I fear I just could not finish this book. Not because it's bad but because it just kept losing me. It seems that a lot of other people loved it so I'm at least happy it has found its people.

My whole family loves Stephen Fry’s mythology series. I ended up getting the audio version of Troy after reading because I knew it would be a great road trip book and it got rave reviews from the whole carload of us.

Stephen Fry's *Troy* is a captivating retelling of one of the most famous stories in ancient mythology. Fry brings his signature wit and charm to the tale of the Trojan War, making it accessible and enjoyable for both newcomers and those familiar with the original myths. The book beautifully weaves together the intricate web of gods, heroes, and mortals, showcasing the epic battles, cunning strategies, and tragic downfalls that have made the story of Troy timeless.

Fry's narration is both educational and entertaining, providing rich historical context while breathing new life into characters like Achilles, Hector, and Helen. His ability to balance humor with the gravitas of the events makes this retelling particularly engaging.

While Fry remains true to the essence of the original myths, he also offers fresh perspectives and insights, making *Troy* not just a retelling but a reimagining that resonates with modern readers. The book is a delightful blend of history, mythology, and Fry's unique voice, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the Trojan War.

Another triumph to add to Mythos and Heroes. Stephen Frye's take on Greek Mythology is second to none,. I can't wait to get a copy of the audiobook

Troy: Our Greatest Story Retold by Stephen Fry is a captivating read for anyone who delights in mythology, history, and epic storytelling, as it masterfully weaves together the timeless themes of war, passion, and human nature, making it a perfect fit for readers who crave a rich and immersive tale that explores the complexities of the human experience.

This book is best read via audiobook, because Stephen Fry himself narrates it, but it is just as good read on-page (or screen). I learned so much!

Stephen Fry's knowledge and gift of telling mythical stories was one of the best things that came out of England in this decade! His wittiness, silly little anecdotes and the passion for this story and the motives, emotion and historical advantages that followed them and allowed them to be known thousands of years after is spell-bounding to read and enjoy.

Concluding Fry's trilogy of the Greek myths, Troy gives a very full account of the war from the founding of Troy to its final defeat. Drawing on more sources than Homer, it's an exciting, well-written story that makes sense of the epic war.

A fascinating and detailed retelling of the story of Troy, from start to finish, in Stephen Fry’s unique style. I always appreciate the note he includes at the beginning of his Mythos books - these myths and stories have a lot of names and places and interconnected (and sometimes conflicting) relationships, and there’s no expectation that I remember them all. The ones that are most important will stick in the brain, and he reminds you of who people are and why they matter when they reappear.

In my memory, the tale of Helen, her abduction by Paris of Troy, and the subsequent 10 year war to bring her home was about true love and honor. In reality (or as close as we can get to it thousands of years removed), it’s yet another tale of how the greek gods couldn’t keep their hands to themselves and were constantly interfering in mortal affairs. Was Helen ever really in love with Paris, or did Aphrodite cloud her eyes and mind because she had promised Helen to Paris? It wasn’t long into the war when Helen knew she hated Paris and wanted to leave, but Aphrodite threatened her and made her stay, basically prostituting Helen for Aphrodite’s own gain. How much would have been resolved, and how many lives would have been saved (including that of the whole population of Troy) if the other gods had intervened, censored Aphrodite, and allowed Helen to return to Sparta and her true family?

I’ll admit to being on the side of the Greeks, mostly because Helen didn’t want to be in Troy. Even though there were gods intervening on both sides, to me the most egregious interference during battle was always, continuously by Apollo. It didn’t matter to him if Zeus had forbid any involvement (and it doesn’t seem like Apollo had to pay any punishment for his actions) but he literally swooped in and killed Patroclus, Achilles’ best friend and possibly lover, among thousands of other Greeks. I was so mad, and sad. Yes, Achilles could be raging and violent, murderous to foes and innocents alike, but all the ancient “heroes” were. The sacking of Troy was particularly reprehensible, and the hardest parts of this to read were when people you were sort of rooting for start raping women and killing babies.

I really appreciated the appendices, where Fry explains the complications of separating myth from reality, the confusion of who Homer actually was, and the various time periods of human history in the area. In all likelihood, if these people actually existed, their lives were not quite as fantastical as this story, but it sure makes for an epic tale.

There is not as much of Stephen Fry's original style of humor in this translation of the Iliad. I suppose I was simply expecting a more humor-focused rendering of the story. There was still humor to be found, because it's Stephen Fry, somehow just not as much as I anticipated.

