Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
Mythos by Stephen Fry, published in 2017, is Fry’s ambitious retelling of the ancient Greek myths. From the birth of the cosmos to the rise of the Olympian gods, Fry guides readers through the strange, violent, and beautiful stories that have shaped Western literature and culture. As a longtime Stephen Fry fan, I was immediately drawn to this book, his sharp wit, warmth, and intelligence are qualities I’ve always admired in his work, and they shine brilliantly here. Greek mythology has been reimagined countless times, but Fry offers a version that feels both accessible and richly entertaining.

✅ What I Liked:
Fry’s storytelling voice is delightful, wry, playful, and brimming with affection for the source material. He doesn’t just recount the myths; he revels in their absurdities and contradictions, making the gods feel less like remote deities and more like larger-than-life characters in a sprawling soap opera. His inclusion of etymology and asides about how these myths seep into modern language and thought is both clever and educational, adding depth without ever feeling heavy-handed.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
The sheer scope of the book means that, at times, the narrative can feel dense, with a flurry of names and family trees that might overwhelm readers less familiar with mythology. Some sections, while meticulously detailed, slow the pace a little, and I occasionally wished for more narrative focus rather than encyclopedic coverage.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you’re fascinated by mythology but find traditional retellings intimidating or overly academic, Mythos is an ideal entry point. Fry makes these stories feel fresh, relevant, and fun, without stripping away their strangeness or grandeur. It’s a great pick for fans of Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology or Madeline Miller’s novels who want to explore Greek myths with a mix of scholarship and humour.

💭 Final Thoughts:
Mythos is a vibrant retelling that captures the chaos, drama, and wonder of Greek mythology in a voice that is unmistakably Stephen Fry’s. It’s not a quick read, but it’s one to savour, part entertainment, part education, and wholly engaging.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE

Final Rating ★★★★ – A lively, erudite, and witty take on the Greek myths that makes the ancient feel newly alive.