Odysseus on the Rhine

The whole idea of writing "sequels" to the classics is suspect, and often rightly so - some really terrible stuff has been written. This, however, is a much better effort, one that by and large succeeds, and is a good read all the way through. No, it's not epic poetry like the original, just prose - but Louis does use some of the flavors of poetry occasionally, in his phrasings, including many of the phrases that epic storytellers of the period would have used in compiling any new saga of a new hero. (You know, pick one "rosy fingered dawn" from column A and one "golden-eyed Athena" from column B, and throw in the name of the hero du jour...) So the story feels as though it's a good prose translation of authentic poetry. The gist of the story is simple: after Penelope dies, Odysseus gets the wanderlust again, and his travels send him in search of the Trojans who got away. This brings in a bit of common European myth, which arose long after the Greek heyday, that says that supposedly the Trojans who survived hiked to Europe and founded what would become the Holy Roman Empire. (That's why so many sports teams are named Trojans; even though Troy LOST, supposedly the Trojans founded the civilization that modern Europe descends from.) In this version, not only are there stray Trojans in what will be Rome, but rumors that they have gone further north, north of the Galli even. So the group's travels take them to the city of Ascerbergium (about where Frankfurt is now, roughly), then on to Menapia (where the Netherlands are now, at the top of the Rhine) and finally on to Asgard, where the Aesir, or "ones from Asia," are - roughly, where Copenhagen is now. There in the North they find strangers from Asia Minor - but ones who are not stray Trojans. And, though one is already suspecting the roots of Norse mythology to play in, from the leader Tror, and sons with names like Lokesh (Loki...), it still gave me a quick spine shiver the first time someone addresses Odysseus as "Lord Othin." Perhaps the most interesting character, apart from our hero, is Orestes, the half-mad seer. Orestes' madness, but also his prophecies, are conveyed many times by singing - and his travel companions sometimes wonder about the words he sings in no known language, such as when he rallies them against the Norns with the strange words "Frere Jacques, Frere Jacques..." -no, really, it works. It sounds like this is cheap condescending to 21st century comic sensibilities, but it's really well-done! I laughed insanely myself the first time Orestes hummed "Lion sleeps tonight, do-wop" to himself. It's good. Anyone who likes fantasy based on European mythologies should enjoy it; anyone who enjoys reading Greek or Norse mythology should, too. And didn't many of us who are science fiction readers go through a mythology phase, where we read Thor comic books and watched Hercules cartoons on TV (or Kevin Sorbo as Hercules, if you're younger), and devoured everything about those fantastic

Odysseus is home after fighting in the Trojan War and battling with gods, monsters, and the supernatural. He and his faithful wife Penelope celebrate the wedding of their oldest son, but it is a bittersweet reunion because they both know she is dying. After Penelope dies, Odysseus feels restless and wants to go on an adventure; the gods heed his call and send him a vision of a blond haired woman in the Northlands. Several defeated Trojans also make their way to the Northlands and defeated the local tribes. The Trojans have created a new empire that is expanding. Odysseus and several Trojan War vets, their sons and even Achilles' grandson head north to stop the Trojans. On the sea voyage, they fight hostile enemies, make peace with Poseidon, and listen to Athena as they help the tribes with their advanced technology. Ultimately Odysseus must find the blond female who will teach him there is more to life than battle and killing. Displaying guts, chutzpah, or lunacy, Edward S. Louis creates the further adventures of Odysseus following up on his Homeric role with the thousand ships, the burning of the towers, and the "gift" horse. Homer would agree that Mr. Louis stayed true with his original persona of the legendary Greek hero. The further adventures are exciting and well written as Odysseus turns from restless warrior to contented royal advisor. Harriet Klausner

This novel is what one would call a highly enjoyable read. It combines the genres of adventure, romance, epic, mythology, and comedy into a delightful stew of fantasy and realism. The characters are drawn primarily from legend and are well rounded, living, and very human in their every action. I found it easy to identify with most of the characters, from the adventuring if somewhat lustful Odysseus to the singing and prophetic Orestes. Even the gods are true to their mythological origins--human enough to have desires, powerful enough to lend magic to the plot. Narratively speaking, the story begins many years after Odysseus' return from the Trojan wars and ends with the end of his life. The mythology which Mr. Louis weaves from the strands of Norse and the strands of Greek is simply astounding, giving that Ah Ha! at the end when they both finally come together. Names are played with and the Gods/Goddesses have strong background roles in the story. There is magic, prophesy, and a driving rhythm that is rarely found in this type of book. One of the great joys for me was seeing the Greek heros adapting to the cultures that they had never before encountered. They engage in cultural dialogue which includes foods, drinks, names, gods, and family loyalties. They learn new languages, fall in love with new types of women, and create long lasting aliances with strangers. There are a few slow spots, but if the reader continues reading, they are soon forgotten. Altogether, the book is captivating, exciting, and speaks to a variety of ages.