Unphased by discourse, Emily Wilson is translating The Odyssey, again
The resilient, best-selling translator set off a wave of conversation with her two pans of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey.
Despite the buzz and lucrative book sales from Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, Emily Wilson is preparing to embark on another translation of Homer’s epic. Wilson, who previously published a best-selling translation in 2017, is undertaking a "complete retranslation" of the text, not a revision of her earlier work. Her initial translation was well-received and even inspired Nolan's adaptation, but she criticized the film's portrayal of Black characters as "versions of the Black best friend" and accused the actors of playing stereotypical roles.
Wilson has since apologized for that criticism, comparing The Odyssey to Die Hard in a subsequent takedown. Such a comprehensive retranslation is rare among translators, who typically correct and refine their work. Wilson's decision has been met with controversy, with some, like Joyce Carol Oates, accusing her of being disrespectful to the text.
However, Wilson remains unfazed, embracing the power of academic discourse and the potential for her new translation to captivate readers.
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