BOOKS: The Lost Book Of The Odyssey

Odysseus and Elpenor

Odysseus, “a man of many twists and turns.” So says Robert Fagles' English translation of the tale of Greek intrepid traveler. Now there may be new information on this wily and tricky character. Well almost. In steps Zachary Mason with his new work, The Lost Books of the Odyssey. Mason claims that his novel is based on a new translation of a pre-Homeric papyrus that contains 44 different variations on Odysseus’ story. According to Mason this papyrus renders a precise story, omitting stock plot formulae. Mason’s writing is somewhat reminiscent of Jorge Luis Borges,’ in that he intricately imagines places. (check out: Borges,’ “Some Versions of Homer”). Mason tends to flesh out, to explore different perspectives based on the original. You will enjoy this book much more if you are familiar with the original. Then you can easily recognize where Mason has embellished and what he has changed. Mason takes many liberties with Homer’s tale, which is his point. He changes episodes, creates new ones, jumps around in time and place, and skews perspective. Unsettling to the purist, but this is a modern approach, a playful revisionist rendition often humorous and scatological. So lighten up. If you prefer the original read the original, but you may want to give this one a chance. Mason creates a ‘what if” scenario an alternate reality of the Homeric tradition. If your up for and interesting, well told and imaginative play on the original take the plunge. Borges aim in “Some Versions of Homer was to bring to light the paradoxes and mystical aspects. I don’t get that sense with Mason’s work. Mason’s book is more of a free romp of the imagination on a tale that has fascinated the world for centuries. Recommended.