Glorious Exploits

by Ferdia Lennon
Glorious Exploits cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1136
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780241617649
  • Publisher: Fig Tree
  • Published: 2024-01-18
  • Formats: 30
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99 Hardback • £16.99

Set in 412 BC, Glorious Exploits tells the story of Lampo and Gelon, two impoverished potters who find themselves drawn to a quarry where Athenian prisoners are held captive after a disastrous invasion. The prisoners, starving and dejected, recite lines from Euripides' plays for scraps of food. Inspired, Lampo and Gelon decide to stage a full performance of Medea in the quarry, a bold and audacious endeavor that challenges the boundaries between enemies and friends. As the performance draws near, the men involved find their courage tested in ways they never imagined, creating a tale of brotherhood, war, and the enduring power of art. The novel is praised for its originality and humor, blending the gravitas of historical fiction with the unexpected and the tragicomic. It's a story that explores the complexities of human nature and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Reviews
Swirl and Thread · 2025-03-20
cleverly 4.50

The novel is praised for its dark humour and tragicomic elements, which enhance the historical narrative. The reviewer finds it to be a cleverly written tale with a unique blend of comedy and tragedy.

The reviewer is impressed by the dark humour woven throughout the novel, which adds a layer of complexity to the historical narrative. They appreciate how the tragicomic aspects enhance the story, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. The reviewer also notes the clever writing style, which keeps the reader engaged and interested throughout.

Quick quotes

    It's a very cleverly written tale with dark humour woven throughout the historical narrative.

    The tragicomic aspect of the story enhances the overall reading experience.

    The novel's blend of comedy and tragedy makes it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The New York Times · 2024-04-10
captivating 4.50

The novel's vernacular gives it a shambolic charm, with a story that feels like it's being told in a Dublin bar. The reviewer appreciates the unique narrative style and the unflinching portrayal of the impact of war.

The reviewer is captivated by the novel's unique narrative style, which feels like a story being told in a Dublin bar. They appreciate the shambolic charm and the unflinching portrayal of the long-term impact of war on a community. The reviewer also notes the deep empathy and humour that sets the novel apart from others in the genre.

Quick quotes

    Lennon's vernacular gives the novel a shambolic charm, a story told in a Dublin bar by a drunk lurching between poetry and obscenity.

    The novel's unflinching portrayal of the impact of war is both timely and deeply moving.

    The combination of empathy, humour, and devastating beauty sets it apart from anything I have read before.

The Guardian · 2024-01-06
clever 4.00

The novel cleverly blends modern Irish vernacular with classical tragedy, creating a unique and engaging narrative. The reviewer appreciates the fresh perspective and the way it brings ancient stories to life.

The reviewer highlights how the novel's use of modern Irish vernacular gives it a fresh and engaging twist. They praise the author's ability to weave classical tragedy with contemporary storytelling, making the ancient tale feel relevant and exciting. The reviewer also notes the cleverness in the characters' dynamics and the overall structure of the narrative, which adds depth and intrigue to the story.

Quick quotes

    This clever debut uses a modern Irish vernacular for the tale of mismatched buddies staging Medea with Athenian prisoners in ancient Syracuse.

    The novel's blend of classical tragedy and modern storytelling is both unique and engaging.

    The characters' dynamics and the narrative structure add depth and intrigue to the story.

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