Get ready to whip your toga off with this mini review of Zeus is a Dick by Susie Donkin! The book, dedicated to humbling Zeus, offers a cheeky, playful twist on Greek mythology — full of fun jabs at the king of the gods. Who knows, it might even be an attempt to catch his divine attention…
Unlike serious retellings like The God Beneath The Sea (which, I have to admit, made me wonder if Donkin whipped up Zeus is a Dick right after binge-reading that one), this book is way more fun. It’s written in a similar style — a single, sequential narrative starting from the very beginning of creation. But instead of a somber, typical retelling, it’s an amusing roast of the Greek gods and Greek mythology in general.
Within its pages, Susie Donkin takes aim at Cronus, Zeus, the Olympians, Greek myths, and everything in between — all served with her sharp wit and humor. Think you know what’s funny about Greek mythology? Think again. No one gets a pass in this Zeus is a Dick retelling of the who’s who in Greek mythology. You’ll cringe at Cronus’s dumbest plans, Hera’s diva moments, and it keeps going from there.
But here’s the big question: How funny is Zeus is a Dick? That really depends on your humor vibe and how much sarcasm and satire you’re craving. I found it amusing in places, but at times it felt a bit overwhelming — like an overdose of witty banter, whether successful or not. This is a full-on satirical assault, punching Zeus and his divine crew right in the mythological face.
Zeus is a Dick by Susie Donkin: Review
Susie Donkin’s writing style is pretty fun — she has a way of turning ancient Greek myths into a silly, comedic playground. Her sharp wit, clever observations, and knowledge of Greek mythology made me wonder if she might actually be a Greek goddess out for revenge. Like, why else would she do this?
I’ll come clean: I only made it to the end of chapter five, which covers Hera and her divine children. However, even within that limited scope, I managed to absorb a substantial amount of Greek mythology in Zeus is a Dick — from learning more about Gaia to the story of Pandora. I couldn’t resist flipping ahead to read the final chapter and the glossary, just to get a better feel of the overall style. And there’s no doubt — humor is woven throughout, ranging from low-ball hits to downright outrageous moments.
Susie Donkin obviously knows her Greek mythology inside and out — like, she’s got a PhD on the subject. And it probably helps that she’s also been a writer for Horrible Histories (CBBC), which means she’s a pro at blending crazy facts with comedy. The unbelievable part? Zeus is a Dick, published in Britain in 2020, is actually her first book. Talk about starting at the top!
So, here’s my brutally honest opinion of Zeus is a Dick — did I love it? Ummm, it was kinda okay. The whole “disrespect Zeus” thing felt like it never really took a breather, like the author was in a race to roast him at every opportunity. But hey, I get it — that’s the point. The book is all about poking fun at Zeus and the other gods, trying to make readers giggle at their flaws (and sometimes, their complete ridiculousness). There are some witty observations — like, “Gaia is the foremother of feminism,” a pretty deep cut — and don’t even get me started on Cronus, who thought chopping off his dad’s thing would score him some brownie points.
So, what’s the final score for Zeus is a Dick? I’d give it a 5.5 out of 10. It’s not exactly a must-have on your shelf, and I’m not sure why it needed to be brought into the world. But hey, the cover is eye-catching enough to grab your attention, and there are a few laughs — though, honestly, nothing really stuck with me after I closed the book.
In a nutshell: if you’re into wild, irreverent takes on Greek myths and love a good roast, this one’s worth a shot.
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On the other hand, if you prefer your gods a bit more dignified and your mythology more respectful, it might not be your thing. Looking for something even better? Check out ZEUS: King of the Gods by George O’Connor — a graphic novel about Zeus that’s both super cool and totally worth your time. You’ve got to check it out if you can!
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