Kerri's Reviews > Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold

Mythos by Stephen Fry
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it was amazing
bookshelves: most-loved, folklore-mythology-legends-etc

I've always loved Greek Mythology, there's something so captivating about it, and it is intriguing to read different versions and tellings of the many stories, Gods and other figures. Stephen Fry's Mythos is easily the most readable book of Greek Mythology that I've read so far (excluding children's versions, though those usually avoid the more violent and sexual aspects of the myths) and I wish I had had it at my disposal during my high school years, when Classical Studies was my favourite subject, but one that was occasionally hindered by supremely dry retellings of very interesting stories. In Mythos, they are approachable, clear and told in an somewhat conversational manner. It makes for a fascinating read that is also fun - and I can't highlight enough how important that sense of fun is. Mythology is bizzare and dramatic, and Stephen Fry embraces that.
I had such a great time reading this, and it really reminded me why I fell in love with Greek Mythology in the first place.
I will be getting a copy of the follow-up book, Heroes, soon and can hardly wait to continue reading!
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Reading Progress

November 28, 2017 – Shelved
November 28, 2017 – Shelved as: to-read
November 27, 2018 – Started Reading
December 2, 2018 –
page 196
42.7%
December 4, 2018 – Finished Reading
November 9, 2019 – Shelved as: most-loved
January 13, 2023 – Shelved as: folklore-mythology-legends-etc

Comments Showing 1-8 of 8 (8 new)

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message 1: by Angela M (new)

Angela M Terrific review, Kerri.


C.  (Comment, don't blank click reviews). Very great points, Kerri: worthwhile subject matter deserves rich presentation. I wonder if school books are perceived as dry because they really did have lesson planners who lacked creativity, or if because school is about taking certain subjects we didn't choose and plodding through textbooks, without the luxury of being in the mood for each one.


Kerri Angela M wrote: "Terrific review, Kerri."Thanks, Angela! :)


Kerri Thank you, Carolyn. I think you are right about that - while some textbooks are less than compelling, I only have to compare the enthusiasm with which I read Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen on my own accord, as opposed to the way I trudged through Pride and Prejudice when it was assigned to me, to see what a difference it can make to be in the mood for the required subject! Being told you MUST read something can instantly make it feel like a chore.


Bren fall in love with the sea. Loved your review! I’m a huge mythology fan and I just read this. It’s going into my favorites list.


Kerri Thank you! I must get a copy of the latest one, Troy. I'm glad you enjoyed this one, it's one of my favourites too. :)


BAM doesn’t answer to her real name Troy is as good as the other two. I esp love listening to Frye read his own works.


Kerri Bibliomysterious BAM wrote: "Troy is as good as the other two. I esp love listening to Frye read his own works."Oh good -- I've previewed the audiobooks and they sound excellent so I want to get them soon.


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