In a splendid contemporary twist on The Odyssey, Atwood has chosen to give a voice to Penelope, wife of Odysseus, and to her 12 maids. In this dazzling, playful retelling, the story becomes as wise and compassionate as it is haunting, and as wildly entertaining as it is unsettling. With wit and verve, drawing on the story-telling and poetic talent for which she renowned, Atwood gives Penelope new life and reality– and sets out to provide an answer to an ancient mystery.