I read this book for my Greek & Roman Mythology class and Fagles's translation of The Odyssey was a wonderful introduction to the world of ancient Greece. Homer originally wrote this epic of Odysseus in the 8th century BCE. The story takes place though 500 years before Homer's times as it was originally passed on by poets/bards before a written language was available. Fortunately, Homer was able to write down these verses because the Greek alphabet was just invented during or shortly before Homer's lifetime. The Odyssey gives us a glance at what Greek culture was like during that time over 3000 years ago. It's truly a fascinating book. If only every ancient culture of the world had a book of Mythology as epic as The Odyssey. It's truly a treasure to be held, and it's no wonder that this story has been passed on for thousands of years. 
 The Odyssey is a story of suffering. Odysseus spends 10 arduous years fighting in the Trojan War, where 100,000 soldiers left Greece to take back Helen of Sparta, the most beautiful woman in the world. It is after this war that Odysseus journeys his way home, taking an additional 10 years at sea due to a series of calamities that occur. It is a fitting journey, Odysseus in ancient Greek means 'the son of pain'. His grandfather naming him this because he wanted Odysseus to be the bringer of pain onto others as he once had. In these times, Greek heroes were known for their ability to pillage and conquer other lands, so it was not frowned upon, but worshiped to go about killing people. As irony have it, Odysseus proves his namesake and as the bringer of pain he also becomes the sufferer of pain, 20 long years away from home, away from his family, as men in his own lands who once respected Odysseus leach off the wealth of his home. 
 What's especially remarkable about The Odyssey is his journey at sea. Odysseus sees wild sights that no other men have seen, or at least have lived to tell the tale. These adventures are so profound, they stick in your mind as good myths do: the creatures he fights, the shipwrecks he endures, the lives lost. It truly is an epic story, and The Odyssey is the basis of many modern day myths and adventure stories today: A man who leaves home and goes on a journey, where he learns the truth about himself and becomes a hero before he is able to return home. 
 My other favorite thing about this translation in particular is Fagles's poetic ability. Other translations are known for being more literal translations, but Fagles is able to retain Homer's poeticism, keeping Homer's original use of dactylic hexameter, truly an impressive 'feat' (no pun intended - poetic feet...). This is my first time reading dactylic hexameter, and I must say I'm a huge fan. It is easy to read and it flows off the tongue. It takes an epic story and makes it feel so natural and soft. Also, Fagles doesn't use fancy English. Ancient Greek was known for being a very simple language, and Fagles retains that quality by using very simple modern English. By translating it so, it is easier for young readers to get into. Despite being written over 2500 years ago, Homer's The Odyssey, feels natural to the modern day reader, making it much easier to read and understand than Shakespeare. Of course 500 years from now that may not be the case, but for the time being it works really well. :) 
 Do I recommend this book? I do absolutely. If you have even the slightest affinity for Greek & Roman Mythology, this makes for a great read and introduction to the subject. Although I haven't read it yet, you might want to read Fagles's translation of The Iliad first, taking place right before The Odyssey begins; however, if you have just a basic understanding on the Trojan War it isn't necessary. I must warn you, however, both The Iliad and The Odyssey get extremely violent and downright disgusting at times. Guts fly out and brains get splattered, so it may not be for the faint of heart. Luckily I don't mind that. If anything, it lets us peer into the human psyche and see what we as humans find fascinating in the stories we tell. What makes us tick? Mythology explains that, and some may argue that myth shows us the deepest hidden truths of mankind. Just let that sink in, and keep it in mind if you decide to plunge into The Odyssey.