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MN Readalong : Homer’s The Odyssey in 2026

292 replies

EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 31/12/2025 14:16

Proposing 2 chapters a month so for January

  1. Athene Visits Telemachus
  2. The Debate In Ithaca

Convening at the end of each month

Everyone welcome!

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8
IsThisLifeNow · 31/12/2025 22:18

Good evening! Thanks for the invite, I'd love to join!

Going for a mix of audio book and penguin classic I think, looking forward to starting

RufustheFactuaIReindeer · 31/12/2025 22:18

I kept telling myself that I had to read The Iliad first

yeah keep ignoring that voice, i have the iliad but haven’t started it. Have just ordered the odyssey though…

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EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 31/12/2025 19:14

Benvenuto · 31/12/2025 18:49

It’s a great username @EineReiseDurchDieZeit(& like the sound of the programme - good argument for getting Netflix).

It’s easily my favourite TV series of all time.

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AgualusasL0ver · 31/12/2025 18:57

It transpires I have the audio read by Ian McKellan though I cannot see who the translator is, also appear to have The Great Courses series for The Odyssey, so when not listening to the book I can listen to the lectures - keep me in the zone. I kept telling myself that I had to read The Iliad first but I am going to ignore that little voice. I've also got the Penguin Rieu translation in paperback so maybe it is actually fate.

Benvenuto · 31/12/2025 18:49

It’s a great username @EineReiseDurchDieZeit(& like the sound of the programme - good argument for getting Netflix).

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EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 31/12/2025 18:16

No problem Rufus !

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RufustheFactuaIReindeer · 31/12/2025 18:10

Im in..please and thank you

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EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 31/12/2025 17:56

AgualusasL0ver · 31/12/2025 17:50

I’m tentatively in, as mention of audio has made me think that is perhaps the way to go if I’m not to fail miserably over committing to readalongs.

I’ve just got the Clare Danes audio but I’m not sure if it’s abridged because it’s only just over 13 hours. I will probably mix listening and reading. I usually fail at readalongs but I can’t this time because I’m the OP!

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AgualusasL0ver · 31/12/2025 17:50

I’m tentatively in, as mention of audio has made me think that is perhaps the way to go if I’m not to fail miserably over committing to readalongs.

MamaNewtNewt · 31/12/2025 17:48

Ah of course! I remember the book just not that it was your user name.

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EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 31/12/2025 17:44

MamaNewtNewt · 31/12/2025 17:42

I don’t remember the book being in Dark @EineReiseDurchDieZeit but I love that series too. It’s be of the best things I’ve seen in recent years.

Without any spoilers, it’s the storyline with the guy who works in the shop. He’s the official author but it’s paradoxical.

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MamaNewtNewt · 31/12/2025 17:42

I don’t remember the book being in Dark @EineReiseDurchDieZeit but I love that series too. It’s be of the best things I’ve seen in recent years.

RomanMum · 31/12/2025 17:42

Thanks @EineReiseDurchDieZeit, I’m in please! I bought the Rieu translation for my degree in the 90s and haven’t got round to reading it yet 😁. It’s a battered 1945 edition but the chapters seem to be the same as yours.

AndresyFiorella · 31/12/2025 17:33

Ooh I'm interested! Need to decide which version to get

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EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 31/12/2025 17:30

LOL Grin

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FinallyHere · 31/12/2025 17:26

Ah, soz. Congratulations on your GCSE

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EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 31/12/2025 17:24

FinallyHere · 31/12/2025 17:13

This is great. I’m in. Thank you @EineReiseDurchDieZeit

ps interesting username , do you really?

RE : Username

It’s the name of the book in the German TV series DARK on Netflix which I absolutely love.

I got a B in German at GCSE and can’t remember much of it now.

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ÚlldemoShúl · 31/12/2025 17:15

I’m in. I have the Emily Wilson both in text and audio. Will be a reread for me (but different translation- think I read Fagles before) so will enjoy the chat about it.

FinallyHere · 31/12/2025 17:13

This is great. I’m in. Thank you @EineReiseDurchDieZeit

ps interesting username , do you really?

JustPlainStanfreyPock · 31/12/2025 17:12

Hi there, I'd like to join in too please - read bits (can't remember which!) of the Odyssey almost in archaic times when I was doing Ancient Greek O and A level at school. Think I still have my trusty Penguin translation, currently inaccessible in the bookcase behind the Christmas tree. Should be liberated in time for the read along.

Very much enjoyed Madeline MIller's Circe, and seeing the Odyssey's crew and captain's visit from her point of view.

DuPainDuVinDuFromage · 31/12/2025 17:04

Thank you @EineReiseDurchDieZeit ! Checking in 😊

Benvenuto · 31/12/2025 16:56

I’m in (but watching comments on the translation to help me decide which one).

Stowickthevast · 31/12/2025 16:41

I'm in! Although the chapters may vary in length, the subject matter should be the same as the original is very episodic. We did chapter 4 I think at school for Greek GCSE about a hundred year's ago. I may buy Emily Wilson.

Fitzcarraldo353 · 31/12/2025 16:34

Ooh I love Homer's Odyssey. I studied it for both my Leaving Certificate (I'm Irish) and my degree. Can't WAIT for the Christopher Nolan film to come out!

I probably won't join the read along as I'm just starting something else but commenting to place mark in case I change my mind.

Enjoy it! And listen to Natalie Haynes Stands up for The Odyssey podcast for a 30 mins speed-retelling

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EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 31/12/2025 16:31

ShackletonSailingSouth · 31/12/2025 16:26

@SerendipityJanei have the Emily Wilson on audio, recommend. Read by Clare Danes.

How very interesting! I’m keen!

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