By the time this post gets out into the world, I will have seen Christopher Nolan odyssey At least twice. There are a few small things I would change if it were up to me, but overall it blew me away; For a nerd who loves Greek mythology, an epic journey, lots of juicy gods vs. fate vs. personal responsibility discourse, and a score that really slaps, this is cinematic gold. However, my favorite part of the whole experience has been the interest that the film has sparked in people not only Homer’s epic poemBut the relevant literature has been written about extensively.
People in my feed are asking for reading recommendations, and receiving suggestions from a large number of enthusiastic book experts. This is great: people getting excited about reading and being interested in the arts is cause for celebration. And while I like a lot of the stories I see recommended—I’m a well-known evangelist for sassy And song of achillesEspecially if you enjoy an amusing cry – I’d remind people of two things: 1) people of color also write retellings of mythology and folklore, and 2) it’s not just the Greeks and Romans who have rich storytelling traditions about gods and monsters, magic and mischief, or heroes going on journeys and making questionable decisions.
So here are some Latin texts you might enjoy if you also can’t read enough odysseyOr if you’re into mythology and folklore, or if you read books about the power of storytelling. From a cross-country journey with the god of death to a Sapphic reimagining of Psyche and Eros, these stories are either inspired by Latin American culture or written by Latin authors, and in some cases, both.
god of jade and shadow By Silvia Moreno-Garcia
To Gods, Mythology and Epic Journeys
This cross-country adventure through Jazz Age Mexico begins when Cassiopeia Tune accidentally frees the Maya god of death, and he asks for her help to reclaim his throne from his backstabbing brother. I sometimes wonder the answer to the question, “What do we say to the god of death?” is, “Cool cool cool cool, a donde vamos?”
sunbearer test (The Sunbearer Duology #1) by Aiden Thomas
The more mythologies, the more gods
In a world where the Sun must be replenished once every decade to keep the evil Obsidian Gods at bay, demigods compete in a series of high-stakes challenges called the Sunbearer Trials. How high are these stakes, you ask? The winner gets the chance to carry light and life to all the temples, but the loser gets the “honor” of having their body melted and used as juice to power the Sun Stones. The vibe of this Mexican-inspired YA fantasy is kind of quirky-standard hunger gamesBut with gods and magic and Mexican folklore. This is the first in a complete duology, so go ahead and eat!
Latin Lit
A bi-weekly newsletter about all things Latin literature, from news and new releases to recommendations and more!
The Last Cuentista by Dona Barba Higuera
To reflect on storytelling and oral tradition
Earth has recently been hit by a comet, and Petra and her family are among a few hundred people chosen to travel to a new planet and advance the human race. When Petra awakens hundreds of years later, invaders have taken over the ship and erased the memories of everyone on board. Petra always wanted to be a cuentista, a storyteller, like her abuelita, and now it appears she can. Cuentista, the only person who remembers the Earth and can keep its stories alive. I left there odysseyAnd with all the online discourse around it, I’ve been thinking a lot about oral storytelling traditions. This book will force you to think about them too.
lost maze (Brooklyn Brujas #1) by Zoraida Cordova
For magic and a journey to the underworld
When a reluctant Bruja casts a spell to rid herself of a spell, it has spectacular effects, leaving her trying to fix the disaster she has created with her formidable power. She goes on a journey of self-discovery to come to terms with the power she has (she refuses to be the most powerful bruja in generations), her queerness, and her place in the world, and she also takes a literal journey to the underworld to reclaim what she has lost. The coming-of-age story explores sisterhood, identity, and familial obligation, and is the first in a complete Witchy trilogy.
Eros Palace by Caro de Robertis
Most of all for the angry gods, and just love of Greek myth
In this unique version of Greek mythology, a non-binary Eros takes the town’s most desired beauty, Psyche, to a hidden palace to escape the wrath of the gods, including a very angry Aphrodite. In the dark of night, they fall in love and do what lovers do most passionately. But every morning, Eros always has to fly before the first ray. The weight of all this secrecy begins to weigh on Psyche, and she begins to doubt Eros. These doubts lead her to break Eros’ trust and well… this is a Greek myth, so I’m sure it will all work out for everyone.
For even more Latin books, check out our Latin Lit archives. For more mythology of all kinds, try these comic book retellings of Greek myths, these feminist mythology retellings, and these magical Mithromancy novels.
and for full development odyssey stupid festival, Check out this bonus episode of Zero to Well-Read Where Jeff, Rebecca and I analyze the book vs. the movie (aka an excuse to shout into the mic about our hot Greek summer feelings).
This content contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
