Zeus Is a Dick by Susie Donkin Review

Hello Readers,

If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, you already know Zeus has a hand in almost everything. And let’s be honest when tragedy strikes, the king of the gods is usually lurking somewhere behind the curtain. In this book, we start at the very beginning of these ancient stories, and eventually, all roads seem to lead to Zeus.

Who, let’s be real, is kind of a jerk. A major one. But he’s far from alone. Greek mythology is packed with flawed, fascinating, and frequently problematic figures but Zeus just happens to be one of the biggest and loudest offenders.

Susie Donkin’s Zeus Is a Dick is a sharp, hilarious retelling of Greek mythology that breathes chaotic new life into the gods of Olympus. Known for her work on Horrible Histories, Susie brings that same irreverent, clever humour to this very adult take on the myths and it absolutely works.

Rather than offering a dry, chronological account, Susie takes us on a wildly entertaining journey through the most famous myths, reimagining each one with a modern twist. The gods and goddesses come across as petty, vain, dramatic, and thoroughly entertaining. Each chapter focuses on a classic tale often starring Zeus in peak disaster mode and delivers it with wit, insight, and creative flair.

The book pulls no punches in portraying Zeus as the overpowered menace he so often is, and Susie doesn’t shy away from calling him out. But the rest of the pantheon gets their moment too: the glitter, the glam, the betrayals, the endless feuds it’s mythology at its most fun.

What makes this retelling stand out is how Susie balances humour with a genuine understanding of the source material. Despite the laughs, it’s clear she knows her myths inside and out. The book manages to untangle the messy family tree of the gods while keeping things light, engaging, and often laugh-out-loud funny.

If you love mythology and enjoy your history with a generous helping of comedy, this is the perfect read. Zeus Is a Dick is outrageous, clever, and surprisingly informative a joyride through Olympus that makes ancient stories feel fresh, funny, and wildly relatable.

L x

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