Unsworth's sly, subversive novel, set in 1260 B.C. as scheming Odysseus prepares to plunder Troy (and, of course, avenge Helen). The story may be familiar but the mix of classic cadence and contemporary language, ripe humor and pulled-from-the-headlines satire is all Unsworth. The atmosphere of ancient Greece too is a palpable pleasure.  (GRE185, $13.95)