Waiting for Odysseus by Clemence McLaren was a surprisingly entrancing read. Within the first few pages I was hooked. I never thought any book about Greek Mythology could be so endearing. It starts off telling the story about a girl Penelope who loved this boy Odysseus. To her his was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Like most amazing love story their love was somewhat forbidden. So that's why when they were finally able to be together I felt like everything was right in the world. I

Waiting for Odysseus by Clemence McLaren was a surprisingly entrancing read. Within the first few pages I was hooked. I never thought any book about Greek Mythology could be so endearing. It starts off telling the story about a girl Penelope who loved this boy Odysseus. To her his was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Like most amazing love story their love was somewhat forbidden. So that's why when they were finally able to be together I felt like everything was right in the world. I was obsessed with their story and what would happen next. I loved Odysseus, I loved Penelope, and I loved them together. So that's why when Odysseus was sent to a war he wasn't intended to return from my heart broke. The rest of this book goes on to tell the journey Odysseus has to take in hopes of once again returning to his home Ithaca and to his dear sweet Penelope.

As I stated before I loved Penelope more than anything and I was absolutely obsessed with her story. So I wasn't too fond of having to switch gears and read about a girl I didn't know or care about. Even more so I was upset at Odysseus for taking on this women Circe as his lover. Although whether or not he is a cheater is not clear to me. After Circe story is told the book goes on to tell Athena's story and her role in this whole adventure. I absolutely love Athena, seeing as she does whatever she can to make sure Odysseus can make it home. This includes mentoring his son Telemachus who was just a young boy when his father left for his almost never ending journey home. The book ends telling the story of Eurycleia , a servant who basically raised him and his son.

Overall I think this is a great book and a better pick for anyone wanting to learn about Odysseus' journey home after the Trojan War. I feel like this could be a good pick for girls because there is always the underlying tone of romance. It shows how much Odysseus loves Penelope each time he puts up a fight to make his way home. This would also be a good read for boys because there is a lot of action going on in Odysseus' adventures. There is also not too much romance to where it would be a turn off. This book will keep you intrigued and leave you rooting for Odysseus as read about his long journey home.