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adrilynn21's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, Xenophobia, Blood, and Grief
Minor: Child death and War
withlivjones's review against another edition
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
What a brilliant read, perfect for anyone who enjoys ancient history and/or theatre. Although it is not quite as funny as all the reviews make it out to be, there is a lighthearted and casual bluntness to the narration that is very fun to read. What really struck me was how modern the characters felt - despite the book being set over 2000 years ago, it was a story that easily could’ve happened in the modern day because the characters aren’t too different to us.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Sexual assault, Slavery, and War
hawkes's review
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, and Slavery
Moderate: War
kirstym25's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, and Violence
Moderate: Homophobia and War
miniingrid's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Trafficking, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body shaming, Grief, and War
Minor: Bullying, Child death, and Infidelity
annaavian's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Well, it is safe to say that "Glorious Exploits" packed a hugely inventive premise that was unlike any other story that I've ever read. This comic riff on Greek tragedy was ridiculous, heartbreaking, funny, tragic and, odd in all the right ways.
This debut novel transports readers to ancient Syracuse with a fresh and contemporary twist. Set against the backdrop of a pivotal moment in history, Lennon weaves a captivating tale that blends historical fiction with modern perceptions, offering a unique perspective on an age-old conflict.
Set in Syracuse 412 BC, it follows the misfortunes of Lampo and his best mate, Gelon, jobless potters who attempt to stage Euripides’ Medea in a quarry where hundreds of Athenian soldiers are imprisoned during the Peloponnesian War. Auditions are held, funds secured, the absurd rehearsals get underway, and amidst all the madness, Lampo manages to court a slave girl in his local dive bar with the hopes of buying her freedom and affection.
What sets "Glorious Exploits" apart is Lennon’s choice to infuse the narrative with the language and spirit of contemporary Ireland, his homeland. This linguistic approach might seem like an odd one at first but it manages to add a fresh edge to the prose.
Central to the story is the intriguing dynamic between the Athenian prisoners and their Syracusan captors. Lennon masterfully explores the cultural exchange that unfolds in captivity, drawing on historical accounts such as Plutarch’s mention of the Syracusans' fondness for Euripides' tragedies. This interaction forms the crux of the plot, highlighting themes of survival, resilience, and the enduring power of art in the face of adversity.
While this book may not appeal to everyone due to its unconventional portrayal of a historical moment, I personally found its uniqueness to be refreshing.
This debut novel transports readers to ancient Syracuse with a fresh and contemporary twist. Set against the backdrop of a pivotal moment in history, Lennon weaves a captivating tale that blends historical fiction with modern perceptions, offering a unique perspective on an age-old conflict.
Set in Syracuse 412 BC, it follows the misfortunes of Lampo and his best mate, Gelon, jobless potters who attempt to stage Euripides’ Medea in a quarry where hundreds of Athenian soldiers are imprisoned during the Peloponnesian War. Auditions are held, funds secured, the absurd rehearsals get underway, and amidst all the madness, Lampo manages to court a slave girl in his local dive bar with the hopes of buying her freedom and affection.
What sets "Glorious Exploits" apart is Lennon’s choice to infuse the narrative with the language and spirit of contemporary Ireland, his homeland. This linguistic approach might seem like an odd one at first but it manages to add a fresh edge to the prose.
Central to the story is the intriguing dynamic between the Athenian prisoners and their Syracusan captors. Lennon masterfully explores the cultural exchange that unfolds in captivity, drawing on historical accounts such as Plutarch’s mention of the Syracusans' fondness for Euripides' tragedies. This interaction forms the crux of the plot, highlighting themes of survival, resilience, and the enduring power of art in the face of adversity.
While this book may not appeal to everyone due to its unconventional portrayal of a historical moment, I personally found its uniqueness to be refreshing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Death, Physical abuse, Slavery, Torture, Violence, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement and Grief
rwims's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Brilliant. What a fantastic read. Best book I have read in a long time. Lampo and gelon and all those in the quarry pit are legends in their own right. What a story that shows life, suffering, kindness and selflessness. 412bc syracuse had me entranced.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Slavery, Violence, and War
m_a_j's review
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Slavery, and War
Minor: Confinement
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