I’d actually already started reading The Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson shortly after it came out, then was distracted and moved on to something else (I no longer remember what or why).
I think Penelope and Odysseus qualify for the theme! This time, I picked it up when I had a little more mental space and was able to really dig in and enjoy the introductory section about the poem itself; I especially appreciated Wilson’s historical review of the various theories about when and how the poem was composed and preserved in writing, and her discussion of its major themes.
I had not read The Odyssey since I was in my first year of college, and of course it was an earlier translation. Wilson’s translation is meticulous, in straightforward language shaped into iambic pentameter. I thought it was great and highly recommend it.
Totally count as an older couple — and it shows, in their interactions in the last chapters.