43 pages • 1 hour read
The Penelopiad
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
198
Novel • Fiction
Ancient Greece • Mythological Timeless
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood is a 2005 novella narrated by Penelope, Odysseus’ wife, and her twelve hanged maids. It offers an alternate perspective on The Odyssey, providing depth to the traditionally one-dimensional characters of Penelope and her "deceitful" maids. Atwood interweaves different narrative forms, from Penelope in the underworld to a chorus of maids, exploring themes of gender and class disparities in mythology. This story includes themes of domestic violence and sexual coercion.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
81,480 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Margaret Atwood's The Penelopiad receives praise for its inventive take on Greek mythology, giving voice to Penelope and her maids. Critics commend Atwood's wit and the novel's modern sensibility. However, some feel the narrative lacks depth and the secondary characters are underdeveloped. Overall, it's a clever reimagining but may not satisfy those seeking a more complex story.
Who Should Read The Penelopiad?
A reader who would enjoy The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood is likely captivated by modern retellings of classical myths, feminist literature, and poetic prose. Comparable to fans of Madeline Miller's Circe and Pat Barker's The Silence of the Girls, they appreciate nuanced perspectives, particularly those highlighting women's voices within traditionally male narratives.
81,480 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
198
Novel • Fiction
Ancient Greece • Mythological Timeless
2005
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.