Atwood is wonderful in this book, creating a Penelope that scoffs at epic tradition.

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This is an interesting look at what Penelope's side of the story might have been. I liked her personality and the author's frank way of writing. Using the 12 hanged maidens as the chorus and the variations (burlesque, a courtroom, a lecture, etc.) of how the chorus presents the story was really creative.

I was somewhat disappointed, however, because there really wasn't a well defined reason Atwood gave for the maidens' deaths. I also didn't really see what Penelope means when she says in the very beginning that she believed Odysseus's lies to her - what lies did he tell her that were any different than the ones he told the world?

An interesting, quick read that gives greater life to a woman who has been held up throughout mythology as the ideal wife and balance to a great hero.

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