What do you think?
Rate this book
(S)Mythology
Charming, poignant and absurdly funny, (S)MYTHOLOGY is a contemporary fairy-tale that whisks you on a wild adventure from the streets of London to the far reaches of the globe-from haunted islands to African villages, from the peaks of the Alps to the depths of the Underworld. Twenty-one year old Sophie has spent her entire life in virtual seclusion in a London flat fearful that should she venture out into the world the curse that was placed on her as an infant would turn friends and lovers into stone (marble, to be exact) just by merely looking at her. But when events beyond her control drive her onto the streets of London, she must combat her fears and battle the forces that have kept her hidden away since childhood. Told with tongue-in-cheek wit and wry whimsy by Jeremy Tarr in his debut novel, and with sixty-four illustrations by Katy Smail, (S)MYTHOLOGY is about the mythology of love and the fairy-tale of life and death.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
6 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Tarr
3 books14 followersIn Jeremy’s mind he wears a monocle every day. It perches there as he sits in restaurants reading the menu and the daily paper. When he comes across news items that shock him, the monocle pops from his socket and clatters on the table. He sips his drink and re-affixes it. In reality, Jeremy has 20/20 vision. (S)MYTHOLOGY is his first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 5, 2011
When contacted about doing an interview with Jeremy Tarr on his debut book (S)mythology, there were quite a few emotions. Excitement that someone had purposefully wished for me to do one for them, but also being scared that I was not going to like the book. But, I made my list of questions and while I felt bad that I had not finished the book by the time I had conducted the interview, I was not worried about not liking the book any longer.
Taking from the classic stories about Gods and Goddesses Jeremy wrote a modern story about a girl who was born from the sea and was lost to her parents. The life of a girl who did not know what her past had held walked through her future with eyes only partially open. As she found the disadvantages her life held for her she struggled through them and showed the strength that a God would be proud to have his daughter hold.
Not only are there witches who change their ways, the main character struggles through a life she does not understand and comes out strongly by the end. With the inclusion of the long truthful saying that “Love is Blind” and taken to a different extreme.
But, lets also not forget the magnificent illustrations done by Katy Smail. They are unique and while often sad, fit the storyline so very well. When the question was brought to Jeremy Tarr if he had told her which images to provide he had said for the most part no. She had read the storyline and then provided images that popped to her while she was reading. Her illustrations showed the extra that, while not necessarily needed, improved upon the story all the more.
While not a long book there is so much that happens within it that providing a review of the book without giving anything wonderful away is nearly impossible. Each page held something that was looked forward to from the page previous. The story included love, death, right, wrong, family, struggles, and so much more.
No, you probably have not heard of Jeremy Tarr before, but if this book shows anything of his talent, I cannot wait to see other things coming from him. When I spoke to him during his book signing he told of a graphic novel in the works along with other things in the works with the illustrator Katy Smail, the illustrator of (S)mythology.
Taking from the classic stories about Gods and Goddesses Jeremy wrote a modern story about a girl who was born from the sea and was lost to her parents. The life of a girl who did not know what her past had held walked through her future with eyes only partially open. As she found the disadvantages her life held for her she struggled through them and showed the strength that a God would be proud to have his daughter hold.
Not only are there witches who change their ways, the main character struggles through a life she does not understand and comes out strongly by the end. With the inclusion of the long truthful saying that “Love is Blind” and taken to a different extreme.
But, lets also not forget the magnificent illustrations done by Katy Smail. They are unique and while often sad, fit the storyline so very well. When the question was brought to Jeremy Tarr if he had told her which images to provide he had said for the most part no. She had read the storyline and then provided images that popped to her while she was reading. Her illustrations showed the extra that, while not necessarily needed, improved upon the story all the more.
While not a long book there is so much that happens within it that providing a review of the book without giving anything wonderful away is nearly impossible. Each page held something that was looked forward to from the page previous. The story included love, death, right, wrong, family, struggles, and so much more.
No, you probably have not heard of Jeremy Tarr before, but if this book shows anything of his talent, I cannot wait to see other things coming from him. When I spoke to him during his book signing he told of a graphic novel in the works along with other things in the works with the illustrator Katy Smail, the illustrator of (S)mythology.
October 17, 2011
The illustrations and descriptions excited me, so I bought the Kindle edition. The beginning is very cute, but there is a point in the first half of the book or so that seemed to drag on and I almost gave it up. The writing style itself wasn't my cup of tea, either, but was less noticeable later in the book.
