The Book Slump

Tag: Mythology

  • Troy

    Troy

    By Stephen Fry

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 2020, 434 pages.

    The story of Troy speaks to all of us – the kidnapping of Helen, a queen celebrated for her beauty, sees the Greeks launch a thousand ships against that great city, to which they will lay siege for ten whole and very bloody years.

    It is Zeus, the king of the gods, who triggers war when he asks the Trojan prince Paris to judge the fairest goddess of them all. Aphrodite bribes Paris with the heart of Helen, wife of King Menelaus of the Greeks, and naturally, nature takes its course.

    It is a terrible, brutal war with casualties on all sides. The Greeks cannot defeat the Trojans – since Achilles, the Greek’s boldest warrior, is consumed with jealousy over an ally’s choice of lover, the Trojan slave Briseis, and will not fight . . .

    The stage is set for the oldest and greatest story ever told, where monstrous passions meet the highest ideals and the lowest cunning.

    In Troy you will find heroism and hatred, love and loss, revenge and regret, desire and despair. It is these human passions, written bloodily in the sands of a distant shore, that still speak to us today.

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    REVIEW

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

    Troy is book 3 of Stephen Fry’s 4-book instalment on the Greek Myths. It focuses on the 10-year Trojan war, as well as the events leading up to it.

    I love this book!

    I had some prior knowledge of the Trojan War, partly due to The Song of Achilles and partly due to references in films and books. Though, I now realise I knew so little.

    I find the Trojan war very interesting, especially because it is really the beginning of the end for the Olympians. {Mild spoiler incoming} In my Heroes review I mention that I struggled to get over how involved the Gods were in the Heroes accomplishments. This book has an element of that; however, it is nullified by the fact that it is God vs God. By that, I mean that the Gods back both sides, so they cancel each other out, making it a fair(er) fight.

    Like the previous books, it is impressive how much information Fry is able to squeeze in 400 pages. It is interesting all the way through, and I was not bored for a second.

    I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to get into Greek Mythology or learn about the Trojan War. Just remember, it is an overview, and (obviously) mainly references the Iliad.

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

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  • 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.

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  • Mythos

    Mythos

    By Stephen Fry

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 2017, 416 pages.

    The Greek myths are the greatest stories ever told, passed down through millennia and inspiring writers and artists as varied as Shakespeare, Michelangelo, James Joyce and Walt Disney. 

    They are embedded deeply in the traditions, tales and cultural DNA of the West. In Stephen Fry’s hands the stories of the titans and gods become a brilliantly entertaining account of ribaldry and revelry, warfare and worship, debauchery, love affairs and life lessons, slayings and suicides, triumphs and tragedies.

    You’ll fall in love with Zeus, marvel at the birth of Athena, wince at Cronus and Gaia’s revenge on Ouranos, weep with King Midas and hunt with the beautiful and ferocious Artemis.

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    REVIEW

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

    Mythos is the first instalment of four books which retell the Greek myths. Mythos centres around the creation of the Olympians and onwards. Though, this book specifically focuses on the God’s and Goddesses, not mortals.

    This was such an enjoyable read, or listen should I say, since I audio booked it. What I love about the audiobook is that Stephen Fry himself narrates it. To me, that shows that extra bit of effort that I respect.

    Since Fry is a comedian, amongst other things, the stories were told in a humorous fashion. I found every little story interesting and was amazed at how much Greek Mythology has seeped into the modern world. I have always been fascinated by Greek Mythology (it was certainly expedited by The Song of Achilles) but never understood the niches – which now I do – on a basic level, of course.

    I can’t image how long this would have taken, and how arduous the process would have been. Having to sift through references, narrow down vital information and then organise and communicate it in a palatable manner. I really commend Fry, because it flows seamlessly.

    This is not a problem for me, as I am a beginner, but if you’re knowledgeable in the area, this would not be for you. Understandably, a lot of the stories are summarised and only the key events are highlighted. In other words, this is an overview.

    Overall, I have taken a lot from this book and find it wildly interesting. It is probably my favourite of the series.

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

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  • The Song Of Achilles

    The Song Of Achilles

    By Madeline Miller

    SPOILERS

    Released 2011, 378 pages.

    Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. By all rights their paths should never cross, but Achilles takes the shamed prince as his friend, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine their bond blossoms into something deeper – despite the displeasure of Achilles’ mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess. But then word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus journeys with Achilles to Troy, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: ADVENTUREOUS, EMOTIONAL, HISTORICAL, ROMANCE, MEDIUM-PACED.

    What a beautiful book.

    The writing is descriptive, simple and engrossing.

    The protagonist(s) are so loveable but are not immune to flaws, I feel as I was not able to separate myself and almost became Patroclus, which is a rare feat.

    The love between Patroclus and Achilles was incredible. They speak of each other in a fervent, yet gentle manner. The slow build is a masterpiece – at first, you’re not sure whether its friendship or romance.

    The plot is a captivating page-turner; I found it difficult to put down. If I could read it anew I would. The pace was also spot-on – them meeting, learning together with Chiron, Achilles being hidden away and the battle, so much happened yet Miller was able to portray it all in a timely manner, that did not linger nor rush.

    Miller did an amazing job at emulating infatuation, so well in fact that you are blind to Achilles flaws. It took me until the end of the book to realize Patroclus deserved better, but since you are reading from his view, you only see what he sees.

    To enhance the experience, listen to some Hozier – especially Hymn to Virgil (only listen to after reading).

    My only con would be the ending, it felt rushed, and some elements did not feel consistent with the rest of the book. What I mean by that is Pyrrhus’ character, it felt like Miller wanted to wrap the book up so she glossed over his entire part, personally it should have just been left out. I also found it implausible that Thetis detested Patroclus but did him a kindness in the end, I know it benefitted her son, but it seemed Miller made a concerted effort to show how merciless she was – just to erase it with a ‘happily ever after’ ending. In saying these negatives, they weren’t enough to put me off – If anything I never remember the ending and only think of the good sections.

    I would recommend this to anyone, it is truly one of my favourite books of all time.

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

    LINK TO STORYGRAPH PROFILE