MBH
Writing this review 'halfway' through the book. In reality, this book places the Dunwich Horror story at the front with 'other stories' bundled in. I only read the Dunwich Horror and The Dreams in the Witch House and I have some thoughts.
I likely won't continue reading this bundle because I feel content with the two stories I chose to read while knowing that I want to read The Colors Out of Space next. I hear good things about that one.
I personally didn't like the Dunwich horror all that much and I'm a little disappointed that it was my introduction to Lovecraft's novels. It felt very drawn out and the dialogue is genuinely annoying to read. Lovecraft writes the way these poor smalltown Massachusetts villagers would speak, and it's downright obnoxious. From all the "leetles" to the "ruds" and the "daown" and "abaout", I found it extremely difficult to get into it all.
I'm glad I read the Dreams in the Witch House (DintWH), because that redeemed some of the negative feelings that were forming about Lovecraft's obnoxious dialogue writing. DintWH was a much better story with better writing and atmosphere. The characters were creepier, the cosmic horror was well described and the idea of 4th dimension traversal from weirdly strong angles in a crummy apartment gives the sense of mathematical plausibility and realness.
I'll be sure to review the Colo/urs Out of Space when I read it. So far, though, the HP Lovecraft experience has been relatively lukewarm for me. So, I'm hoping this next story will brighten things up for me and creep me out.
Writing this review 'halfway' through the book. In reality, this book places the Dunwich Horror story at the front with 'other stories' bundled in. I only read the Dunwich Horror and The Dreams in the Witch House and I have some thoughts.
I likely won't continue reading this bundle because I feel content with the two stories I chose to read while knowing that I want to read The Colors Out of Space next. I hear good things about that one.
I personally didn't like the Dunwich horror all that much and I'm a little disappointed that it was my introduction to Lovecraft's novels. It felt very drawn out and the dialogue is genuinely annoying to read. Lovecraft writes the way these poor smalltown Massachusetts villagers would speak, and it's downright obnoxious. From all the "leetles" to the "ruds" and the "daown" and "abaout", I found it extremely difficult to get into it all.
I'm glad I read the Dreams in the Witch House (DintWH), because that redeemed some of the negative feelings that were forming about Lovecraft's obnoxious dialogue writing. DintWH was a much better story with better writing and atmosphere. The characters were creepier, the cosmic horror was well described and the idea of 4th dimension traversal from weirdly strong angles in a crummy apartment gives the sense of mathematical plausibility and realness.
I'll be sure to review the Colo/urs Out of Space when I read it. So far, though, the HP Lovecraft experience has been relatively lukewarm for me. So, I'm hoping this next story will brighten things up for me and creep me out.
My favorite in Stephen Fry's myth retelling series. The author retells the famous Greek myths in such an approachable and entertaining way. I find that I can't put the book down wanting to know more about the complex and intertwining lives of Heracles, Theseus, Perseus, etc.
Fry presents these stories in an uninterpreted manner so that the reader can form their own ideas and thoughts if they like. All Fry does, while being witty and crafty with storytelling, is present the stories in the best and most thorough way he considers appropriate. Of course, you are not expected to remember absolutely every detail which is why there's a handy map and full glossary at the end of the book which gives a brief rundown of any character or creature met through the stories.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Greek myths, more specifically the heroes of those myths. I can't wait for Odyssey to publish, very excited!
My favorite in Stephen Fry's myth retelling series. The author retells the famous Greek myths in such an approachable and entertaining way. I find that I can't put the book down wanting to know more about the complex and intertwining lives of Heracles, Theseus, Perseus, etc.
Fry presents these stories in an uninterpreted manner so that the reader can form their own ideas and thoughts if they like. All Fry does, while being witty and crafty with storytelling, is present the stories in the best and most thorough way he considers appropriate. Of course, you are not expected to remember absolutely every detail which is why there's a handy map and full glossary at the end of the book which gives a brief rundown of any character or creature met through the stories.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Greek myths, more specifically the heroes of those myths. I can't wait for Odyssey to publish, very excited!
