hillsof Eleutherai, bore the Muses, in Pieria, after sleeping with the sonof Kronos, to be a respite from evil and a cessation of sorrow.”—Theogony by Hesiod, translated by Barry Powell I love this conceptualization of memory’s children as a balm for human sorrows, the idea that memory can inspireContinue reading “Why do we remember?”
Penelope’s dream in the Odyssey
“But come, hear this dream of mine, and interpret it for me:I had twenty geese round the house, they came up from the waterand I fed them on wheat: the sight of them warmed my heart.But down from the mountain swooped a great eagle, with curved beak,broke all their necks and killed them. They layContinue reading “Penelope’s dream in the Odyssey”
The Odyssey’s Ino as hero
“But the daughter of Cadmus, Ino of the beautiful ankles, saw him, that, Leucothea, who formerly was a mortal of human speech, but now in the depths of the sea has won a share of honor from the gods. She was touched with pity for Odysseus, as he wandered beset with troubles, and she roseContinue reading “The Odyssey’s Ino as hero”
Thoughts on translation, part 2
“ό τι καλόν φίλον αεί.”Bacchae 881, 901 I’ve read this line from Euripides’ Bacchae translated into English three very different ways: Gregory Nagy: “Whatever is beautiful is near and dear forever.”Emily Wilson: “We always want the best.”Robin Robertson: “Honor is everything.” If you know the Greek words, Wilson’s and Robertson’s translations can seem out there,Continue reading “Thoughts on translation, part 2”
Fate and Choice in the Theban Plays
“Apollo, friends, Apollo—he ordained my agonies—these, my pains on pains!But the hand that struck my eyes was mine,mine alone—no one else—I did it all myself!” —Oedipus Tyrannus 1467-71, trans. Robert Fagles Who (if any) is your favorite ancient playwright? I’ve tended to favor Euripides and overlook Sophocles, possibly because of a traumatic elementary school memoryContinue reading “Fate and Choice in the Theban Plays”