Troy: The Greek Myths Reimagined

Written by Stephen Fry

Narrated by Stephen Fry

In this brilliant conclusion to his bestselling Mythos trilogy, legendary author and actor Stephen Fry retells the tale of the Trojan War.

Full of tragic heroes, intoxicating love stories, and the unstoppable force of fate, there is no conflict more iconic than the Trojan War. Troy is the story of the epic battle retold by Fry with drama, humor, and vivid emotion. Achilles, Hector, Odysseus, Helen, their lovers, and their mortal enemies all burn bright in Fry's compelling prose. Illustrated throughout with classical art inspired by the myths, this gorgeous volume invites you to explore a captivating world with a brilliant storyteller as your guide.

• BELOVED AUTHOR: Stephen Fry is an icon whose signature wit and mellifluous style makes this retelling utterly unique. Fans will love hearing his interpretation, whether they are familiar with the original Greek myths or not.
• TIMELESS STORIES: For fans of Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology, Madeline Miller's Circe or Song of Achilles, or Pat Barker's The Silence of the Girls, this is the perfect next great read. These ancient tales never get old.
• STUNNING SERIES CONCLUSION: Mythos and Heroes, the first two installments in the trilogy, were international bestsellers. Now fans can read the thrilling third book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Release date: Jun 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9781797213026

Stephen Fry

<p>Stephen Fry was born in London in 1957 and educated at Stout's Hill, Uppingham, and Queens' College, Cambridge. At Cambridge he joined the Footlights, where he first met Hugh Laurie. He has numerous television appearances to his credit, most notably, <em>A Bit of Fry and Laurie</em>, <em>Jeeves and Wooster</em>, <em>Blackadder</em>, <em>QI</em>, and <em>House</em>. Major film roles include Peter in <em>Peter's Friends</em> (1990) and Oscar Wilde in <em>Wilde</em> (1997); in the realm of television, his critically acclaimed <em>The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive</em> won an Emmy. He is the author of the best selling novels <em>The Liar</em>, <em>The Hippopotamus</em>, <em>Making History</em>, and <em>Revenge: A Novel</em>, as well as the highly acclaimed autobiography <em>Moab Is My Washpot</em> and, in 2005, a well-received guide to writing poetry, <em>The Ode Less Travelled</em>.</p>

[lara335 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Listened to Stephen Fry’s retelling of the classic Troy story/myth.

Fry relates this for a modern listener. And I especially appreciated his asides explaining the ancients’ beliefs - for instance the importance of recovering the bodies of warriors - to give us a better insight into their actions.

Well-written &amp; narrated.

[bhutton_10 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Stephan Fry has a nack for telling these ancient stories in modern prose.

[xavierdragnesi · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a solid telling of the Trojan War story by Stephen Fry. I say 'telling' and not 'retelling' as Fry does not significantly deviate from the storylines and perspectives of the traditional narrative (like many recent books of the same vein), but rather distills, dramatises and delivers the tale in a way which is much more easily digestible to a modern audience. His own wry style comes through, especially in the stage-setting episodes where he quite artfully ties together the threads needed for the tapestry of the Trojan War itself, yet he still manages to pay homage to the source material, particularly once he gets to the key moments of the siege itself, where a number of Homeric references and mannerisms are woven in - although sadly I don't think he got in any epic similes. Overall, didn't fully knock my socks off, but an enjoyable read.

[srms.reads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4.5/5

“When she fell, a hole opened in the human world that may never be filled, save in memory. Poets must sing the story over and over again, passing it from generation to generation, lest in losing Troy we lose a part of ourselves.”

Stephen Fry relies upon various sources in compiling this comprehensive volume that begins with the origins and foundations of the city of Troy (mythical, historical and geographical) and proceeds to paint a picture of the immortal and mortal forces that lead to the events that ultimately result in the Trojan War.

“When the gods play so deep a part in our affairs, we should count ourselves cursed.”

