Review: Ghost Stories: Stephen Fry's Definitive Collection

Ghost Stories: Stephen Fry's Definitive Collection by Stephen Fry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As pretty much 100% of the reviewers have said, having anything narrated by Stephen Fry makes it a pleasure to listen to. My only gripe might be that this was a missed opportunity to read The Haunted Dolls' House, by M.R. James and Dracula's Guest by Bram stoker (is that the one with Walpurgisnacht?). I remember those from when I was young and would love to hear them again narrated by Stephen Fry. Maybe for the second edition?

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Review: The Empty House, by Algernon Blackwood, 1956 edition

The Empty House, by Algernon Blackwood, 1956 edition by Algernon Blackwood
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Not my favorite ghost story

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Review: Troy

Troy by Stephen Fry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Every time I read another book about Troy or the Illiad I'm always struck by how Diomedes got a raw deal. He features throughout the tale, is one of the most fierce warriors, is sent with Odysseus on two other trips, survives until the end with honor, and yet he's never remembered. 

It's probably because he doesn't have a schtick, like Odysseus's craftiness, Helen's looks, or Achilles's heel. 

Basically, his lack of an Achilles heel is his Achilles heel. 

Anyway, having gotten that off my chest, this book was truly excellent. And the Audiobook is read by Stephen Fry, so it's definitely worth the listen. It brings the story and characters alive, and shows how they are intertwined in ways you don't get from just reading the Illiad and Odyssey. 

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Review: Stephen Fry's Edwardian Secrets

Stephen Fry's Edwardian Secrets by NOT A BOOK
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An excellent follow-up to Stephen Fry's Victorian Secrets. I admit I came into this knowing next to nothing about the Edwardian era (I haven't even watched Downton Abbey), but I still found it all fascinating. Highly recommended. 

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Review: Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold

Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold by Stephen Fry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After having read "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman, I couldn't help but compare these two, although Stephen Fry brings his usual self to this, adding his asides and general comments related to how the god and place names are still used to this day (i.e. Bosphorus and Oxford have the same meaning). His appendices at the end also add some light to how he compiled and retold the myths.

I enjoyed this book so much I started reading Euripides' plays (Alcestis, Medea and others) right after (actually, before even finishing) and, despite the plays involving other characters, they seemed more alive having just learned that much more about the context, etc.

I get the impression that most of the low ratings I see here seem to be by people wanting to show off that they knew about Greek myths prior to reading the book, while not finding any real fault with this book per se.

If you wish to learn more about Greek myths, or even if you don't, this will be a very entertaining and informative book.

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Review: Stephen Fry's Victorian Secrets

Stephen Fry's Victorian Secrets by Stephen Fry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A delightful listen. Of course, these are all anecdotes - so don't expect a thorough or scientific study of any sort - and they concentrate on the scandalous, outrageous, etc. etc. But still, impeccably narrated, and with many interesting tidbits, facts and names that I had never heard before.

You also get to hear a recording of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle speaking!




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