The Odyssey

By: Homer, Robert Fagles - translator

Narrated by: Ian McKellen

Length: 13 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

The Odyssey is literature's grandest evocation of every man's journey through life. In the myths and legends that are retold here, the energy and poetry of Homer's original is captured in a bold, contemporary idiom, giving us an edition of The Odyssey that is a joy to listen to, worth savoring and treasuring for its sheer lyrical mastery.

This audiobook is sure to delight both the classicist and the general listener and to captivate a new generation of Homer's students.

(P) and ©1996 Penguin Books USA Inc.

Critic reviews

"To re-create a world where everything is living...is very nearly as difficult as to create it. Fagles does this with triumphant assurance; every arrowhead flashes lightning, every bush burns; Homer is with us." (James Dickey)

"It's a deeply satisfying experience to listen to McKellen's subtle, resonant voice weave the story. Cherish the images as the web of this great tale is woven before the eyes of the mind." (AudioFile)

Great story and performance; inconsistent playback

Sir Ian McKellen does a wonderful job working through Fagle’s translated version of Homer’s classic story. The adventures of Odysseus are brought to life in all of their grandeur. The second half is by far the most entertaining, leading to a bold and bloody climax that would make George R. R. Martin proud.

My only real complaint was the widely inconsistent playback from “chapter” to “chapter”. Obviously the Audible version was copied from previous analog tape or CD recordings that were limited in their playback length. There is a melody that plays at the end of such transitions and this doesn’t always coincide with the end of a particular book. The troublesome part about this is that when the next section plays there is a noticeable change in the volume of Sir McKellen’s voice and/or playback speed. I would have to adjust the volume on my stereo or Audible app, and occasionally adjust playback speed on the Audible app. Not a huge problem, per se, but worth noting nonetheless.

Really helped with World Lit course

If you could sum up The Odyssey in three words, what would they be?

Long, Interesting, Difficult

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Odyssey?

When Odysseus and his cronies slaughter Penelope's suitors.

What does Ian McKellen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ian's voice brought the characters to life. He eliminated the need to sound out words I did not recognize and made the repetitiveness of the text more bearable.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I had to because I was given two days to read it.

Great Read

Great read by Ian McKellen.

The music is very annoying between some chapters. Other than that, a great great read.

Sir McKellen's telling of Odyssey is stupendous.

A great joy to hear Homer's epic tale as the poet meant it to be told, spoken not read. Sir McKellen's eyes must've burned bright bringing Odysseus's tale to life. A hearty Well Done.

Truly Epic

This is the great tale that initiated the meaning of the word "epic" and it is truly an inspiring story. It is worth reading and re-reading. Telling and re-telling. The audio has a few low points in quality, and McKellen lends a powerful tone to many places of the tale. The only point where his skill flags a bit, is when representing female characters. His voice does not alter much at all. A minor detail, but one that was noticeable and mildly disorienting occasionally.

Overall, this work, this translation, and this performance are all incredible and worth every moment.

Beautiful classic

I have to reread this again some day. Classic you have to read at least once in your lifetime

Great Book! Great Narrator

I got this book for a class and listened to the whole thing only to find out it was the wrong translation, but I greatly enjoyed Ian McKellen's wonderful reading voice!

Loud tone at end of chapters ruined it. Very sad.

The great voice acting was marred by that horrid tone. Such a shame. Other than that it was very good.

Awesome book read by a great actor!

The Odyssey is a fantastic story and to have Sir Ian McKellen read is a real treat!

Really good!!!

Sir Ian MccKellan does a masterful job at telling the story! This is highly recommended.