Homer’s Iliad ends with Hector’s funeral, however, Stephen Fry continues the story to include the Trojan Horse and the defeat and sacking of Troy in the hands of the Achaeans. Though Stephen Fry does not go into much detail in the looting and plundering that followed he does leave us with this,
“No matter how much you side with the Greeks and cheer for Odysseus, Menelaus, and the rest, you cannot but be moved to deep sorrowing pity by the plight of Troy and its citizens. We know how brutal soldiers can be. Years of homesickness, hardship, and the loss of comrades while under the constant danger of life-threatening injury harden the heart and stifle the small voice of mercy. We know how the Red Army, for example, raped, looted, and murdered their way into Berlin in 1945. How cruelly British troops tortured and mutilated rebels rounded up after the Indian Mutiny. What the American army did at My Lai in Vietnam. Whatever country we are from, and however proud we may be of our national claims to tolerance, honor, and decency, we cannot dare assume that armies fighting under our flag have not been guilty of atrocities quite as obscene as those perpetrated by the ravening Greeks that night.”

Stephen Fry is a masterful storyteller, and while these stories are not new to anyone, Stephen Fry makes these stories accessible to anybody and everybody who is yet to read the classics themselves. Added to the stories are Stephen Fry’s witty take on the characters and events as well as contemporary references and trivia interspersed throughout the narrative. The featured classical artwork inspired by these stories is stunning. I also enjoyed the segment on Myth vs. Reality towards the end of the book. The discussion about the research into the historical elements of the myths and disputes revolving around the same was very well presented.

“The point really is that with myth we can sift and sort details of personality, archaeology, and origins as we would with real lives and histories, yet simultaneously accept and embrace supernatural and symbolic elements of fiction and magic.”

With so many retellings of the Greek myths available to us these days, one might think that yet another one would be redundant or repetitive. I feel that’s not the case because while the source material and the characters remain the same, it is interesting to see how the author presents, interprets and adds dimension to the characters in question. It is also interesting to see which stories or characters the author chooses to present to the audience. There are so many to choose from. Stephen Fry has done a commendable job in presenting us with his selection of the stories from the myths - the immortals, the mortals and their exploits, while adding his own brand of wit, humor and wisdom.

While Mythos remains my favorite of the three books in this series, I thoroughly enjoyed Troy, Stephen Fry’s third installment in his retelling of the Greek myths. As with the previous two books, I paired my reading with Stephen Fry’s audio narration which makes for an entertaining experience. Having listened to all the three in the series over the last month, I now have Stephen Fry’s voice lodged in my head and whenever I read (and whatever I read), I hear Stephen Fry (not that I’m complaining)!

I look forward to reading (and listening to) Stephen Fry’s Odyssey. If the last three books are anything to go by, I’m sure it will be well worth the wait!

[froxgirl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Once again, Stephen Fry, comedian and classics scholar, proves to be an amusing and enlightening guide through the final book of his Greek mythology trilogy (preceded by Mythos and Heroes). One might think that there's nothing left to be said about the Trojan War, but Fry's analysis of the genesis of Homer (fictional blind poet or real person?) and his recounting of the fates of Achilles, Helen, Hector, Priam, and others reveal new and fresh insights. Especially remarkable are his analysis of the character of Odysseus, here shown to be more treacherous than heroic. Maybe Fry will rework the Odyssey and we'll see if the wanderer is redeemed.

[dylkit · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

You don't need an audio version of this - you can hear Stephen Fry's voice as you read. My only complaint - which is fairly minor - is the constant referencing of his other books in the footnotes

[demonite93 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I adore Stephen Fry's telling of tales. I have read Mythos and Heroes prior to this one and all 3 are some of my favorite books. He has a way of blending historical and mythological items together into a compelling story that you cant get enough of. I went the audio book route on this one and feel like it added so much more when you hear Stephen Fry reading to you. He inputs all of the needed details and holds back on some that would make it confusing. In the addendums he input more facts and information showing that a lot of time and effort goes into the books he writes. I appreciate his enthusiasm for the subject and bringing it to a level that is enjoyable to read (or listen to).

[mickyfine · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In Stephen Fry's third volume of Greek myth retellings, he takes on the Trojan War and excels just as he has with his previous forays into Greek myth. I highly recommend this as an audio experience as Stephen Fry is an excellent narrator and does great voices for each of the characters who crop up. Excellent for fans of Greek myth or just fans of listening to Stephen Fry talk about whatever he fancies.

