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4.29 AVERAGE
4.29 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is the third (and, sadly, final) installment of Stephen Fry's mythology trilogy. Listening to him read them on audiobook has been delightful.
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I did not enjoy this one any where near as much as the first 2. while fry's phrase was still entertaining the story itself just bore me to tears as if i was reading a history textbook gone was the magic and wonder of the past myth and i found that was what i read this series for. war stories are just not for me. add to that the lack of any redeemable characters and i am left not caring who wins and who dies.
Fry’s third in a series of Greek Myth retellings provides an enthralling account of the siege of Troy, along with the critical events preceding it. Once again, Fry’s humour shines through while also making one of the most important yet convoluted pieces of western literature accessible to a modern audience.
Fry makes it clear throughout that there are very few strict rules when it comes to the interpretation of these stories. Although the narrative focuses mainly on the humans (and Demi-Gods) present in the Iliad, the Olympians also feature and it is left to the reader to decide whether to interpret their Divine presence as literal or as representative of the intense emotions and fantastical elements which occur throughout.
Fry makes it clear throughout that there are very few strict rules when it comes to the interpretation of these stories. Although the narrative focuses mainly on the humans (and Demi-Gods) present in the Iliad, the Olympians also feature and it is left to the reader to decide whether to interpret their Divine presence as literal or as representative of the intense emotions and fantastical elements which occur throughout.
"Zeus sighed heavily. 'I wish, all those years ago, Prometheus hadn't persuaded me to make mankind,' he said. 'I knew it was a mistake.'"
After reading Fry's wonderful book of Greek mythology (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3991581587), it was just a matter of time before I got myself a copy of his version of the siege of Troy - and I knew I would love it. Not only because it is easily one of my favorite stories, but because I knew that he loved the subject with such passion and enthusiasm that he would make this classic fresh, entertaining and vivid. Obviously, you can tell from the rating that I was not disappointed.
Anyone interested in the traditional version of the story of the Trojan War but who feels intimidated by the "Iliad" should not hesitate for a minute and pick up a copy of "Troy": all the details are there, all the characters, every great battle and feat of courage retold - but also explained in relation to other elements of the story and other myths, making it the perfect version to put in the hands of Greek mythology newbies. But even old fans of the story, such as myself, will find something wonderful in revisiting the legendary events and seeing it's heroes written in such a human and nuanced way.
From the founding of the city of Troy to the story of the apple of discord, Helen's very unusual conception, Odysseus' schemes, Achilles' tantrums and finally, the majestic trap of the horse: not a detail is missing from this epic story of passion and blood, and Fry's trademark erudite wit paints a bright and lively picture of each chapter.
I can't recommend this enough, especially to fans of Greek mythology or fans of the lovely Mr. Fry.
After reading Fry's wonderful book of Greek mythology (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3991581587), it was just a matter of time before I got myself a copy of his version of the siege of Troy - and I knew I would love it. Not only because it is easily one of my favorite stories, but because I knew that he loved the subject with such passion and enthusiasm that he would make this classic fresh, entertaining and vivid. Obviously, you can tell from the rating that I was not disappointed.
Anyone interested in the traditional version of the story of the Trojan War but who feels intimidated by the "Iliad" should not hesitate for a minute and pick up a copy of "Troy": all the details are there, all the characters, every great battle and feat of courage retold - but also explained in relation to other elements of the story and other myths, making it the perfect version to put in the hands of Greek mythology newbies. But even old fans of the story, such as myself, will find something wonderful in revisiting the legendary events and seeing it's heroes written in such a human and nuanced way.
From the founding of the city of Troy to the story of the apple of discord, Helen's very unusual conception, Odysseus' schemes, Achilles' tantrums and finally, the majestic trap of the horse: not a detail is missing from this epic story of passion and blood, and Fry's trademark erudite wit paints a bright and lively picture of each chapter.
I can't recommend this enough, especially to fans of Greek mythology or fans of the lovely Mr. Fry.
Very enjoyable. Fry does a heroic job with weaving together and keeping organized the many mythic threads, while also delivering the story in his wry, amused voice.