A review by amandasbookreview
Mythos by Stephen Fry

adventurous emotional funny informative lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 
“It is enough to say that the Greeks thought it was Chaos who, with a massive heave, or a great shrug, or hiccup, vomit or cough, began the long chain of creation that has ended with pelicans and penicillin and toadstools and toads, sea-lions, lions, human beings and daffodils and murder and art and love and confusion and death and madness and biscuits.”

MYTHOS
Why did it take me so long to start Mythos by Stephen Fry? If you don’t know Stephen Fry, he is known for numerous reasons like acting, radio, theater, and also being an English comedian. And he is exactly the voice that is needed when retelling Greek mythology. He starts with the beginning that is Chaos, out of that the rise of the Titans, then their downfall due to the Olympians. He tells about the quarrels, creation stories, lovers’ trysts, and their progeny. While all these tales are familiar, Stephen Fry’s retellings give them a fresh new take.

“Whatever the truth, science today agrees that everything is destined to return to Chaos. It calls this inevitable fate entropy: part of the great cycle from Chaos to order and back again to Chaos.”

MYTHOS
This is such a wonderful read, but especially for those who love mythology. If you are not familiar with the Greeks myths, this is a wonderful place to start because Stephen Fry breaks it down in a humorous way.

“When lust descends, discretion, common sense and wisdom fly off and what may seem cunning concealment to one in the grip of passion looks like transparently clumsy idiocy to everyone else.”

MYTHOS
There are so many subjects in these myths that the author handles with care, not just humor because some of the circumstances and emotions still resonate with us today. I do recommend listening to the audiobook because it is narrated by the author, but I have also seen the physical copy and it is gorgeous with beautiful illustrations. I can’t wait to read the other books in this series! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.