The Book Slump

Tag: Heroes

  • Odyssey

    Odyssey

    By Stephen Fry

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 2024, 286 pages.

    Odysseus’s journey from the battlefields of Troy to his home in Ithaca is one of the greatest stories ever told. From the lotus-eaters to the sirens, from Circe to the Cyclops, this is a tale of thrilling adventures, cunning escapes, and enduring devotion. Stephen Fry breathes new life into the ancient poem with humor and pathos. Illustrated throughout with classical art inspired by the myths, this gorgeous volume invites you to explore a captivating world with a brilliant storyteller as your guide.

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: INFORMATIVE, HUMOROUS, HISTORICAL, MEDIUM-PACED.

    Odyssey is the final instalment of the 4-book, Greek Myth series by Stephen Fry. It details Odysseus long journey to Ithica, as well as stories of other relative characters.

    I may have made a mistake.

    Stupidly, I read Circe by Madeline Miller just before reading Odyssey (the Goddess Circe, is also in Odyssey, to clarify). I may have to do some further reading into the Odyssey, as everything is getting mixed up with Miller’s incredible writing.

    The Odyssey is an interesting story, and one I was looking forward to after reading Troy. I was especially excited about what happened to some of the beloved characters from Troy, as well as getting to know Odysseus better.

    In some ways, it was good that I read Circe, as it changed the way I view Odysseus. It makes you realise how important the narrator is to a story. I wonder how Fry feels about Odysseus, and how that changed the narrative of the story, even without him knowing?

    There is not much I can review without spoiling, so all I can say is it is well written, humorous and incredibly interesting.

    All and all a very enjoyable read, I flew through it like the rest of the series. I will definitely be re-reading this series for years to come!

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

    LINK TO STORYGRAPH PROFILE

  • Heroes

    Heroes

    By Stephen Fry

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 2018, 415 pages.

    There are Heroes – and then there are Greek Heroes.

    Few mere mortals have ever embarked on such bold and heart-stirring adventures, overcome myriad monstrous perils, or outwitted scheming vengeful gods, quite as stylishly and triumphantly as Greek heroes.

    In this companion to his bestselling Mythos, Stephen Fry brilliantly retells these dramatic, funny, tragic and timeless tales. Join Jason aboard the Argo as he quests for the Golden Fleece. See Atalanta – who was raised by bears – outrun any man before being tricked with golden apples. Witness wily Oedipus solve the riddle of the Sphinx and discover how Bellerophon captures the winged horse Pegasus to help him slay the monster Chimera.

    Filled with white-knuckle chases and battles, impossible puzzles and riddles, acts of base cowardice and real bravery, not to mention murders and selfless sacrifices, Heroes is the story of what we mortals are truly capable of – at our worst and our very best.

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: INFORMATIVE, HUMOROUS, HISTORICAL, MEDIUM-PACED.

    Heroes is book 2 of Stephen Fry’s 4 book instalment of the Greek Myth retellings. Heroes, unsurprisingly, focuses on the heroes of Greek Mythology; Jason, Theseus, Oedipus, Bellerophon etc.

    This is my least favourite of the 4.

    Now, that is not because I did not find it interesting. Every story is interesting, and I like them all individually. However, [stop reading if you do not want anything remotely spoiled] I can’t get past that everything that happened to these supposed ‘heroes’, only happened because the Gods willed it. I know all these stories are fictional in the first place, but it was like children playing with their dolls.

    Apart from that, I again, was surprised by how often these stories are referenced in contemporary media and literature. I also feel a whole lot smarter, because now, I actually understand them.

    Fry’s writing was clear, interesting and easy to read. I am amazed by his ability to translate so much information into a 400-page book. His comedic take on conversations made the stories all the more enjoyable.

    Like Mythos, I would recommend to beginners, but it could be too broad for someone more knowledgeable on the area.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

    LINK TO STORYGRAPH PROFILE