If you were like me, don't stop reading! Press on! The second half of the book is incredibly delightful, Sophie becomes so much more developed than expected (in the first half I feared she was rather one-dimensional and difficult to relate), and the story goes to insightful, deep places I didn't imagine after the simplicity in the beginning. Sophie grows a huge amount as a person, and love as the main theme is at the same time complex and simple. Without spoiling anything, Sophie has a lot to learn in her never-ending quest for love, and though it seems difficult to achieve with many twists and turns, the essence of it is beautifully simple and probably the most realistic thing about the entire novel.
Aside the meaningfulness (and an ending that totally made me cry), the book never feels heavy and there were several laugh-out-loud moments. I think the mermaids were the funniest part; they deviate from any form of the mythological creature I've ever seen, and with utmost hilarity. Many pop culture references are littered through the book, adding an intriguing layer to the character designs.
Not ground-breaking, but a great read. Pick it up if you like fairy tales, epic tales of romance, or just need a good laugh.
If you were like me, don't stop reading! Press on! The second half of the book is incredibly delightful, Sophie becomes so much more developed than expected (in the first half I feared she was rather one-dimensional and difficult to relate), and the story goes to insightful, deep places I didn't imagine after the simplicity in the beginning. Sophie grows a huge amount as a person, and love as the main theme is at the same time complex and simple. Without spoiling anything, Sophie has a lot to learn in her never-ending quest for love, and though it seems difficult to achieve with many twists and turns, the essence of it is beautifully simple and probably the most realistic thing about the entire novel.
Aside the meaningfulness (and an ending that totally made me cry), the book never feels heavy and there were several laugh-out-loud moments. I think the mermaids were the funniest part; they deviate from any form of the mythological creature I've ever seen, and with utmost hilarity. Many pop culture references are littered through the book, adding an intriguing layer to the character designs.
Not ground-breaking, but a great read. Pick it up if you like fairy tales, epic tales of romance, or just need a good laugh.
June 21, 2011
Quite fun and entertaining while in some parts very thought provoking...
While geared toward adolescents or pre-teens this book can be enjoyed by anyone with a sense of wonder or those who whole heartedly embrace the empowering attributes of being young-at-heart...
While geared toward adolescents or pre-teens this book can be enjoyed by anyone with a sense of wonder or those who whole heartedly embrace the empowering attributes of being young-at-heart...
May 16, 2011
fairy tale
n.
1. A fanciful tale of legendary deeds and creatures, usually intended for children.
2. A fictitious, highly fanciful story or explanation.
4 1/2 stars
n.
1. A fanciful tale of legendary deeds and creatures, usually intended for children.
2. A fictitious, highly fanciful story or explanation.
From the very beginning (S)mythology would like you to know that it believes itself to be a fairy tale. To make sure that we know that, it even starts of as all good fairy tales do, for it would be "sacrilege" not to do so, it starts off with "Once upon a time..." and, so that's how I shall begin my review.
Once upon a time there was a girl who didn't realize that she was lonely. She was content to live at "Number Four Danube Street Flat Four, London SW3" and she was content to be alone for she knew that, having been cursed by the Gorgons, she would turn anyone who loved her into stone.
Sophie, no last name, enjoyed being lonely until she met the man of her dreams, the surname to her Christian name, Smyth, and although Smyth was strong and artistic and beautiful, he could not resist falling in love with Sophie. Sophie, because she loved him, could not help but go through Heaven and Hell and all that's in between to save him, although being saved may not have been the answer to their Love but all romantics have to learn the hard way that "Love is a myth and we all live in fairy tales". When she loves again she will be more adult, she will be more careful.
This book, Jeremy Tarr's first, is delightful and enchanting. Mr. Viceroy is an excellent multi-jowled villian, the Gorgons (think Medusa and her sisters) have converted to Kabbulah (think Madonna), there's a minotaur, Posideon and Hades, a mermaid, the creator of Stonehenge (by the way, did you know it's the house a guru built, complete with a gym?), Jesus and the angels, evil nuns, a Yeti, Buddha, pygmies and, of course, apparitions in the form of Smyth, his parents and Sophie (who has been swallowed whole by Death). Let me go on, there are contracts and deeds and orphans, there's communication with a Fountain that actual knows what you desire, there's all things Cat Stevens, and a Beatles quoting secretary to Cupid. Through Sophie's journey, there are questions that compel us to delve into our Faith and what we believe is Eternity and there are questions about family and commitment and undying devotion. And, you'll ask yourself these questions while experiencing a book that will make you laugh your socks off at the wit and humor of it all. Yes, this books is funny and whimsical and full of Life.
