What would happen if when all the Greek Gods fell out of fashion they moved from Mount Olympus to a house in London? Wackiness... that's what!
That is the unlikely but wonderful premise of this novel and I found it absolutely delightful. Even thought the Gods' powers are weakened, they retained the deeply flawed personalities that caused so much trouble in ancient Greece.
Aphrodite decides to teach her lover, Apollo, a lesson, so she enlists her son, Eros, to make Apollo fall in love with their moral housemaid, Alice, which, of course, ends up badly for the poor girl. Fortunately, she has a champion in an unlikely hero; her nerdy but sweet boyfriend, Neil.
When I was in school, I loved reading Greek (and to a lesser degree, Roman) mythology. In fact, I read everything I could get my hands on, so this book was a real treat for me. Sort of like getting reacquainted with some old friends. Very, very old friends.
This is a light, funny fast moving story that (thankfully) leaves itself open for a sequel. I hope Ms Phillips considers it.
This new novel qualifies for the Pub Challenge (5 down, 3 to go) and I highly recommend it.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Gods Behaving Badly
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6 have spoken:
I'm so going to read this book!! I think it sounds wonderful!
I've seen such great reviews of this one. It sounds sort of like American Gods but a little lighter.
I just orderd A Fraction of the Whole.
This sounds like a fun book, Kookie. My father took several college courses dealing with both Roman and Greek mythology when I was a child and his enthusiasm for the subject infected me.
You'll really like this one, Stephanie.
raidergirl, that is a very good way to describe it! Oooohhhh, A Fraction of the Whole....oooohhhh!!!!
Once you get hooked on mythology, it just stays with you, doesn't it?
When I asked for the copy of A Fraction of The Whole, my person at randomhouse sent me Gods Behaving Badly as well! Cool, eh? I started Gods Behaving Badly right away, it looks so cute, but I must have the Canadian cover.
raidergirl, how lucky are you???? That's awesome. You'll like them both.
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