Stephen Fry has a way with bringing mythology to live. This book did not disappoint. Great for anyone, novice or expert, a like.

Full review to be posted soonish.

I would like to thank the publisher and netgalley for providing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start by saying I absolutely adore Stephen Fry's storytelling. The way he approaches the myths and how he tells us about them is so wonderful I always get lost in them. I've read Mythos and Heros so I knew I needed to read Troy as well.

I'm sure we all know the story of Helene, a queen celebrated for her beauty, who gets kidnapped and then has to watch the Greeks launch a thousand ships against the city of Troy. I'm sure we've all heard the story and we know how it ends. Although some stories in Heroes and Mythos were sad or bittersweet, Fry's usual tone is light, sometimes even funny which was why the tone of this one surprised me. It was quite refreshing to see him focus on this tragedy and tell the story in a slightly heavier tone.

Of course, that doesn't mean we don't get those funny comments that are almost typical for his books. I loved how he took his time to introduce all the characters and how he took the time to actually tell us their backstories which made me feel closer to all of them... which isn't good in a story like Troy. But that leads me to another difference between Troy and Mythos or Heroes and that's the flow of the story. I was used to a collection of short stories told in a certain order, but still a collection of short stories. Troy, on the other hand, was told like a linear story, everything was leading to the Troyan war to this conflict. It made me realize that I like this even more since the suspense was building and I felt like I was moving towards a certain goal.

In the end, I enjoyed it like any other Fry's book and I recommend all of them to anyone who would like to get into Greek myths or is already familiar with them.

Stephen Fry retells the Iliad myth with such care for its characters, you cannot help but fall into the story and relive all those stories you grew up with. As with Mythos and Heroes, Troy brings to life the gods and heroes of old in such an entertaining and captivating way, you just feel giddy reading this book. A great achievement. Note - if you can listen to the audiobook version of these books, you are in for a great treat.

Troy is part of Stephen Fry’s series of mythological retellings, starting with Mythos. This is actually the first I have read, but he states that they do not need to be read chronologically. He repeats any important details we should know, and tries to refresh our memories as he goes.

While I’m sure a little knowledge of the history of this time helps, I would not say it is crucial for the enjoyment of this book. It is very detailed, but it’s not vital to remember every character name and relationship in order to follow the action. It is complex, but fascinating. I love the way Fry weaves history and mythology together, and tries to highlight how difficult it is to parse one from the other. The story itself, as many are familiar with, is high in drama, tragedy, romance, and deceit. Fry’s dry humor seeps in to the writing, and makes the whole experience much more interesting. I do think I may need to reread it in future as I get more context about the events and characters, but I loved it on the first go around.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Our library has purchased both of Stephen Fry's other mythology collections. I love his unique take on the Greek myths and the incredible voice he gives them. I am always looking for new and engaging interpretations to share. Fry makes reading the Greek mythologies fun that I feel like even the least studious of those looking into Greek myth and lore will be compelled to read, finish, and continue to explore deeper into the tales and histories.

I listened to Mythos on audiobook, and I hope to do the same with this one as well. I never get tired of reading and rereading these stories.

10/10 would recommend to everyone.

Thank you SO much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this e-book in exchange for honest feedback. I've also read the physical book (which imo is a total necessity to get the best experience) and listened to the audiobook (thanks also to Libro.FM for a review copy). Stephen Fry is one of my all-time favorite authors/narrators. I am NOT great at mythology at all. I got into the subject from Fry's and Neil Gaiman's. works. Troy is another installation to his other books such as Mythos, the first one I read and really enjoyed. Troy exemplifies the quality of Fry's work in this series. It is captivating, intelligent, educational, and just masterful storytelling. The audiobook is a complete necessity as well, as it truly drives home the value of this series. This book is one I would highly recommend to anyone with even a modicum of interest in mythology. It is highly accessible and a high quality production all around.

I loved Mythos, and I loved this almost as much (now I have to go back and read Heroes - can’t wait!). Fry has such a fun take on mythology, and it continues in Troy, even though the subject is darker. I would recommend his books to anyone. I reviewed the audiobook of Troy, and the narration is lovely and engaging. Fantastic book. I hope he keeps going and moves on to myths and legends of other cultures if he runs out of Greek material!

This was very entertaining to read and I didn't find it heavy at all! I'm not much of an expert on any mythology and I found this very readable. It's very accessible for those of us who don't know much about mythology I find.

Stephen Fry retells the story of Troy with great details from all of the great histories. I love the details he has and how he goes into everything with such vividry. I can't wait to pick up the audiobook and listen to him read it as well.