[bookworm12_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I adored the first two books in this series and couldn’t wait for this one. Unlike the first two, which skipped from the story to story of different gods and heroes, this one is more one continuing tale about the Trojan war. There is less room for humor as the body count increases and soon no one is untouched by the ravages of loss. I already knew the story well from many sources, but the author brings his own rye humor to the retelling and the audio is particularly engaging. I’d highly recommend all three books.

[amanda4242_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fry's take on the Trojan War is as much a history of the city and the many people involved as it is a war story. Highly entertaining, and I'll probably try the audio version next year.

[sucharita1986 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Incredible, Bloodlust and Mythical Tale..............................
Troy by Stephen Fry is a fantastic mythological tale of a once prosperous city of Troy. I have read about Troy before but not in such an amazing and detailed way. The author has traced the lineage of Greek gods and their sons, kings and queens extensively. And, the description of war is so detailed and extensive that I felt like I was standing amidst the fight. Also, the author has annexed a list of all the characters at the end of the book.

I would give 5 stars to the book for its extraordinary imagery of a tale so old and wonderful. Although, the climax was a little bit disturbing.

[sandman61961 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I look forward to each of Stephen Fry's offerings on the tales and mythology of Greece.
I've a passing knowledge of the Trojan war, but this book drew together many of the disparate bits of knowledge I have accrued over the years.
The book covers the content of the Iliad, and more of the history of the Trojan war.
It's a comprehensive volume. I am glad that the opening included a warning that one didn't need to remember all of the names. There are many of them, most of whom are mentioned only once.
As expected, Stephen Fry's narration is excellent, easy to read and full of fact and humour. The facts also include the footnotes, of which there are many, covering reference to the Iliad, Homer, other sources, and pointing towards other tales previously covered in Mythos and Heroes. The foot notes can become a little distracting, interrupting the flow, but I cannot make a reasonable constructive suggestion as an alternative.
The book is around 400 pages in length, but the 'history' of the siege and sacking of Troy finishes at about page 335. The remainder is an interesting discourse on myth versus reality and the listing of the the relationships of the principal characters. It is obvious that Stephen Fry is passionate about his subject matter.
Overall a great book. Definitely one to be read by anyone with an interest in 'ancient' Greece.

[lucky2loki · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Much like "Mythos" and "Heroes" before it, "Troy" sees Stephen Fry's charmingly pseudo-present narrator style retell the beloved, ancient Greek myths. I was pleasantly surprised by how much of this book is spent on events before (and indeed, even during) the Trojan War in general and the Iliad in particular. Well over a third of the pages are spent on foundation myths, stories of the ancestors of the various primary players in the Iliad, setting up curses and prophecies that play a role, and generally including a lot of smaller myths and stories that have nowhere near the fame of the war looming on the horizon. In that regard, a large portion of the book actually feels like part 2 of "Heroes", being stories of demigods and city foundings, wars, major betrayals and petty grievances quickly spinning out of control.

The rest of the book deals with the Trojan War itself, and this gives the book a focus that the first two volumes didn't quite manage. It is a single story this, for all its tangents, and it makes it a more coherent reading experience, which I enjoyed. The lack of a direction and cohesive structure was a slight problem for me with the end of "Mythos" (the beginning, with the creation myths, had a solid framework with a clear chronology that made the later stories' lack of the same feel jarring), and to a lesser extent also with "Heroes", and with the change from adapting a hundred tiny stories to one major one, this is avoided here.

Fry's constant concern there will be too many names -- which, by all means, there absolutely is -- does get a little bit grating (do we need the eight reminder that Aias is how he has decided to spell Ajax the Lesser?), but he so often does them with his usual charm and wit, I almost don't mind.

All in all I'm quite looking forward to seeing him give the Odyssee the same treatment (indeed, Odysseus clearly shines through as being one of his, if not the, favourite character here), and even crossing my fingers for the slight chance Aeneas might one day get the same. Even if not technically part of the _Greek_ canon, Fry spends a lot of time on him in this book, which gives me hope ...

[infjsarah · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

All the Greek myth books by Stephen Fry have been enjoyable. This is no exception. Troy is shorter than the first two. Possibly more enjoyable because it is a single story rather than multiple ones. Enjoyed a lot.

