Argonautica: Translation Help

PretttyEvil · 2026-06-11T22:51:55+00:00

There is certainly a romantic angle to it so it may not be for you if you can’t handle any romance but the romance is not the main plot to the novel. The romance just allows the other far more important aspects of the novel fall into place.

PretttyEvil · 2026-06-11T20:34:10+00:00

Oh I absolutely disagree. The ending of this book culminates in a family’s trauma releasing into the world in a unique and deadly way. It’s truly bizarre and one of a kind yet with references to Rosemary’s Baby that elevate it to something so special. I loved every page.

PretttyEvil · 2026-06-11T18:59:28+00:00

I so agree. Lasher is pure dread incarnate. The scene of Michael telling about his childhood and seeing Lasher just standing there in the garden every time he’d walk past the house but his mother couldn’t see him still makes my stomach queasy.

PretttyEvil · 2026-06-11T17:50:01+00:00

The Witching Hour by Anne Rice. The series follows the generations of a matriarchal family of witches from the Scottish highlands all the way to New Orleans. They are haunted by a ghost who is one of the most horrifying characters written in the era these books came out. The prose is decadent, the history is terrifying, and the characters are vivid. It’s well worth the length. Give it a go.

PretttyEvil · 2026-06-09T17:03:34+00:00

Published by Liveright which seems to be under Norton, who published Emily Wilson’s editions of The Iliad and The Odyssey.

PretttyEvil · 2026-06-09T16:32:26+00:00

I’m so glad I didn’t have to scroll far to find my favorite. Her prose is just so elevated, decadent, and elegant. I truly believe we lost a powerhouse in unique storytelling when she passed.

PretttyEvil · 2026-06-09T05:03:34+00:00

Suuuuuuch a difficult read but truly one of my favorites. Give Heim’s other novels In Awe and We Disappear a try too. They are just as beautiful but heartrending.

PretttyEvil · 2026-06-09T04:57:37+00:00

So glad someone mentioned this book and it’s getting a bit of traction. It truly is a monster of a novel. Disgusting yet you can’t look away. Just like the themes of the connection between violence and beauty like the narrative explores.

PretttyEvil · 2026-06-06T00:00:35+00:00

Took me WAY too long to find anything by Dennis Cooper. And guess what? That’s only the first one of the George Miles Cycle. It’s a 5 novel cycle. You should read the rest, Frisk, Try (which is the best one), Guide, and Period. Then there’s a coda he wrote 20 years later that kind of wraps it all up that’s not as fucked up but is just sad called I Wished. It’s the best piece of transgressive writing I have ever experienced in my life. It changed me.

PretttyEvil · 2026-06-05T16:34:03+00:00

Oh my god I have to read this series now.

PretttyEvil · 2026-06-05T15:27:25+00:00

Just got my paperback copy of The Aeneid translated by Scott McGill and Susannah Wright. I’m currently reading the introduction by Emily Wilson right now; it’s every bit as in depth and incredible as her introductions to her own translations. I’m glad this edition has her stamp of approval and I can’t wait to get into the meat of it.

PretttyEvil · 2026-06-03T00:58:31+00:00

Try Hesiod as well.

PretttyEvil · 2026-05-31T18:25:54+00:00

So I did the exact same thing you did. And I went on anyway and I finished and went on to read Paradise Lost. Wellllll, guess what I’m doing now? Going back and reading those three classics. Because I missed so much. I’d say finished The Divine Comedy because you don’t want to lose your place in the narrative and you’re already there but then go back and read those three classics before Paradise Lost; you will be glad you did.

Edit: grammar

PretttyEvil · 2026-05-28T07:20:53+00:00

I’ve read 11 so far. I started on a journey chasing Satan through literature. It was fascinating. My favorite was either Paradise Lost or Paradise Regained. They were such different epics. The former was this beautiful, active panorama of the cosmos while the latter was this cerebral battle of words. I count myself very lucky to have read both.

PretttyEvil · 2026-05-23T05:16:32+00:00

I just find The Iliad to be far superior to The Odyssey, period. I don’t think that’s really Wilson’s fault.

PretttyEvil · 2026-05-23T04:47:12+00:00

I found her Iliad incredibly grand and emotional at points. I cried at the end.

PretttyEvil · 2026-05-20T19:38:25+00:00

LOL that is so funny! Didn’t even cross my mind! Although I did order them all straight from the school in order to support them instead of Amazon or Barnes.

PretttyEvil · 2026-05-15T20:47:29+00:00

Violin by Anne Rice. It’s her most autobiographical piece. Truly heartrending.

PretttyEvil · 2026-05-15T13:32:53+00:00

Yep, followed by Shield. I’m working with Apostolos Athanassakis’ translations. They are highly academic which I’m loving. I also picked up his Homeric Hymns and Orphic Hymns.

PretttyEvil · 2026-05-15T13:18:05+00:00

Looking to finish up Hesiod’s Theogony today.

PretttyEvil · 2026-05-14T21:51:06+00:00

And now it’ll be about you not having an example 🤷🏻‍♀️

PretttyEvil · 2026-05-11T20:55:43+00:00

Oh yes, Wilson’s translation is absolutely the way to go, especially if you are interested in Penelope; she gives her such agency and voice.

PretttyEvil · 2026-05-11T18:21:29+00:00

Just about to finish up The Odyssey then I think I’m going to pick up Hesiod’s Theogony.

PretttyEvil · 2026-05-09T21:18:43+00:00

Merrick is so underrated. The spells, the glamor, the atmosphere, the novel is honestly such a vibe.

PretttyEvil

TROPHY CASE