Have you ever read a famous story and wondered about the guy in the background? That's the whole idea behind Elpénor. Jean Giraudoux takes the smallest character from Homer's Odyssey—a sailor who died in a drunken fall—and gives him an entire book.

The Story

The original myth says Elpénor died on Circe's island. Odysseus and his men left him behind. Giraudoux asks: what if he didn't stay dead? The book follows Elpénor's ghost, or perhaps his very confused living self, as he stumbles through the underworld and beyond. He meets famous figures like Ulysses and Achilles, but he's not on a grand quest. He's just trying to figure out what happened to him and what his story even is, since everyone else seems to have forgotten he existed.

Why You Should Read It

This book is charming because it's about the 'nobody.' Elpénor isn't strong or clever like the heroes. He's ordinary, forgetful, and a bit lost. Watching him navigate a world built for legends is both hilarious and oddly moving. Giraudoux's writing is light and playful, full of clever jokes about the absurdities of ancient myths. It makes you think about all the untold stories hiding in the margins of history and literature.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves Greek mythology but enjoys seeing it played with. It's also a great pick if you like short, smart novels that don't take themselves too seriously. You don't need to be a classics expert to get it—just have a sense of humor and an appreciation for the little guy finally getting his turn in the spotlight.