The Odyssey

The Odyssey of Homer: A Modern English Translation: Volume 5: Books 17–20, The Beggar in the Palace (Easy to Read Prose)

About the book

Odysseus has returned to Ithaca at last, but not in glory. Disguised as a poor stranger, he enters his own house and sees with his own eyes what has happened during his long absence.

In these books, the palace of Odysseus becomes the center of the story. The suitors feast, mock, threaten, and waste the wealth of a man they believe will never return. Telemachus struggles to stand firm among them, while Penelope waits in sorrow, still uncertain of the truth. Servants loyal and disloyal reveal themselves, and signs from the gods begin to gather over the house.

This volume is one of the most tense and emotional sections of the Odyssey. It shows Odysseus forced to endure insults in silence, watching carefully as he learns who has remained faithful and who has betrayed him.

This translation is written in clear, readable modern English prose while staying close to the meaning of the original Greek. It is not a loose retelling, summary, or adaptation. The aim is to preserve Homer’s story fully and accurately, while making it easy to follow for modern readers, students, and anyone coming to the Odyssey for the first time.

Inside this volume are:

Book 17 — Odysseus Comes to His House
Book 18 — The Beggar in the Palace
Book 19 — Penelope and the Stranger
Book 20 — Signs Before the Reckoning
A faithful and accessible translation of Odysseus’ return to his own home, where patience, loyalty, and justice are tested before the story moves toward its final turning point.

Author Homer

Book familyGreat Texts Translated to Modern English

CollectionThe Odyssey

Available formatsKindle · Paperback

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