Let's be honest—most of us know Telemachus as that guy waiting around for Odysseus in The Odyssey. Fénelon decided he deserved his own epic journey, and wrote this as a teaching tool for his royal student, the Duke of Burgundy. What starts as a simple sequel quickly becomes something much bigger.

The Story

After the Trojan War, Telemachus sets out to find his missing father. He's guided by Mentor, who is actually the goddess Minerva in disguise. Their journey isn't just about sailing from island to island—it's a crash course in leadership. They visit kingdoms torn apart by greed, meet rulers destroyed by their own pride, and witness societies thriving through justice and moderation. Telemachus makes mistakes (including a disastrous fling with the nymph Calypso that nearly derails his entire mission), learns from them, and gradually transforms from an uncertain young prince into someone worthy of ruling Ithaca. The second part, focusing on Aristonoüs, continues these themes with another young leader learning similar lessons.

Why You Should Read It

What grabs me about this book is how personal it feels despite its grand setting. Fénelon wasn't writing abstract philosophy—he was trying to shape a future king. You can feel his urgency about creating a ruler who cares for people more than power. When Telemachus witnesses the ruins of a city destroyed by tyranny, or when he argues against starting unnecessary wars, you're hearing Fénelon's direct challenge to the absolute monarchy of Louis XIV. The adventure framework keeps it moving, but the real tension comes from watching ideals clash with political reality. It's surprisingly readable for a 300-year-old political novel, with vivid scenes that stick with you.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for readers who enjoy historical deep cuts and political drama wrapped in mythological clothing. If you liked The Odyssey but wanted more focus on governance, or if you're curious about the ideas that paved the way for the Enlightenment, this book is a fascinating bridge. It's not a simple adventure story—it's a thoughtful, sometimes critical look at power that remains relevant. Just remember: this book was considered so dangerous that it ended the author's career at court. That alone makes it worth exploring.