The Book Report Episode #16

Episode #15

Over the years, I have collected a few books and have left them to build up. I think it’s time to take on that mountain of books in the…

To Be Read Bookcase

As you can see. There is a vast amount of books in this case. In places, two and three layers deep. And though I have read some of the books. I have a long way to go.

The first book to be read is one I received when I went to see the Author at a reading at the Hammersmith Apollo. Back in 2018, I think.

But on to the Book. Which is…

Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures By Stephen Fry

The Book

This was published in 2018 by Penguin Michael Joseph. The book is the second in a series of three books retelling the stories, passed through time, of the heroes of Greek Mythology.

Do not get mixed up with the movies or any other media. Mr Fry tries to use as close to, as history and available information allows, the truest telling as possible.

What Did I Think

By reading this book, you can tell the love and joy that went into writing all the details. You can also read how he took a long time checking the stories. So he could be proud of the final product.

The book did take a lot out of me. I was reading not only the stories of the Greeks. But also the added notes at the bottom of nearly every page. Even though I enjoyed reading about the characters and their journeys to be immortalised forever, it felt like a history lesson. Well, I suppose anything about the past is a history lesson. But anyways… Plus, having to learn all of the names these people had. The names…

Perhaps I am just being lazy and not taking it seriously enough.

After all, I did learn that Hercules was originally Heracles. And that Mr Fry, at the age of eight, was teaching himself to speak ancient Greek. Which was more than I was doing at that age. How could you not be but impressed?

A Comparison

A year or two ago, I read Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman. Same principle. But a retailing of the Norse or Viking God stories.

I am sorry to say Mr Gaiman did a better job. Mr Fry did not go wrong with his book. Not at all. Neil is just a better storyteller. Mr Fry is an educator and a scholar. And he is willing to give you everything possible so you can know about every aspect of all the characters, which is commendable. But it’s not necessary.

Mr Gaiman will tell you the best story he can.

Audiobook

Here is a little snippet of one of the stories from the book.

Would I Recommend

Do you enjoy stories about the Gods of ancient Greece? Or maybe you do not know a lot or any of the stories. But would you like to know more? Then this is the book for you.

The story of Jason and the Argonauts. Medusa and the adventures in the truest and original tellings of the heroes of Greek mythology. I would recommend this book. The stories I read and watched on the TV from my childhood. Brought Back to life again by Mr Fry is brilliant. I haven’t decided whether I will go back and read Mythos. Well, we will see.

Would you like to purchase your very own copy?

You could try these online stores: Amazon UK USA, Waterstones, AbeBooks UK USA, and eBay UK USA.

Alternatively, you could try your local bookshop or even your local library.