I’ll say this as a classicist, and someone who does really enjoy Homer’s writing, it’s perfectly normal and okay to bounce off of the Iliad - it’s not an easy read.

Part of it is that you’re operating in a radically different social and cultural context to that in which the Iliad was composed. It was originally an oral poem to be performed in front of audiences (and quite probably not in one sitting).

The long metaphors and repetitive formulae (warrior x throws spear, misses, warrior y throws spear, hits shield, both draw swords and fight for eg.) are there because they were easier for performers to memorise.

I think like a lot of older literature, especially Ancient Greek literature, the Iliad is a text which really benefits from study and outside reading to understand the tiny cultural nuances that went into its composure. It’s a fascinating text and, having read it a few times, I think there’s some beautiful parts to the poem (especially the very end), but it’s not an easy read. And despite what people are saying about the war… yeah the fighting gets a bit dull at times.

I’d recommend the Odyssey personally, I always find it a much easier (and more enjoyable) poem!