John Spurling's "Arcadian Nights: The Greek Myths Reimagined"- review

I really like John Spurling's novels. His "The Ten Thousand Things" about 14the century China was simply marvelous. His new book "Arcadian Nights: The Greek Myths Reimagined" did not disappoint either. 

Many of us heard about Greek myths (Zeus, Hercules, Perseus, etc). Even legendary Trojan war is part of Greek mythology. It is simply astonishing how sophisticated and detailed are these Greek myths. In comparison to Greek myths "Game of Thrones" feels like a knockoff. 

In "Arcadian Nights" John Spurling revisits some of the famous myths and provides funny and down-to-earth interpretations of events described in those stories. Greek myths are great tragic, human stories. 

You read this book without effort. It just flows. Mastery of language and writing style are so good that it feels as if you are reading children's book.

posted by David

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