"The Odyssey" by Gareth Hinds

Image Courtesy of: http://www.graphicnovelreporter.com/sites/default/files/odyssey_0.jpg

Bibliographic Citation

Title: The Odyssey

Author/Illustrator: Gareth Hinds

Year of Publication: 2010

Publisher City: Somerville

Publisher: Candlewick Press

ISBN: 9780763642662

Author/Illustrator Website: http://www.thecomic.com/

Media Used for Artwork: Pencil, Watercolor

Fiction Graphic Novel

Copyright 2010/2011

Awards

·         Kirkus Reviews Best YA Books of the Year

·         American Library Association’s Great Graphic Novels for Teens nominee

·         Kids Indie Next List

·         The Horn Book Starred Review

·         Booklist Starred Review

Annotation

A graphic novel adaption of Homer’s epic poem “The Odyssey” in which we follow Odysseus’ journey and his many adventures to reach his home of Ithaca and his wife, Penelope.

Personal Reaction

                It is clear that Hinds did his research when it came to adapting the epic tale of Odysseus.  At the end of the novel he discusses the different translations he used as reference when writing the graphic novel version, making this a rather accurate interpretation.

                This novel will work well for older readers because it lays out a complicated story in a way that they can follow.  For example, the story begins with Telemachus’ journey instead of his father’s.  This helped to set an understanding of the actions of all of the characters.  Also, the common themes become more apparent in this version instead of being lost in the poetic language that is found in other versions.

                The illustrations have a rawness to them that was given because of the work with the pencil.  It adds to the grittiness of the battles and also the moments at sea where Odysseus and his crew fight against the waves.  The colors chosen were muted with browns, adding an age to them, making it almost feel as if the graphic novel was written a long time age.  The aged affect reminders a reader of the fact that “The Odyssey” has been told for a very long time and it still endures.  One of my favorite characterizations of Hinds is from how he draws the gods.  They are drawn with one color instead of several colors like the mortals.  For example, Athena is blue.  So when she is ever in the novel she stands out from the rest, showing her authority as a goddess.

Curriculum: Grade 9 English: “The Odyssey” is a requirement for students to read in this grade.  This graphic novel version is a good addition to reading the other version chosen for the class.  This version is written in modern terminology so students can pick up on things that they may have missed in other versions.  The addition of the illustrations can help them to visualize what occurs during Odysseus adventures.  The graphic novel can reinforce the story for students to help with interpreting.