The Odyssey (Emily Wilson translation)

The Odyssey (Emily Wilson translation)

book

2018, Literature & Fiction, Poetry

WISE
78%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Homer's epic gets its first female translator—Wilson makes the ancient masterpiece sing in contemporary English without dumbing it down.

Amazon4.7
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

Wilson's Odyssey is a legitimate literary event—the first woman to translate Homer's epic in its 2,800-year history, and she absolutely nails it. This isn't some dusty academic exercise; it's genuinely readable, poetic, and swift-moving while staying faithful to the original.

The content is what it is: ancient epic poetry about war, violence, gods, monsters, and a complicated hero trying to get home. There's graphic violence, sexual situations, and a worldview where slavery and brutal vengeance are just part of the landscape. But that's why we read classics—to understand how humans have always grappled with loyalty, identity, homecoming, and what it costs to survive.

For high schoolers tackling this in class or curious teens who love mythology, this is THE translation to read. Wilson makes Homer accessible without dumbing him down. The audiobook narrated by Claire Danes is also fantastic for families with older teens.

Not for younger kids—save this for when they can handle mature themes and appreciate why a 3,000-year-old poem about a guy trying to get home still hits hard.

Age Fit

Best for high school students and adults (15+) who can handle mature themes and appreciate literary complexity. The violence and sexual content aren't gratuitous but are definitely present. Younger kids interested in Greek mythology should start with age-appropriate retellings, then graduate to Wilson's translation when ready for the real deal.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
62

Homer's epic contains graphic violence (cyclops eye-gouging, suitor massacre), sexual content (Circe, Calypso relationships), and morally complex situations. However, Wilson's translation handles these with literary dignity rather than gratuitousness. The core themes of loyalty, homecoming, and perseverance are emotionally resonant, though the ancient Greek worldview includes slavery, concubines, and brutal vengeance as normalized elements.

Imaginative
95

One of Western literature's foundational works of imagination—monsters, gods, magical islands, cunning disguises, and epic journeys. The Odyssey essentially invented the hero's journey template that powers modern storytelling. Wilson's contemporary idiom and iambic pentameter make the ancient poetry sing for modern readers while preserving Homer's swift narrative pace and vivid imagery.

Safe
58

Contains significant mature content: graphic violence (Polyphemus blinding, mass execution of suitors and disloyal servants), sexual situations (though handled with literary restraint), suicide (Ajax), and disturbing imagery (underworld scenes, Sirens luring sailors to death). This is not surprise content—readers know The Odyssey is an ancient war epic—but it's definitely not safe for young children to encounter unexpectedly. For teens reading it in context (especially with guidance), it's age-appropriate classic literature.

Enriching
96

Foundational text of Western literature that explores timeless themes: identity, homecoming, loyalty, the costs of war, hospitality, cunning vs. strength, and what it means to be human. Wilson's translation is the first by a woman, bringing fresh perspective to gender dynamics and power. The extensive notes, maps, and introduction provide rich historical context. This translation makes an ancient masterpiece genuinely accessible to modern readers while maintaining poetic beauty. Builds vocabulary, cultural literacy, and critical thinking about heroism, morality, and storytelling itself.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Genuinely readable translation that captures Homer's swift pacing and poetic beauty in modern idiom—finally, an Odyssey that doesn't feel like homework
  • Wilson's perspective as the first woman to translate it brings fresh insight to how the epic treats Penelope, Circe, and other female characters
  • Foundational text that explains half the references in modern culture—from 'Trojan horse' to 'Scylla and Charybdis' to every hero's journey ever written
  • Extensive introduction, maps, and notes make the Bronze Age world accessible without being condescending
  • Claire Danes narrates the audiobook version, which is spectacular for families who want to experience it together
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What to Watch For

  • Graphic violence throughout—eye-gouging, mass executions, war aftermath—handled with literary restraint but still intense
  • Sexual content (Odysseus with Circe and Calypso) and ancient gender dynamics that require context and discussion
  • Ancient Greek morality is foreign: slavery is normalized, vengeance is heroic, and the 'good guys' do brutal things by modern standards
  • Dense at 500+ pages with complex genealogies and god interventions—not a light beach read, requires engaged attention

Conversation Starters

  • "Odysseus is called 'the man of many tricks'—when is being clever and deceptive a good thing, and when does it cross a line?"
  • "Penelope waits 20 years for Odysseus while he's off having adventures (and relationships) with goddesses. How do you feel about that?"
  • "The suitors get brutally killed at the end—do they deserve it? What would justice look like in a modern version of this story?"
  • "Why do you think this 3,000-year-old story still matters? What makes it feel relevant today?"

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