Why the gods are in such dire straights isn’t really explained either, since many of the gods, notably Dionysus (god of wine and evidentially, raves) and Hermes (god of money) have adapted quite well to modern society. Even Aphrodite, Apollo and Artemis have regular jobs, all the while seemly still responsible for performing their divine duties. Their plight is reduced to them whining about declining powers, the fact that no-one believes in them anymore and the fact that they can’t mess, meddle or molest mortals the way they used to. Which, given what I can remember about my Greek myths, is only good news for us mortals.
The book is an easy read, amusing in an inoffensive way and a decent modern retelling of the classic Greek myths (will Neil risk everything for love?). However, anyone looking for an inspired take on the Greek Gods or a surprise in the plot might be somewhat disappointed. Nor is the whole concept particularly new to anyone familiar with other British writers like Tom Holt or Terry Pratchett.
And finally my last niggle with Gods Behaving Badly might be with the questions it never answers: Why do Zeus and Hera live in the attic? Are there other pantheons (Norse, Aztec, Chinese) around or was it always just the Greeks? Why were they deposed in the first place and why in Hades did they all move into the same house in London anyway?
Article comments
1 - Rob Lee
in response to the last review here, they explain why they are in the house in London in the first two chapters of the book. one can assume Zues and Hera live in the attic because it's the highest point in the house, as well as the "incident" that happened to Zues as mentioned in the third chapter,
but I agree the book is rather dry and slow, but still relatively entertaining I liked it. although some of the smaller details of Greek mythology is off.
for example Eros being the god of "love" which he wasn't. he was the god of carnal desire, so it's weird seeing him being the most virtuous of the house. and yes I found the convert to Christianity humorous but kind of stupid at the same time...he IS a GOD after all.
all in all it's a decent book I enjoyed it. and hope to find more of Marie Philips