Set in the aftermath of the ‘Sicilian Expedition’ - a failed attempt to conquer Sicily by the Athenian forces during the Peloponnesian War. It was disatrous for Athens and the entire attacking force was either killed, taken prisoner or sold into slavery. Lampo and Gelon are out-of-work potters. Lampo, our narrator, at first seems entirely unserious; japing around, getting drunk on the cheapest of wines; slightly disconnected from real life. Gelon, grieving his family, finds solace in the works of Athenian dramatist, Euripides. With Gelon, the still rivers are running deep. The two down-trodden potters go some way to show us how much the Syracusans are reeling from the effects of the attempted Athenian invasion. In fact, the two besties and their vaguely comedic vibes, heighten the horror of the next reveal. Our narrator and his pal lead us to look into one of the quarries where the rounded up Athenians have been herded. The captured soldiers spend their days baking alive in the Sicilian sun, half-crazed and skeletal- like the living dead. Being visited by two mortally drunk lads looking for diversion, really does emphasise the dereliction of humanity. Armed with bread, olives and wine, Gelon and Lampo visit the quarry looking to swap tidbits for lines of Euripides. Soon, things spiral and the two potters decide to put on a double bill of Euripides’ plays in the quarry with a cast of Athenian captives. There’s something incredibly ghoulish and surreal brought about through juxtaposing high art and horrific human suffering. And yet, you get sucked into the madcap scheme and can’t help rooting for the boys and the players. I’ve since read up on Euripides and it seems Lennon’s plot is based on rumoured true events. That men were treated better and even released if they could recite some lines from the playwright & poet. Some might see a certain romance there. For me, there’s something so brutally arbitrary about that, which confronts you starkly through the desperate skeletal Athenians, who try so hard to pull lines from their starvation addled minds. I’m no expert in Greek tragedies but I think Glorious Exploits is a spiral of tragedy within a tragedy: fatal flaws, pennies dropping-when all is lost-and the relationships between men and Gods all figure. I LOVED the demystifying effect of contemporary language, which made the themes all the more accessible to me. From what I’ve learned about Euripides, I reckon he’d have dug it. Love is all we have, and the only way that each can help the other. - Euripides

Ferdia Lennon's "Glorious Exploits" is nothing short of an absolutely fantastic modern tribute to the classical playwrights, blending the richness of their ancient tales with a wholly original narrative in which two friends attempt to stage one of Euripides greatest tragedies for a group of prisoners of war. Indeed, the novel weaves a dark and deeply funny tapestry as Lennon unrelentingly delves into the horrors of war and its haunting aftermath, exploring the both depths of human hatred and the enduring spark of hope. In fact, I think this is what sets "Glorious Exploits" apart; its ability to balance the weighty themes of war and human darkness with moments of genuine humour and glimpses of humanity's better nature. As an Irish reader, I absolutely loved Lennon's use of Irish dialect and idioms for the native Syracusan characters - it was a wholly unique approach that not only modernises the characters but also infuses them with a relatability and understanding that is both refreshing and immersive. Despite being set over 1500 years ago, and despite exploring the aftermath of an Athenian invasion I knew absolutely nothing about, I think the use of Irish dialects adds an authenticity to the narrative, and an approachability to the setting, that could have been missing otherwise. "Glorious Exploits" is a triumph, a testament to the enduring power of classical storytelling, and a must-read for those seeking a blend of the ancient and the modern in a literary masterpiece. Not only was it my favourite read of this year, but one of my favourites of all time! Thank you to PRH for providing me with a proof via netgalley.

421 bce and the great Athenian conquest of Sicily has failed. Now the remnants of the army are kept confined in a quarry outside Syracuse and are starving to death. Gelon, an unemployed potter, is a Euripides obsessive and decides to put on a performance of Medea for the people of his city with a cast drawn from the prisoners. He encourages his best friend Lampo to assist him alongside a backer in the form of mysterious merchant Tuireann and the help of the local children. Lampo, meanwhile, has fallen for the slave of a bar owner and he is desperately trying to raise the money to buy her freedom. I am often skeptical of books which have received such glowing reviews as this one but I was more than pleasantly surprised here. I loved the passion for Euripides and the knowledge of classical Greek civilisation and cultural - that should make the reader think that they are going to be reading a worthy and intellectual book. That's not to say that this isn't, but it wears it's learning hidden in plain sight. What is on the surface is a madcap plot, written in modern Irish idiom and populated by engaging characters. Fabulous at every level.

This was an absolutely phenomenal read, quite unlike anything I've ever read before. The writing is beautiful, with a dry, Irish tone. You will fall in love with the main characters, laugh with them, cry with them, hope for them. This is a book that has everything!

Wow wow wow. Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Fig Tree for allowing me to read this proof of Glorious Exploits because I think you may have just spoiled 2024 for the rest of my TBR. I’m not sure anyone else will grab the top spot, and it’s my first read of the year! This ancient story of betrayal, war and humanity completely wowed me. The first time I picked it up, I read a couple pages, and actually didn’t go much on it. I was heavily thinking of not picking it back up again. I left myself to stew on it, and came back having let go of the preconceived ideas of what I thought this book would be or how it would read. Lampo is a main character I never thought I’d have a soft spot for. To begin with he is completely unlikeable, says the wrong thing persistently and is selfish (though even he is self aware enough to reflect on this). Lampo’s personal journery, from one of selfishness to sacrifice is an honour to witness. As well as his pal Gelon’s journey with grief. This book is a complete masterclass on character building and development. This book is a love letter to theatre and art alike. In every chapter there is praise. From the work of ancient playwrights, of course specifically Euripides, to the prop design in theatre. From appreciating the stitching in clothing to art of song. As someone who has always leaned heavily into the creative side of the brain, this connected with me on a deep level. I would truly love to pick this book apart chapter by chapter, and write multiple essays on it. I have highlighted so many quotes it’s unbelievable. I just simply adore Lennon’s writing. At times simple sentence conjure such strong imagery- I am still thinking about the cat with the gold tongue mentioned only once- it seems odd Lennon did not spend paragraphs building the imagery up slowly to form such clear ideas. Simply put, it feels wrong to say I loved such a book. One highlighting the brutality and suffering of war, the utter loss both sides accrue in fighting for their own lives whilst purging others of their own. But it has such humanity. Truly identifying just how far humans will go for one another, in both anger and empathy. Glorious Exploits is balanced wonderfully in steady paced writing with quick events, with fables interspersed either in song or character action. I could not read this book quick enough. Without giving spoileys, if you’re looking for a book that is profound and heartbreaking, tied up all neatly with a bow at the end. This one is for you. It might not be an ending you foresee, or even want for Lampo, but it is still a satisfying one. All together 5 stars from me: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Again, thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Fig Tree for the proof, I am beyond thankful for it! If Ferdia Lennon publishes anything else, I will be first in line.