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

While the narrateion is excellent I would like to re-read it physically. But that's more my issue than the reader. I could just listen to Stephen Fry read the phone book.
This is a retelling of the story of the fall of Troy; the events that led up to it and how personalities clashing caused more tragedy. How ego and how the Gods getting involved causes complications and twists to the story. Its well retold and I have to add a paper copy to my collection ( I have mythos and Heroes already and they have led to bad nighttime decisions.)

[jillrhudy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thank you to Chronicle Books for sending me an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I don't adore "Troy" as much as "Mythos" and "Heroes," because the first and second books in the trilogy are so much funnier—the footnotes, in particular.

Fry provides some witty footnotes and asides, but in "Troy," Cassandra provides most of the chuckles. She pops up in so many unlikely places, howling her prophecies in the city, on the beach, on the roads, etc., and being ignored by everyone within earshot in fulfillment of her curse, that the reader wonders: who is tending the temple of Athena?

"Troy" is nevertheless the greatest accomplishment of the trilogy. In "Troy" Stephen Fry writes a ten-year siege and war, and does so with stunning aplomb. Sometimes Fry explains in the footnotes which version of the myths he has chosen, and why. He even pokes fun at the difficulty of the whole enterprise, imploring the reader not to get her Ajaxes and Antigones confused. As with the first two books, the illustrations are terrific, although I will have to wait until the finished version to read the captions; my ARC came without. The Glossary is also invaluable with all of the characters to keep straight, and Fry addresses the question at the end of how much of this is actual history.

Long expositions of sieges and wars bore me to tears, with the exception of some of those written by Bernard Cornwell. I will never make it through "Les Miserables." However, I was enthralled throughout every single paragraph of this retelling. Here is the Trojan War, with the heroes and antiheroes (some of them the same person), the interfering denizens of Mount Olympus. Fry makes sure he goes back far enough in mythology that every major player is fully understood: you know the connection between Heracles and Priam, for instance. In fleshing out these ancient characters, Fry makes it visceral, does not shy away from emotions, and spills rivers of blood. The story of the Trojan Horse alone is so well done that you can smell the sweat.

If anyone is out-writing Madeline Miller at retelling mythology right now, in a time when a lot of authors are throwing their hats into the ring, it is Fry, the undisputed master of the turn of phrase. He may be the greatest raconteur alive today, which shines through in his writing, and his contribution to mythology is sure to endure. Easily the most spectacular thing about this trilogy? Fry reads the audiobooks.

[darthdeverell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Stephen Fry’s Troy builds upon the work he began in his previous two books, Mythos and Heroes, collecting the various elements of Greek mythology, history, archaeology and more to tell the whole story of the Trojan War, beginning with the events that slowly foreshadowed the war in such a way as to make it seem inevitable. Where Homer’s Iliad tells a fraction of the story, Fry intends for his account to inform the modern reader, balancing the various different accounts, choosing those that offer narrative cohesion though making those choices clear in footnotes. He uses somewhat modern dialogue, the better to make the actors understandable to his reader. In fact, when reading this, one cannot help but imagine an exceptional classics or history teacher covering these events over a series of lectures in order to help explain the full scope of the Trojan War to their students.

Fry catalogues the necessary backstory leading up to the Trojan War, pointing out that Homer’s Iliad only begins 10 years into the conflict (on page 184 of Fry’s account) and ends prior to its ends (pg. 251 of Fry’s account). Fry concludes with two appendices. He examines the nature of myth and its relationship to history in the first, while the second looks at Homer and the storytelling tradition surrounding him. Fry describes the difficulty in telling histories of the Heroic Age as a fight between “the need to present a detailed dynastic chronology, filled with consistent relationships, backgrounds and genealogies” and “the need to present the mysteries of a poetical world of myth and miracle whose characteristics and histories should never be expected to travel obediently along the rails of cause and effect” (pg. 336). Following this, Fry discusses the history of written tradition in Greece, Homer’s place in literary history, and subsequent attempts to discover the historical accuracy of his work.

He explains the various relationships of the large cast, both moral and divine, with notes to where he previously covered further details of unrelated stories in Mythos and Heroes. Fry’s work resembles Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology in that he presents a modern retelling of the stories essential to the mythological history of Troy and that he does so in a way that both uses modern vernacular while keeping the quintessential and most quotable elements of the stories intact. In that, Fry contributes to the long tradition of retelling these stories for education and for entertainment.