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dazzy's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death
sadhbhprice's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Confinement, Gore, Physical abuse, Slavery, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Trafficking, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Death, Torture, War, and Classism
fuguballoon's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
A really good book for these times, when things in the world are terrible, life is not fair, and all you can do is make art.
Graphic: Confinement, Gore, Physical abuse, Slavery, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Grief, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
skyfluff's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Genocide, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
hawkes's review
- 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
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, and Slavery
Moderate: War
annaavian's review
- 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
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.
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Death, Physical abuse, Slavery, Torture, Violence, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement and Grief