Translation of ‘The Odyssey’ to be featured Big Read book

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. —Purdue University’s Department of English is partnering with West Lafayette and Tippecanoe County public libraries to bring Emily Wilson’s translation of “The Odyssey” to local readers.

Readers also will be able to attend a public reading and Q&A with Wilson on Dec. 6. The event, which is free, is 7:30-8:30 p.m. in Stewart Center’s Fowler Hall. A book signing will follow from 8:30-9 p.m.

Wilson’s work has been described by The Guardian as “a cultural landmark. … This translation will change the way the poem is read in English.”

 Copies of the book are available at all local libraries and bookstores. For the Big Read calendar of events, see https://www.cla.purdue.edu/english/thebigread/events.

 “Reading is so important,” said Derek Pecheco, associate professor and director of undergraduate studies in English at Purdue. “It has several benefits: cognitive, health-related and interpersonal. Literary studies, in particular, correlates to improved emotional intelligence as well as heightened reflection and tolerance for complexity or ambiguity. In a fast-paced digital world bombarding us with distractions, it’s more important than ever to slow down and make time for fiction and poetry.”

The English department’s Big Read, now in its third year, is designed to enrich Purdue and Greater Lafayette through literature. Each year, the department selects a book and creates a calendar of engaging events, including lectures, book group discussions, performances, workshops and author visits. 

Media contact: Joseph Paul, 765-494-9541, paul102@purdue.edu

Source: Derek Pacheco, dpacheco@purdue.edu