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Upcoming Release Of The Odyssey In Theatre Makes Classic Literature More Appealing: Explore Here 5 Novels That Tell Epic Stories

Christopher Nolan's ‘The Odyssey based on Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem will hit the Indian theatres on July 17th, but such a retelling without paying homage to classic literature would be a missed opportunity, here are 5 picks of classic novels to read before you watch The Odyssey on 17th of July.

The Odyssey
The Odyssey

Homer’s epic saga of The Odyssey has found its adaptation on the big screen, directed by Christopher Nolan which is soon going to release in India on the 17th of July. Before watching the film we recommend you to read about some of the best classic literature, some that are related to The Odyssey and some that have a theme to offer to get the emotional depth of the story. These novels have long been the source of inspiration for retellings and different adaptations making them really interesting to read and enjoy. 

The Resurgence Of Classics: What 'The Odyssey' In Theatre Means For Literature

This is not the first time that a classic novel has found its way to becoming the inspiration for a major motion picture, it has happened before and is a resurgence of sorts that roots us to our past. Retellings of such epic stories keeps them alive and not just restricted to academic discussions. 

The Odyssey in theatres especially by a famous director like Christopher Nolan gives it more status and makes watching it an anticipation for many, for the cinematography to the storytelling of Nolan is like that of an Auteur, mimicking a style that is one of a kind hard to replicate and easy to identify, but before you watch the cinema reading some classic novels would be rewarding for better understanding. 

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01

Unabridged Classic

The Iliad

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Before getting into the plot of The Odyssey, reading the Iliad will be the smart way to know the context of what has happened. It is about the final year of the Trojan war and depicts some of the major moments of the entire ordeal that have consequences to know of later on. This classic novel is even of a context to read about The Odyssey does not cover the war but starts from the middle of it. 

Influence of the Olympian Gods also plays the role of catalyst of trigger point throughout the book. This classic novel is a hefty read one that would require a lot of attention but this attention will at the end be worth it. 

Penguin Select Classics: The Iliad: (Original, Unabridged Classic)

₹179.00

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02

Hardbound Collector's Edition

The Odyssey

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The plot of The Odyssey is an adventurous tale, one that would feel like an edge of the seat read, reading this before you watch the film will be a more enriching experience, you will be able to spot the difference if any taken by the makers of the film. This originally is an epic Greek poem written in the ancient times yet a masterpiece of a tale that is still getting its retelling and rehashing even today after centuries. 

This edition by Penguin Select Classics has spray end pages and a decorative cover which makes the book a collector’s edition to have. It can be a gift for others or one for self-gifting as well if you appreciate classic literature. 

Penguin Select Classics: The Odyssey: (Original, Unabridged Classic, Premium Hardbound Collector's Edition, Ideal for Gifting)

₹250.00

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03

A Modern Retelling

The song of Achilles

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Written by Madeleine Miller, this book The Song Of Achilles is from the perspective of Patroclus, it begins with his journey alone from being the exiled prince to becoming the trusted aid of Achilles, a legend. The plot of the book tracks the relationship between the two and the many challenges that they face. A thick tale of betrayal, friendship, trust and love is what this complex novel offers. It is so enriching a text that would keep readers engaged in the story and its countless retellings. 

If reading a hefty classic novel can be a little tough for your taste in just a matter of less than a week before The Odyssey hits the theatre then this book is all you need to have at hand for getting some context, if not all but some. 

The song of Achilles (Certified reading)

₹395.00

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04

New Anniversary Edition

Circe

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Written by the same author Madeleine Miller the story of this book follows the tale of Circe who is a witch, and the daughter of the Sun god Helios. The witch Circe falls in love with Odysseus and what follows is a story marred with unexpected twists and turns. The book is one of the most popular reads by the author after The song of Achilles. All of these are based on ancient literature and even if it does not strictly adhere to the classic novel category it is based on it. 

Any story be it a follow up, a prequel or anything that has to do with the plot of The Odyssey will be a welcoming read to engage with before you watch the film. You can also choose to read this after watching the film if need be. 

Circe: The No. 1 Bestseller from the author of The Song of Achilles (High/Low): The stunning new anniversary edition from the author of international bestseller The Song of Achilles

Rs. 638

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05

Retelling From Penelope

The Penelopiad

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This book by Margaret Atwood is a retelling of The Odyssey from the perspective of Penelope and her twelve maids who were hanged and killed by Odysseus. The book is a haunting plot that women in large will be able to read and relate with. It is an interesting read for those who are interested in the entire Odyssey storyline, its after before and every surrounding echo. 

This book is not a classic novel rather a modern take and a retelling but important for a lot of reasons, the intersection of feminism with an old tale of tragedy thick with injustices of magnified strength. Choosing this as a read before you watch Nolan’s The Odyssey will be an equally intriguing experience. 

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The Penelopiad

₹565.00

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Faq's

Is reading a book necessary before watching its film adaptation?

Not necessarily at all, but what this provides is a better context and more drawn and understandable experience, you would know what type of creative liberties a filmmaker has taken if they have that is, and thus how much they have deviated from the original text , while watching the film.

Is The Odyssey film going to be a series of cinema?

This is not yet known or confirmed, The Odyssey is yet to be released in theaters in India and will start from the 17th of July. Whether this one film will have other parts or not following it is still not known or a public knowledge yet.

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