Like all good fairy tales we learn valuable lessons about what it means to live ("'Happiness often comes from the search for Happiness'" and "And, she lived happily ever after") and what it means to die ("There's no true definition of beauty. Except for maybe Heaven." and "'Had I not had the experiences that I had so long ago with the Afterlife, I still don't think I would fear death. However, I will hold nostalgia for Life. and I'll certainly hold nostalgia for the people in my Life.'"). And, while we can argue forever about whether this is a true fairy tale, following the definition, (and, I did with myself and am doing so now as I type this, as the narrator will argue as you read) we can't argue that Jeremy Tarr has given us a book about the most important of all virtues; Love. He has shown us what it is (there are three important types), how to give it, how to receive it and most importantly how to cherish it so it grows and is remembered. One added feature is all the beautiful drawings by Katy Smail, they kept my tiny tot entertained while I read and are full of the same whimsy and enchantment as the words on the page.
If you are like me, this seemingly simple novel with leave you with questions about its ending, your own life and its ending, and it will make you look at "Morning Has Broken" by Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) a little differently. It will make you laugh a little about the glorious absurdity of all that it means to be alive.
4 1/2 stars
August 17, 2012
"Hello there....
In an attempt to provide you with reading enjoyment and/or amusement, we've begun a weekly serialization of the entirety of the novel, (S)mythology, complete with author's annotations."
And, so began my acquaintance with (S)MYTHOLOGY. It wasn't exactly a chapter a week, more like a chapter whenever they remembered to send it. I eagerly awaited the arrival of the first seven or so chapters to my inbox before I lost all patience and requested a copy of the book from my local library.
I almost feel guilty only rating this book 2-stars. I really liked the addition of Katy Smail's illustrations. It gave the book that little extra special something. The story didn't leave much of an impression though. I wanted to like it much more than I really did. Once I got the book in hand, I realized that what I loved the most about receiving those initial emails wasn't the story but the author's annotations. Those few lines of footnotes included with each chapter out-shined Sophie's story. Or maybe it just helped me to enjoy her journey a little better.
In an attempt to provide you with reading enjoyment and/or amusement, we've begun a weekly serialization of the entirety of the novel, (S)mythology, complete with author's annotations."
And, so began my acquaintance with (S)MYTHOLOGY. It wasn't exactly a chapter a week, more like a chapter whenever they remembered to send it. I eagerly awaited the arrival of the first seven or so chapters to my inbox before I lost all patience and requested a copy of the book from my local library.
I almost feel guilty only rating this book 2-stars. I really liked the addition of Katy Smail's illustrations. It gave the book that little extra special something. The story didn't leave much of an impression though. I wanted to like it much more than I really did. Once I got the book in hand, I realized that what I loved the most about receiving those initial emails wasn't the story but the author's annotations. Those few lines of footnotes included with each chapter out-shined Sophie's story. Or maybe it just helped me to enjoy her journey a little better.
September 7, 2012
It started off great. But it got a little long, a little wearing, a little too cute for its own good. I sort of lost interest and maybe finished more out of habit than anything else. I might not have had such a bad feeling at the end if I had been able to read it more quickly.
Note to potential borrowers: This is an iBook read on my iPad, tried as an experiment. So I'm not sure how I would lend it out. (Thumb down #1). As for the experience of reading ... it was nice for hands free reading while eating (Thumb up #1), but I didn't really like reading it anywhere else, especially in bed (Thumb down #2). And I was annoyed by little things like waiting for it to pull up on the screen as opposed to just opening a book and starting right away (Thumb down #3). And then there is the battery ... books don't need them so you never have to be near a plug (Thumb down #4). So mostly I ended up reading this at the kitchen table, propped up on an easel.
Note to potential borrowers: This is an iBook read on my iPad, tried as an experiment. So I'm not sure how I would lend it out. (Thumb down #1). As for the experience of reading ... it was nice for hands free reading while eating (Thumb up #1), but I didn't really like reading it anywhere else, especially in bed (Thumb down #2). And I was annoyed by little things like waiting for it to pull up on the screen as opposed to just opening a book and starting right away (Thumb down #3). And then there is the battery ... books don't need them so you never have to be near a plug (Thumb down #4). So mostly I ended up reading this at the kitchen table, propped up on an easel.
May 20, 2011
Haven't received, just received message I had won. 5/2/11
Received, hope to start soon. 5/10/11
Started last night. 5/16/11
Sophie was abandoned on a doorstep with a note that said "Her name is Sophie, Don't look at her." She was cursed as a baby that anyone that would fall in love with her would instantly become a marble statue. The story is about how at age 21 she is forced out into the world and how she fights for Love.
I wasn't aware that it would be such a love story. I also wasn't aware it would be so much a fairy tale. Yes, I understood the whole Medusa thing can't be real but still. I had a difficult time with the writing though I don't know if it was the authors voice or the content that was bothering me. All in all and intersting read, but not one of my favorites.
