Oh My Gods: A Modern Retelling of Greek and Roman Myths
Classics professor Freeman (Alexander the Great, 2010) fell in love with ancient Greek and Roman myths as a child and as a teacher has witnessed their undiminished power. He now presents uniquely uncensored and nonacademic retellings for adults of these indelible tales of rampaging lust, hubris, and fate. In his electrifying versions, the “sublime beauty and disturbing twists” intrinsic to these essential and transfixing myths blaze forth as never before. After an illuminating account of how these tales have been preserved over the centuries, Freeman brings the contentious, devious, shape-shifting, revengeful gods and goddesses, from Zeus and Hera on down, to towering life, recounting their violent exploits with verve and clarity. In this treacherous world of monsters, doomed lovers, and heroes male (Hercules) and female (Atalanta and sisters Procne and Philomela), beauty is a liability, immortality never equals wisdom, and humans are mere playthings. Freeman also offers fresh takes on such timeless stories as those of the Argonauts and Aeneas. A resounding collection of the endlessly compelling stories of passion, blood, valor, and tragedy that define the human condition. --Donna Seaman