Book Review: Gods Behaving Badly By Marie Phillips

Book Title: Gods Behaving Badly
Author: Marie Phillips
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy
Publication Date: December 6, 2007
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Pages: 292

Summary

“Gods Behaving Badly” by Marie Phillips is a funny story of Greek gods living in the heart of modern day London. These Gods have fallen from their lofty heights of power and supremacy. They now find themselves with everyday jobs and lives. Aphrodite believe it or not, works as a phone sex operator, Apollo as a TV psychic, and Artemis, well… Artemis now walks dogs. Their powers are fading, and they are having a hard time adapt to the boring life of mortals. Basically, their lives suck. The story follows Alice who is a shy cleaner. She unwittingly becomes involved in their world. This setting off a hilarious chain of events that brings both chaos and revelation to the gods and mortals alike.

First Impressions

In my opinion, this is a brilliant idea for a book. Why? Because, the concept of ancient gods struggling with contemporary life immediately pulls you in. What is the author doing? Well, she is blending together mythology with modern issues. The story is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s also very funny stuff. Her humorous tone sets the stage for a story that is as funny as it is imaginative.

Characters

I think Phillips does an excellent job of humanizing the gods. She shows them with all their flaws and quirks. They may actually remind you of people that you know. Aphrodite is vain. Apollo is arrogant. And Artemis is straight to the point. This make them relatable despite their divine origins. Alice, the mortal who stumbles into their lives, is easy to sympathize with. You can relate to her. Her ordinary persuasion highlights the absurdity and drama of the gods’ existence. This creates a delightful contrast.

Writing Style

Marie Phillips’ writing is crisp and witty. This makes the book a breeze to read. It’s quite enjoyable. As you’re reading, she weave in mythological elements without overwhelming you. This makes the story accessible even to those unfamiliar with Greek mythology. The dialogue is sharp and often laugh-out-loud funny. At times very funny. The narrative pace keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. You’ll have trouble putting it down.

Themes

“Gods Behaving Badly” explores both the theme of identity and the theme of adapting to the world around us. In the book, the gods are struggling to maintain their relevance and power. The problem is that the world has moved on. They are not as in demand as they once were. Once long ago. This is a reflection on how we all cope with change and loss and it’s presented in a very clever way. The story also touches on the importance of self-acceptance and finding new ways to thrive when old paths no longer serve us. In a word; change.

Conclusion

In al honesty, found “Gods Behaving Badly” absolutely delightful. I love the way it combines humor, heart, and a touch of the divine. Marie Phillips has crafted a novel that is not only entertaining but also insightful. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a light-hearted yet thought provoking book. Whether you’re a fan of mythology or just enjoy a good laugh, this book is sure to please. I think most people will really enjoy it.

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