Brooding over the entrance to the Chicago Red Line station is a figure straight out of antiquity. A replica Trojan horse guards the entrance to the subway, just one of the many amazing displays brought to Chicago by the Field Museum's new exhibit, The Greeks. A journey through 5,000 years of history, myth and craftsmanship, The Greeks weaves a vivid tapestry for history lovers of all ages. Here at CPL, we've unearthed some titles for you to enjoy as you embark on an Odyssey of your own making.
The Song of Achilles is a retelling of Homer's The Iliad, told from the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles' friend, brother-in-arms and eventual lover. Both a war story and a romance, The Song of Achilles humanizes one of mythology's greatest heroes, tempering Achilles's harsh bluster with Patroclus' insight and idealism. As these two legends come to shape each other, the war for Troy marches endlessly on to the inevitable doom of cities and heroes. A unique take on a classic tale, as sharp and brilliant as a well-placed arrow.
The Song of Achilles is available in alternate formats.
The Penelopiad revisits another classic, approaching The Odyssey from the perspective of Penelope, the shrewd and chronically underestimated wife of Odysseus. Penelope gives the reader a behind-the-scenes look at the events following the Trojan war, challenging many of the myths that grew up around her husband. A cunning leader who always seems to out-think her adversaries, Penelope holds her house together against the scheming, blundering suitors who would bring her to ruin. A novel certain to give you a new hero to root for.
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