Join us for a lively exploration of the world's greatest adventure story—a tale of shipwrecks, disguises, temptations, revenge, and the long journey home. Whatever you thought of Christopher Nolan's Hollywood adaptation, there's no better time to return to the original. 

We'll meet the unforgettable characters who have shaped Western storytelling for nearly three thousand years, from the clever and complicated Odysseus; to his creative and loyal wife Penelope; to the first witch in Western literature, Circe; to the ever-watchful goddess and mentor Athena.

And because this class takes place over Halloween, we'll pay special attention to the epic poem's cast of monsters. Cyclopes, sirens, cannibals, witches, six-headed beats, and other supernatural horrors lurk throughout Odysseus's journey. What do these monsters represent? Why are we so fascinated by them? And what happens when a hero encounters something that is not quite human? 

Finally, we'll investigate one of literature's most enduring mysteries: Who was Homer? Was he a single poet, a collective name, or something stranger? We'll explore what we know—and what we can never know—about the mysterious figure behind this extraordinary epic. 

We will read the epic at a pace of approximately 80 pages per week. Don't worry: Wilson's translation is in verse, with lots of blank space on every page.

All classes are recorded, so if you don't make it to the live meetings, you won't miss anything.

Recommended Edition

We are going to be reading Emily Wilson's translation of The Odyssey, so get that one if you want to have the same text as everyone else in book club. However, if you choose to read a different translation, that's OK too! During our meetings, we will occasionally compare passages in Emily Wilson with those same passages in other translations. If you want to have another translation on hand, we recommend the Robert Fagles translation or the Daniel Mendelsohn translation.

Who Is Leading This Course

Neil Ferron is a film director, screenwriter, and teacher. His screenplay for the feature horror film FISHMONGER won Grand Prize at the Slamdance Screenplay Competition, and the film is currently in development with Neil attached to direct. He has also directed music videos for bands like Shabazz Palaces. In 2023, he co-taught the FrizzLit book club reading Frankenstein.

Christopher Frizzelle, the founder of FrizzLit, will co-lead this club with Neil. Frizzelle was the editor-in-chief of The Stranger from 2007 to 2016. He's now the editor and publisher of FrizzLit Editions.

All Meetings Are Recorded

Everyone enrolled in this class will get the recording of each meeting sent to your email address within 48 hours.

Artwork 

Painting of Odysseus and the sirens by John William Waterhouse, 1891. It is currently held in the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia.

How to Join in Installments

Easy! See below.