Prompt – A book by an author who has written more than 20 books. Including books of screenplays, Stephen Fry has!
Medium – Audiobook
About the Book – Stephen Fry takes us on a whirlwind tour of the Greek myths, starting from the very dawn of time, right through the arrival of the Gods on Mount Olympus and to the beginnings of the Age of Heroes (followed up in the next book ‘Heroes’). Fry introduces the characters – Titans, Gods, Demi-Gods, Immortals and Mortals – with their own unique voices and characteristics. He talks through each of the Gods in turn, before discussing the many adventures they get up to. Part mythological academic text, part narrative, the book introduces Greek history in a way that is accessible to everyone.
My Rating – 10/10. OK, confession time – I love this book. I was desperately happy to find Stephen Fry had written 20 books, so I could cast aside ‘Pharaoh’ and take up this one instead. This book is funny, touching and engaging, with equal parts history and comedy text. Fry writes dialogue between the characters which is uniquely ‘Fry-ish’ in tone – plenty of sarcasm, word play and quick wit. Each of the characters you meet have their own character – Zeus, the arrogant and yet sympathetic playboy; Hera, who reminds me inescapably of the Aunts from Jeeves and Wooster; wise Athena; tricky Hermes; touchy Artemis; clever Apollo – to name but a few. The stories are presented cleverly, in sections, and never get confusing, even when the characters have similar names.
Greek myths are some of my favourites, and although I am happy to listen to academics talking about them, I really enjoy Fry’s light-hearted and yet deep take on them. I was lucky enough to catch his talk at the virtual Hey Literary Festival this year, on his next book, Troy, and it was great to hear about his creative process, as well as hear about his new book coming out in October. I heartily recommend this book – and must put in a special plug for the audiobook. There is something incredibly special about hearing the author reading his own book, with expression, humour and panache.
Would I read it again? Without the shadow of a doubt!
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