The Story of Penelope (Now, everyone else has turned to dust and ashes, it's my turn to say something): (Now, everyone else has turned to dust and ashes, it's my turn to say something)

Author: Margaret Atwood
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-11-01
Features: Listen to the great masters retelling myths. "Nobel Prize candidate, Queen of Canadian Literature," Margaret Atwood's new work, launched globally, jointly created by more than ten Nobel Prize winners in Literature, Booker Prize winners, and best-selling authors, creating a miracle in the international publishing world. "The Re-Telling of Myths" is the first global cross-border publishing collaboration project initiated by British Canongate Publishing, involving well-known publishing houses from over 30 countries and regions in the UK, US, China, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, etc. European media called it a miracle in the international publishing world. "So far, the participating authors of the entire book include Nobel Prize winners in Literature, Booker Prize winners, and best-selling authors such as Kenzaburō ōe, Margaret Atwood, Chinua Achebe, José Saramago, Toni Morrison, Umberto Eco, and Chinese writer Su Tong. Chongqing Publishing House is the only participating institution of the "The Re-Telling of Myths" project in mainland China. Upon our recommendation, the renowned Chinese writer Su Tong has been invited to join the project to write "The Re-Telling of Myths: China Edition."
In Homer's epic The Odyssey, Penelope, Odysseus's wife and the beautiful Helen's cousin, appears as a model of unwavering fidelity to her husband, and her deeds have become a textbook for instructing women across the ages. After Helen was abducted, Odysseus immediately embarked on his journey to Troy, which lasted for twenty years. During this time, Penelope alone dealt with all the rumors and slander, managed the affairs of the kingdom of Ithaca, raised her stubborn and unruly son, and resisted the advances of over one hundred suitors. When Odysseus finally returned home after enduring countless dangers, defeating various demons, and escaping the beds of numerous goddesses, he killed all the suitors and did not spare the twelve maidservants around his wife.
Margaret Atwood skillfully adapts this ancient story, giving the narrative voice to Penelope and her twelve hanged maidservants, and asks: What force pushed the maidservants to the gallows? What role did Penelope play in the events?
In Atwood's dazzling and masterful retelling, the story becomes filled with wisdom and compassion, both vivid and thought-provoking. It is a work interwoven with talent and passion. Atwood, with her renowned gift for storytelling and poetry, gives Penelope a new life and a sense of realism, while also providing an answer to an ancient mystery.