“Odyssey” is the final volume in Stephen Fry’s series on Greek mythology, and it brings the whole project to a wonderful close. Like every book before it, it is entertaining, educational and simply a joy to spend time with. Whether you already know a great deal about Greek mythology or you are approaching it for the first time, these books are absolutely worth your time. I genuinely loved reading them.
„After the fall of Troy, wily Odysseus, King of Ithaca, sails for home and his steadfast queen Penelope. However, the angry gods curse him to wander the seas for ten long years. Tormented by giants and monsters, tempted by witches and goddesses, Odysseus battles to draw ever closer to home. Awaiting him is Penelope, defying reports of his death. But this queen endures her own tormentors: An army of young suitors eager to claim her hand and the throne.“
Blurb
The journey of Odysseus is one of the most famous stories ever told, and I like to think I know it reasonably well. I have heard most of the episodes in one form or another, from school, from other retellings, from countless references in modern books and films. And yet, even with that broader background, there were so many passages in this book that were new to me. Fry has a talent for slipping in details, side stories and lesser-known variants that quietly expand the picture without ever feeling like a lecture.
What I found particularly rewarding were Fry’s own thoughts woven into the narrative, along with the research he clearly put into it. He shows again and again how these ancient stories still reach into our modern world, in language, in place names, in ideas we take for granted. He also walks a careful line between what is verifiable and what is not. Which parts have actually been proven by history and archaeology, and where do we have to be careful not to assume that a real place or event stands behind the myth? Even more fascinating, at least for me, are the moments where the opposite turns out to be true, where people, places and events long treated as pure legend turn out to have some real footing in the ancient world.
Fry’s writing style is a pleasure to read. It flows easily, it has warmth, and it never talks down to the reader. The audiobooks, narrated by Fry himself, are on another level again. His voice, his timing and his obvious love for the material make listening to them one of the best audio experiences I have had.
I read the series in what I would call the “correct” order:
- “Mythos”
- “Heroes”
- “Troy”
- “Odyssey”
I think this really is the best sequence, both to avoid spoilers and to have every piece of context in place when you need it. As I mentioned, there is no prior knowledge you strictly need. But for me it always helps to have heard certain names before, so that I can follow the connections a little more easily and enjoy the resonances between the stories.
All in all, this was a wonderful book to close a wonderful series. Another 5-star read for me, which turns the whole series into a 5-star experience overall.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📝 If you are looking for my own short stories, poems and texts, check out my Substack: https://substack.com/@fragmentsandthedark
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