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Liked It “NOTE: First of all I would just like to say that I encourage readers to read the book (Maybe not buy it...) themselves regardless of my positive or negative review. |
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“NOTE: First of all I would just like to say that I encourage readers to read the book (Maybe not buy it...) themselves regardless of my positive or negative review.
Lady Athena wrote this review Monday, June 16 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
REVIEW: I made the mistake of avoiding this book because at first glance I thought it was fiction with a Mythological cover. Silly me, I denied myself a spectacular book up until now. Mr. Calasso is a master at taking Greek Mythology and presenting it at its finest. Not only does he present some of the most important and universal mythological tales he also gives meaning and thought provoking theories to them as well. I was a huge fan of Bullfinch’s mythology but the difference between the two is the later lacked the philosophical depth that this book delivered.
I will warn the casual Greek mythology reader that this is not for you. There is no introduction to these God and Goddesses, princes, heroes, and princesses. You will enjoy this book if you are familiar with most of Greek mythology and wish to relive it through another author’s perspective. Newbie’s should steer clear, unless they want to stop every other page and look people up. If I had read this book when I was eleven it would have been the most boring book on earth for me, because back then I only knew the main twelve Greek deities. Calasso’s narrative is enlightening because he speaks as though he knows what went on with the Greek deities, which at first seems a futile and pompous attempt, instead it gives the reader muse inspired poetry.
This is also a book you can reread because it delivers something different each time depending on your Mythological preferences. Have a fondness for Apollo today but want to learn more about Hera tomorrow? This is the book for you because you can understand these Gods rather then simply reading about their exploits, for example the meaning behind Persephone’s kidnapping and why Zeus allowed it.
This book, at a little over four hundred pages, does not retell every Greek mythology story. (Which is expected and a little disappointing if your favorite story is left out.) For example, the story of Pandora is never told and others like the Minotaur are never fully told from beginning to end, simply referred to at times. But I feel another book, such as Bullfinch, is necessary for someone just looking to read the actual stories. This book is interested in helping the reader take something from Greek mythology by showing them how these legendary stories connect, symbolize, generate themes, and show universal truths from another time but still surprisingly hold true today. This is by far a favorite book of mine that I highly recommend to any Greek mythology fan, student, and expert alike!”
“This translation into English of Calasso's great work does justice to the original. Beautifully translated, this work will delight you in the same way as the Italian masterpiece.”
K G wrote this review Tuesday, January 29 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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