The Book Slump

Tag: Odyssey

  • 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

  • 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.

    LINK TO STORYGRAPH PROFILE