Read Ulysses by James Joyce. Not an easy read or a short book but I consider it one of the greatest book ever written. Everyone should read it once in their lifetime.
I have Ulysses on my To-Read Pile. Someone suggested I read the Odyssey of Homer first, to better understand Joyce's novel. What do you think?
I am surprised you have not read both the Iliad and the Odyssey ( or Aeneid). I think I read the abridged versions in primary school, the complete versions in high school and the same a couple more times in College.
You do not need to know homer or Vergil. You only need to be a good patient reader. The book is life and you have lived so you will understand it. If you have trouble...let me know. I may have a lecture on it somewhere I can send to you.
Like you, I read an abridged version of the Odyssey, at Central High School. I'm truly ashamed to say I haven't read the complete Homer.
I shall appreciate your sending me the lecture you mentioned. Please Dialog me when you find it.