The Odyssey

By: Homer, A. T. Murray - translator

Narrated by: Charlton Griffin

The Odyssey is the greatest adventure story ever written, and one of the great epic masterpieces of Western literature For almost 3,000 years, it has been a storehouse of ancient Greek folklore and myth. It is also our very first novel, if we think of it in terms of romantic plot development, realistic characterizations, frequent change of scene, and heroic dramatic devices. These elements continue to make it far more popular than its kindred piece, The Iliad. No other character in world literature has inspired as many literary works as Odysseus ("Ulysses" in Latin).

The story concerns an incident in the Trojan War and the difficulties of its hero, Odysseus, as he attempts to reach his home. Although possessing courage, stamina and power, it is his powerful mind that ultimately enables him to reach his destination and slay his adversaries. Odysseus is the very model of the worldly, well-traveled, persevering man. With his diplomacy, quick wit, and shrewd resourcefulness, he survives one catastrophe and set-back after another.

Public Domain (P)2010 Audio Connoisseur

The original homecoming story

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

seminal, relevant, human

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

Most of the famous scenes often depicted in dramatic retellings take up but a small part of the text That may disappoint many, but take heart, The most memorable parts involve the characterization, timeless themes, and how relatable the characters remain across nearly three millennia. Their world and customs are ages removed, and yet the humanity which we all share make it a riveting tale even today.

Have you listened to any of Charlton Griffin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I started with The Iliad. Griffin's a one-man narration machine, having both the timbre, gravitas, and British accent an American like me has come to expect as the quintessential sound of Classical literature.

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

It will take multiple sittings. I recommend spreading them out so you can reflect on the richness and themes of the prose. As Edmund Burke said, reading without reflecting is like eating without digesting.

Any additional comments?

I won't feign pretension and say that my attention span wasn't strained at times or that my mind didn't wander (hence my recommendation that you space out your listenings). However, eating healthy food takes discipline; so, too, does consuming cultural victuals. It might not taste good at the time, but your health will be better for it. Tastes should be cultivated, and the proof is in the reading.

Great work ruined by narration

Would you be willing to try another one of Charlton Griffin’s performances?

I like the musical interludes and the sound effects and I love the book. The reason I am giving it a low mark is because of the narrator. The way he voices female characters is borderline offensive and profoundly irritating. I had to stop halfway because of this. They all sound cutesy and girlish, regardless of whether they are deities, old or young, which is I guess how this narrator imagines all women talk. I have a couple of other books narrated by Griffin and I think he is pretty good and easy to follow, otherwise. But this one is simply atroceous.Word of advice on all male narrators who are tempted to use a higher pitched voice to impersonate women - DON'T. It is offensive and very distracting.

classic tales of sea and myth

listened 2x, good readers, story of adventure of sailing the Mediterranean sea, endurance, love and war. Gods and goddesses of ancient times mix it up a bit. Goodness prospers.

My Favorite Odyssey

Audible didn't mention who the translator was but when I input the first line into Google I found it linked to Augustus Taber Murray on Wikipedia.

I have been trying to find for years a version of the Odyssey that I liked as much as I do most translations of the Iliad. In this reading of an obscure translation, which I listened to while I was working, I finally found what I wanted. I love action and fantasy and I had always thought that was the best reason to read this work. This time, I was more impressed by the character of the heroes and their women: their code of honor, their hospitality and generosity, their adaptability to the decrees of fate or the operation of chance, their competitiveness, their cruelty to men, women, and children, their loyalties and betrayals. I've read that the Odyssey was the first great adventure story but I think one could say that it was the first psychological novel.

Charlton Griffin was terrific when he read the narration and the men's voices. I always imagined that Homer's warriors spoke like this. He wasn't at all convincing when doing the women's voices. I wish Audio Connoisseur had used a woman narrator.

beautifully told

Much to my surprise, this version broke down each book first as a foretelling, then it exploded into a taleI could not get enough of.