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📖 BOOK REVIEW⠀📚
BOOK: Mythos
AUTHOR: Stephen Fry
@StephenFry
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher: Kindle
Published: November 2nd 2017
Review
Pip-Pip. It’s time to go to Oxford and listen to a British gentleman drone on for hours about classical mythology.
Translation- This is gonna be hilarious.
I’m familiar with classical mythology. As a kid, I read for hours on websites devoted not only to the Greek and Roman pantheon, but to Japanese, Chinese, American, and even some African myths. So, an audiobook about the subject seemed like nice, relaxing time.
Fry took a few liberties with the source material, primarily in the timeline of events. He kind of had to. But otherwise, he retained the spirit of these tales in all their exuberance. This book focuses on all the stories prior to the great heroes. It’s Cronus and Gaia and Zeus and such, but told from a modern perspective. He even mentions Percy Jackson at one point.
Stephen Fry is a comedian and television personality, and that shines through in his narration for the audiobook. He knows how to use his voice to keep you hooked, and even does some impersonations. Honestly, my favorite part of the book was with the birth of Hermes. He made the kid sound like Stewie from the Family Guy, and it was excellent.
Not into mythology? You might still like this book. And, you’ll definitely be educated. He takes the opportunity to show how our modern language and customs derive from these myths and their characters.
You can see more in my video review:
Summary
Rediscover the thrills, grandeur, and unabashed fun of the Greek myths—stylishly retold by Stephen Fry. This legendary writer, actor, and comedian breathes new life into beloved tales. From Persephone’s pomegranate seeds to Prometheus’s fire, from devious divine schemes to immortal love affairs, Fry draws out the humor and pathos in each story and reveals its relevance for our own time. 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.
I voluntarily read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.