The Book Slump

Tag: Poseidon

  • 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.

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  • 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.

    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