Forget the Roman Empire. We're entering our Greek mythology era.
If your social feeds have suddenly become full of gods, monsters and Trojan horses, you're not imagining it. Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has landed in cinemas, and Greek mythology is having a major moment.
While the film has put The Odyssey back in the spotlight, it is truly one of the earliest and greatest works of literature. The epic tale follows the hero Odysseus as he embarks on a 20-year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Along the way, he must overcome mythical creatures, battle the wrath of the gods and face seemingly impossible odds to reunite with his wife, Penelope.
Start with the original story
If the film has inspired you to discover (or revisit) the source material, we've got something to suit every reader, from beautiful collector's editions to accessible modern translations.
 |
 |
 |
The Odyssey
|
The Iliad
|
Odyssey
|
Introduce The Odyssey to young advertures
 |
 |
The Epically Awesome Odyssey, as told by Nanny Piggins
|
The Odyssey A Modern Retelling
|
Still got the Greek myth itch?
If one trip across the Aegean just isn't enough, here are a few more books to keep the adventure going.
For mythology lovers...
Stephen Fry's Greek Myths
One of the most imaginative minds alive retells the greatest stories in history, Stephen Fry's retellings bring the gods, heroes and Trojan War vividly to life.
For historical fiction fans...
Pat Barker's Trojan Women trilogy
A powerful reimagining of the Trojan War through the eyes of the women history left behind.
For forgotten heroines...
Rosie Hewlett's Retellings
Rich, character-driven novels that give voice to some of mythology's most compelling women.
For mythology lovers who want to dig deeper...
Charlotte Higgins' Red Thread
A thrillingly original, labyrinthine journey through myth, art, literature, history, archaeology and memoir, by the Baillie Gifford-shortlisted author.
For the next generation of demigods...
Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians series
Percy Jackson: half boy, half god, all hero. This series is the perfect introduction to Greek mythology for younger readers.
For fans of epic romance...
Jennifer Saint's This Immortal Heart
An epic story of love and war as two opposing deities find themselves drawn together against the odds.
Keep the conversation going with the Lit Witches Podcast!
If you're still in the mood for myths, don't miss the latest episode of Lit Witches. The team dives into all things The Odyssey, from their first encounters with Homer's epic to their honest thoughts on Christopher Nolan's new film adaptation. Expect Greek mythology chat, translation talk, cinematic hot takes and one very important question: has cinema etiquette been lost to the gods?
Margot McGovern’s Our Dark Unravelling is the must-read YA horror thriller for 2026.
Magical creatures, perilous trials and one unbelievable adventure await in Protector of Beyond, the first book in a gripping new fantasy book series from exciting new voice Shara Curlett.
Fall in love with Penguin’s selection of the best romance fiction. Explore our diverse list of new favourite reads, from YA favourites to Australian classics.
Looking for a good book to accompany your holiday? Whether you’re sitting poolside, on a snowy escape or relaxing at home, find our 10 best choices here.
At the end of a busy day, many of us like to sit down with a good book or in front of the television to relax. Both offer the chance to enjoy a great story, but they engage us in their own ways.
From a smouldering slow-burn to fiery heat at first bite, we’ve paired some of our best spicy books with our most delicious dishes.
Discover the diverse books our team recommends to broaden your reading and introduce you to unforgettable new authors.
If you’ve been hearing these words a lot lately and not sure what they mean, here’s your guide to the DCC universe.
See Penguin Australia’s selection of the best book adaptations, from movies to TV shows. Get to reading or watching your next favourite here.
Discover Penguin Australia’s best memoirs & biographies. Find a curated list of powerful stories from the most interesting & inspiring people.
Do you already have a costume for Children's Book Week, but no book to match?
Take a journey across the sea and follow the heroic, catastrophic, and sometimes downright gruesome tales of the Greek king Odysseus in this modern retelling of Homer's The Odyssey.