Troy

Aston:

Stephen Fry’s newest retelling of Greek mythology continues to entertain. “Troy,” is the classic story of love and vengeance as the God’s of Olympus play favourites in a devastating war of men. Fry retells this ancient story with such enthusiasm that you cannot help but be transported back to live this epic again line by line.

Lindsay:

Whether you are an impassioned Troy aficionado, a dedicated ancient Greek historian, or someone with a passing interest in the Trojan War, all will thoroughly enjoy Stephen Fry's account of the fall of Troy, and the battles, victories and defeats of the ancient heroes of Homers Iliad and Odyssey. Brilliantly weaving together the mythical history of the Homeric account with very real lives of the Olympian Gods, Demi-gods and their legendary offspring, the battle for Helen of Troy is given a new breath of life. Fry's detailed and often humorous notes below the main text allow the curious reader to explore the myth at an even greater depth, and often the refer the reader to his other books on ancient Greek culture for cross-reference.

Rather than, a yet again tired account, or an academic view of Troy, this book uses humor and modern colloquialisms to bring the characters to life in a way that is understandable to 21st century readers, breathing life into long dead, and often over studied characters. Understanding the role of the mythical in everyday life, and the importance that mythical culture, history and society must have played in the Trojan War period, grow for the reader as the mythology surrounding the characters and their actions slowly reveal the political connections and personal failings of those involved.

What could have been yet another bland interpretation of the Trojan War, has, under Fry's penmanship, becoming a rollicking good yarn of supernatural proportions. Whether one has read his earlier books or not, makes no difference to the enjoyment of the epic tale of war, love and myth brought to a larger than life climax. A great read for all levels.

Other Reviews:

‘Fry’s knowledge of the world – ancient and modern – bursts through at the seams . . . The reader will find themselves on a fun romp through the world’s greatest story’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

A wondrous new immersion in ancient stories we only thought we knew. Brilliant, funny, erudite, inventive, surprising and enthralling — Richard North Patterson

Lively, humorous and intimate, this retelling has real charm * The Guardian *

Perfect for the 21st Century. Ebullient, funny, Fry retells the Greek myths with elegance * The Times *

Fry’s lively writing certainly conveys his lifelong passion for Greek myths…It’s a rollicking good read * The Independent * Praise for Stephen Fry