THE PENELOPIAD

In this sly updating of a famous Greek myth, Odysseus’s wife, Penelope, gets to tell her version of events. What was she really up to while Odysseus traveled the wine-dark sea? Margaret Atwood's Penelope is a smart, wry, and witty storyteller. Laural Merlington dramatizes these characteristics admirably. She reads Penelope’s narration with verve and clarity, capturing the dry humor and philosophic tone that Atwood has written into the character. To add further philosophic comment, Atwood transforms the 12 wayward maids killed by Odysseus upon his return into a Greek chorus. Their words are produced by the layering of multiple tracks of Merlington's voice; it's a disembodied, comforting effect that works well, given the maids’ discomforting message. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 06]