The Iliad of Homer : Book Review

"The Iliad of Homer" is a remarkable retelling of the renowned Greek mythological tale, the Trojan War, skillfully crafted by author Barbara Leonie Picard. In this epic poem, she brings to life the conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans, set against the backdrop of the legendary city of Troy, while infusing her own storytelling style.

One of the highlights of Picard's rendition is her ability to capture the essence of the original narrative. Through her vivid prose, she breathes new life into the heroic characters like Achilles, Hector, and Odysseus. She delves into their inner thoughts and emotions, making them relatable and understandable to modern readers.

Moreover, what sets this retelling apart is Picard's exquisite attention to detail. Her descriptions transport readers to the battlefields of ancient Greece, allowing them to experience the horrors and grandeur of war firsthand. She paints a vivid picture of the Trojan War, not just focusing on physical battles, but also delving into the political intrigues and complex relationships between the characters.

Furthermore, Picard's retelling explores the timeless themes and moral dilemmas present in the original epic. Themes of honor, fate, loyalty, and the consequences of war are woven into the narrative. Through her nuanced portrayal of the characters, readers gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human condition and the choices individuals face in times of conflict.

Overall, "The Iliad of Homer" by Barbara Leonie Picard is a captivating adaptation of a well-known tale. The author's masterful storytelling and attention to detail make this ancient epic accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences. Whether readers are familiar with the original poem or new to the story, they are sure to be enthralled by this remarkable retelling.

What are readers saying?

Opinions on Barbara Leonie Picard's retelling of "The Iliad of Homer" are divided among readers. While some praised her attempt to make the classic epic more accessible, others raised concerns about the writing style and the omission of key elements from the original text.

Many readers appreciated Picard's efforts to cater to a wider audience with her retelling of "The Iliad." They commended her storytelling skills, noting that she was able to effectively capture the essence of the epic in a concise and engaging manner. For those who may find the original text overwhelming, the book served as a great introduction to the story of "The Iliad."

However, some readers expressed disappointment with Picard's retelling. They felt that her writing style lacked the poetic beauty and depth of the original work by Homer. Some reviewers found the language to be too simplistic and felt that it did not convey the same level of emotional intensity as the original epic. Additionally, the exclusion of certain key elements, such as the role of the gods, left some readers dissatisfied.

It is important to note that while Picard's retelling may not meet the expectations of those seeking a faithful adaptation of Homer's work, it does serve as a more accessible entry point for readers new to the epic. Many reviewers recognized the value of this retelling as a starting point for further exploration of the story, praising Picard for bringing a complex and ancient tale to a modern audience in a more digestible form.

Overall, opinions on Barbara Leonie Picard's retelling of "The Iliad of Homer" are divided. While some readers appreciated her concise storytelling and accessibility, others found her writing style lacking and missed certain key elements from the original epic. Those seeking a faithful adaptation of Homer's work may be left wanting, but those looking for an introductory version may find value in Picard's retelling.

TheIliad Homer AncientEpic