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Quick answer: Good book club questions for The Odyssey focus on homecoming, cleverness and loyalty. Below are 17 questions grouped by theme, with a spoiler-free summary, a characters-and-themes table, meeting ideas and a sample 90-minute plan.
Quick facts
– Book: The Odyssey by Homer
– First published: c. 8th century BC
– Setting: Ithaca, Troy and the Mediterranean world of Greek myth
– Adaptation: A 2026 film by Christopher Nolan, plus many earlier versions
– Content note: Violence and deaths
The Odyssey is a rewarding choice for a book club because it gives readers plenty to discuss without needing special knowledge. This guide gives you questions you can use as written or adapt for your group, plus ideas for running the meeting, so that a host with little time can still lead a good conversation.
Table of Contents
Spoiler-Free Summary
After the Trojan War, Odysseus spends ten years trying to sail home to Ithaca. He faces the Cyclops Polyphemus, the witch Circe, the Sirens and the monsters Scylla and Charybdis. Meanwhile, his wife Penelope holds off a crowd of suitors, and his son Telemachus searches for news of his father.
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Main Characters and Themes
| Character or Theme | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Odysseus | A clever hero trying to get home |
| Penelope | His faithful, clever wife |
| Telemachus | Their son |
| The suitors | Men who want Penelope and the throne |
Discussion Questions (Contains Spoilers)
These questions assume everyone has finished the book, so they discuss the ending. They are grouped by theme so you can move through them in order or jump to the topic your group cares about most. Feel free to rephrase them, add follow-up questions such as “why do you think so?” and skip any that do not suit your members.
Opening Reactions
- What was your first impression of The Odyssey, and did it change as you read?
- Which scene or passage stayed with you most, and why?
Odysseus
- Is Odysseus a hero?
- Which adventure was your favorite?
- How does his cleverness help or hurt him?
- What does he learn?
Penelope
- How does Penelope outwit the suitors?
- Is she as clever as Odysseus?
- What did you think of the weaving trick?
- How do modern retellings treat her?
Home
- What does home mean in the poem?
- How do you feel about the ending with the suitors?
- Which translation did you read?
- Why has the story lasted?
Looking Back
- How did the ending of The Odyssey make you feel, and was it the ending you expected?
- Would you recommend this book to a friend, and what would you tell them first?
- If you could ask Homer one question, what would it be?
Meeting Ideas
Compare a few lines from two different translations, such as Emily Wilson's and Robert Fagles's.
A simple way to start is to have each person share a one-sentence rating of the book before discussion begins. It surfaces disagreements early and gives quieter members a chance to speak first. You can also ask each member to bring one question of their own, which often leads to the best conversations of the night.
Ways to Make the Discussion Richer
- Compare formats. If a film, series or stage version of The Odyssey exists, discuss what changes and why.
- Share a favorite line. Ask each person to read a short passage that stood out and explain what it meant to them.
- Cast the book. Ask the group who they would cast in the main roles, and why.
- Rate the pace. Ask where the book felt fastest or slowest, and whether the structure worked for them.
- Pair it with a snack or drink. Food connected to the story gives guests something to talk about before the formal discussion starts.
Tips for Leading the Discussion
- Prepare, but stay flexible. Pick a handful of questions in advance and let the group's reactions guide you.
- Invite quieter voices. Ask someone who has not spoken to share a favorite line or scene.
- Welcome disagreement. A lively debate about a character is a sign that the book is working.
- Return to the text. Ask members to point to a passage in The Odyssey that supports their view.
- Watch the clock. Move on when a question has run its course, and save extra questions for another time.
If your group has only an hour, choose one question from each theme and skip the rest.
Is The Odyssey a Good Book Club Pick?
The Odyssey is long, so split it into two meetings. Emily Wilson's translation is very readable.
Books Like This One
- Circe by Madeline Miller: the witch's side of the story
- The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood: Penelope tells her story
How to Structure Your Meeting
A 90-minute meeting works well in four parts:
- Welcome and quick ratings (10 minutes). Settle in and share a one-line reaction.
- Spoiler-free talk (20 minutes). Start with characters, setting and style before the plot.
- Spoiler discussion (45 minutes). Work through three or four of the questions above, letting the conversation wander when it is productive.
- Wrap-up (15 minutes). Share favorite lines, choose the next book and thank the host.
If the conversation is going well, it is fine to let it run long and skip some questions.
After the Meeting
Send a short follow-up message with the next title, the date and a link to any readings or articles that came up. Some groups keep a simple record of books read and ratings, which makes it easier to choose future picks and spot the kinds of books the group loves most.
Related: The Odyssey by Homer: Summary and Key Takeaways · 15 Books Like The Odyssey You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions should we prepare for The Odyssey?
Five to eight is enough for a 90-minute meeting. This guide gives seventeen, so you can choose the ones that fit your group.
Does The Odyssey work as a first pick for a new book club?
The Odyssey is long, so split it into two meetings.
Which translation is best for book clubs?
Emily Wilson's 2017 translation is clear and modern.
Is it long?
About 24 books, or roughly 400 to 500 pages.
Are there spoilers in this guide?
The questions after the summary discuss the ending.
What if some members have not finished The Odyssey?
Start with the spoiler-free questions and a short plot recap, then move to the spoiler section only when most people have finished.