Cursed by the Sea God: Odyssey of a Slave: Book 2
#2 in Odyssey Of A Slave Series
What’s inside...
Ages 10 years & over. The second volume in the 'Odyssey of a Slave' trilogy continues the retelling of Homer's The Odyssey. Bowman re-imagines the epic tale by narrating the story through the eyes of a young Trojan boy, Alexi, captured by Odysseus after the fall of Troy. Forced to accompany the Greeks on their sea journey home to Ithaca, Alexi participates in many of The Odyssey's iconic adventures, including encounters with the Keeper of the Winds, Hades, the cannibal Laestrygonians, Circe, the Sirens, and navigating between the monster Scylla and the whirlpool Charybdis. Having earned the respect of his captors for his help in escaping dangers, Alexi loses it all through mischance and is given to the most brutal soldier on the ship. His survival hinges on his skill and determination.
Discussion points
How do you think Alexi's journey with the sea god Poseidon changed him? What would you have done in his situation?
What themes of friendship and loyalty appear in the story? How do these relationships impact the characters' decisions?
How do the characters confront and cope with the challenges they face? What can we learn from their resilience?
What role does myth and legend play in the lives of the characters? How does it influence their understanding of the world?
Can you identify any moments in the book where characters must make difficult choices? What would you have chosen and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and opinions about the book's events and characters, fostering a deeper understanding.
Discuss the historical and mythical elements in the story. This can be a great opportunity to explore additional educational content about Greek mythology.
Use the characters’ adventures to draw parallels with contemporary issues or personal experiences, making the discussion more relatable.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists, enhancing their creative thinking and engagement with the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Alexi, confronts numerous challenges, including battling mythical creatures and surviving the wrath of the sea god. Through these trials, he demonstrates perseverance and fortitude.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through difficult situations, whether it be tackling tough school assignments or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Alexi and his companions must work together to overcome obstacles and outsmart their enemies. Their collective effort is crucial for their survival and success.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to value cooperation and recognize that teamwork can often lead to achieving goals that seem impossible individually.
Example Lesson: Cultural understanding and respect
Explanation: Set against the backdrop of ancient Greek mythology, the book immerses readers in a rich historical and cultural context, promoting an appreciation for diverse traditions and beliefs.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and respect different cultures, enhancing their social awareness and fostering a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Alexi faces moral dilemmas and makes critical decisions that test his values and integrity.
Real-World Application: This aspect of the story helps children understand the complexities of right and wrong and encourages them to think critically about ethical choices in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront fears
Explanation: Alexi often faces frightening situations, yet he finds the bravery to confront these fears head-on, which is pivotal in his quest.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of facing their fears, whether it be speaking in front of the class, trying out for a sports team, or standing up against bullying.