JUNE 2020 - AudioFile
Stephen Fry’s clever, plummily presented reimaginings of the ancient tales about Greek heroes is perfect for anyone who has noticed that the original stories read like soap operas on a godly scale. They specialize in eye-rolling plots full of conniving, illegitimacy, affairs, jealousy, feuds, and mistaken identities. Plus, some innocent folks whose goodness must be protected—from the gods and by the gods. In this sequel to his earlier volume, MYTHOS, Fry delivers his plain-English versions of the tales with an abundance of humor and excitement. Vivid characterizations, dramatic readings, and energetic pacing abound as we voyage with Jason, Oedipus, and more. While the result might be too over-the-top for some, it’s done with appreciation and, despite the frequent sex, would be excellent family listening. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
"Actor and author Stephen Fry retells the stories of Greek Heroes in an imaginative and witty manner...Each of the tales of Perseus, Heracles, Bellerophon, Jason, Atalanta, Oedipus and Theseus is reimagined in modern vernacular and there is never a boring moment. Illustrated with classic artwork, this is a handsome and well-researched book." - Denton Record-Chronicle
"Both Mythos and Heroes are an accessible introduction to the Greek pantheon and the mythology that grew from there. Some of it is a bit gory, some of it lusty, all of it an insight into base humanity. Fry’s humor weaves its way throughout the tales, and you learn to hold loosely your ideas of fact and fiction in the stories that you are reading. A good lesson for our times" - Geek Mom
"British actor, comedian, documentarian, and author Stephen Fry dedicates this second volume of his series about the great world myths to “all the heroes we never heard of. Perhaps you are one.” His versions of Greek heroic literature owe much to his deep reading of the originals, but these aren’t your decorous Edith Hamilton Greek myths. They’re cheeky and witty, and, above all, they bring the larger-than-life figures back to human scale – as if Fry had channeled Monty Python. Reading Heroes might not turn you into one, but it’ll likely make you ponder how to bring a bit of heroism into everyday life."
Holiday Gift Guide selection - Geek Dad
JUNE 2020 - AudioFile
Stephen Fry’s clever, plummily presented reimaginings of the ancient tales about Greek heroes is perfect for anyone who has noticed that the original stories read like soap operas on a godly scale. They specialize in eye-rolling plots full of conniving, illegitimacy, affairs, jealousy, feuds, and mistaken identities. Plus, some innocent folks whose goodness must be protected—from the gods and by the gods. In this sequel to his earlier volume, MYTHOS, Fry delivers his plain-English versions of the tales with an abundance of humor and excitement. Vivid characterizations, dramatic readings, and energetic pacing abound as we voyage with Jason, Oedipus, and more. While the result might be too over-the-top for some, it’s done with appreciation and, despite the frequent sex, would be excellent family listening. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine