A great book if you want to read the Odyssey, but in easier language than most translations, with some of the less relevant parts taken out. I’d recommend reading the notes after each chapter (instead of at the end, as I did), as they provide good background information and detail what was changed or left out. Perfect as a first foray into Homer’s Odyssey.
Some parts felt a little bit like they could have also been left out as they seemed less relevant - I don’t know if that’s because other parts were taken out and some context was missing or because I just missed some general knowledge.

Thanks to Troubador and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this review copy.

Thank you to Troubadour for the ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A long time fan of Homer's Odyssey, I was intrigued by this take on the epic poem. This is not a direct translation of The Odyssey, but perhaps best described as Chris' Odyssey, or even Chris' Homer Odyssey (a naming convention reminiscent of a well-known steak house) symbolizing that this is a retelling of the story for a new audience. This is essentially an adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey out of poetical form and into a more direct, succinct narrative form.

The pacing of Tryhorn's story is wonderful; he shaves off minor storylines (for example, a few of Odysseus' conversations with the dead) in order to best help the reader trace the primary and secondary characters necessary to the tale. I found this to be a wise choice.

While I wouldn’t recommend this in lieu of Homer's epic poem (of which there are multiple great translations), if a reader is hesitant to pick up the original, I think this could be a stepping stone into the story in the same way that children’s books or other abridged editions connect readers to the greater story in accessible ways.

There have been many different translations or versions of the epic Greek poem “Homer’s Odyssey” which are intended to either introduce new readers to the classic or to reinspire readers who have read the classic say in high school as required reading.

In Chris Tryhorn’s version, readers get to experience the masterpiece which is the story of Odysseus, a man who made a choice fighting in the Trojan War and survived.

The book is formatted into chapters (24) each representing what “book” they appear in the poem and has some less relevant parts omitted which helps to streamline the story and keeps the plot progressing.

If you enjoy heavily Greek driven mythology, stories about bravery, resiliency and overcoming challenges check out Homer’s Odyssey.

Thank you to publisher (Troubadour Publishing), author Chris Tryhorn via NetGalley for this opportunity to read this an eARC. Released July 17, 2026 which coincides with Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” movie.

Looking forward to seeing the movie and seeing how Hollywood envisions this epic adventure.

Eminently readable🙂🏛

I thought I knew the Odyssey but learned a good bit extra from this very reader friendly Chris Tryhorn prose translation. I thought Odysseus's twenty year trek from Troy to Ithaca and the many obstacles to his return to his kingdom were the bulk of Homer's epic followup to The Iliad. The sections about Telemachus, Odysseus's son, his wife Penelope and her many treacherous suitors took up much more of the tale than I had anticipated and I was surprised to find humor in everyone telling Penelope to go take a bath (I guess that was the yoga or chill pill of the time for women!).

Glad I read it. For readers a bit leery about studying the work, this takes the worry away and keeps the heroes, villains and interfering gods, the adventure and rituals built into Greek society of the era.

Thanks to Troubador and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Review shared on August 9 on Goodreads, Bookbub, kobo and Google Play.

Thank you Troubador and Chris Tryhorn for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

When I saw how long this book was I knew this was not a true translation of Homer’s Odyssey. Chris Tryhorn’s creates a version of this tale that is light and readable. He gives a bare bones account. Tryhorn has taken out the "fluff", for lack of a better word, and kept the structure of the story. If you are new to epic tales and mythology this is an excellent gateway into that world.

Homer’s Odyssey is a story about Odysseus and his voyage home after the Trojan War. During his journey home he encounters many obstacles including monsters, magic, and gods.

There are notes at the end of the book to provide background knowledge of places, gods and goddesses, mythical creatures, and the relationships in the story. This is a nice addition for those who aren’t as versed or familiar with this story.

the book itself is good. it tells the story of it all, it's not impressive, but it's good for anyone who didn't have the chance to read the original text. I encourage anyone to read Homer written by Homer himself!