Received, hope to start soon. 5/10/11
Started last night. 5/16/11
Sophie was abandoned on a doorstep with a note that said "Her name is Sophie, Don't look at her." She was cursed as a baby that anyone that would fall in love with her would instantly become a marble statue. The story is about how at age 21 she is forced out into the world and how she fights for Love.
I wasn't aware that it would be such a love story. I also wasn't aware it would be so much a fairy tale. Yes, I understood the whole Medusa thing can't be real but still. I had a difficult time with the writing though I don't know if it was the authors voice or the content that was bothering me. All in all and intersting read, but not one of my favorites.
March 4, 2016
I love fairy tales. I'll read a couple re-tellings here and there, but when an original comes along I'm ecstatic. A lot are kind of misses, but I'm glad to say this one was amazing. So unique with a clear, beautiful voice and storytelling, it was definitely like nothing I've ever read before. It touched my heart and made me feel so many different emotions - almost crying towards the end. I'm going to without a doubt be reading this one again and again and be telling friends to read it. The adventures and quests/tasks she goes on are so fun and you never know what's going to happen - it's just such a beautiful whirlwind of a book. Loved it.
The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous too - such a great added bonus to the story
The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous too - such a great added bonus to the story
January 12, 2012
A really inventive fairy tale set in modern times about a girl named Sophie whose love turns people to stone. Tarr is at turns sweet, romantic, hilarious, touching, tear-inducing, and even a little irritating (though not in a bad way, more in the way that I wanted the story to keep going and didn't want to get to the last page). And the illustrations are a fantastic addition to the story, very simple and yet very indicative of what Tarr is putting forth in his prose. I Loved this book and dearly hope that Tarr puts out another book soon, especially if it's another collaboration with Katy Smail.
September 28, 2013
I loved the illustrations in the book, but the story was "different."
Imagine if there was a fairy tale baby that emerged from Alice in Wonderland and Puff the Magic Dragon with a soundtrack all from the Yellow Submarine. Well in this case there are lots of musical references from Cat Stevens. It's a lot about imagination and some about love with a mega dose of SUPERWACKY thrown in. If you are tired of mundane predictable plot lines where people aren't willing to gouge their eyes out for love, then this might just be the book you've been looking for....
Imagine if there was a fairy tale baby that emerged from Alice in Wonderland and Puff the Magic Dragon with a soundtrack all from the Yellow Submarine. Well in this case there are lots of musical references from Cat Stevens. It's a lot about imagination and some about love with a mega dose of SUPERWACKY thrown in. If you are tired of mundane predictable plot lines where people aren't willing to gouge their eyes out for love, then this might just be the book you've been looking for....
October 23, 2011
3.5 stars. Quirky and interesting, but the author tries just a little too hard to make his prose "different" and the gimmick of the Cat Stevens songs feels flat by the end. Sophie's maturation process is well-done, and her progression through types of love feels natural. It's rather quick to pull out a "mythological" resolution to its crises but is redeemed by its sweet, poignant ending. "(S)mythology" feels like a child's view of what adult life is, both charmingly innocent and frightfully naive. It's definitely for the mature end of YA due to sexual situations and adult-like themes.
April 17, 2011
Though I have only read the three-chapter excerpt, I can already tell that I will thoroughly enjoy the book. The author has written with a wonderful sense of humor throughout that reminded me vaguely of the kind of humor in Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. The story flows well, grabbing the reader in from the beginning and keeping your attention fixed.
I am excited waiting the release so I can continue reading this marvelous story.
I am excited waiting the release so I can continue reading this marvelous story.
October 31, 2012
This was good but not great. I liked a lot of the minor characters however I did not really like Sophie. Once you removed her interesting circumstances and adventures she was a very bland person. I'm glad her second love was more drawn out but all she was was a pretty face. She never really did anything for herself and at the same time she was selfish. I don't really know how to explain it so I will just stop. I did like the adventures though and the drawings were fabulous.
January 23, 2016
I had this on my "to-read" list for a long time but couldn't get my hands on the book. Thanks to the power of interlibrary loan, I was able to step into this irreverent and mythologically littered jaunt. Tarr masterfully weaves many elements together and then populates the story with Smail's Edward Gorey-like illustrations which emphasize the whimsical wistfulness of it all. Think Neil Gaiman and Christopher Moore with a dash of entrancingly melancholic drawing.
September 4, 2012
I recommend this if you love fairy tales and especially if you love mythology. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. I thought the illustrations were amazing and the back jacket was simple but alluring - "Her name is Sophie - don't look at her."
But this was a case of judging a book by its cover and then being somewhat disappointed.
It's not a bad book but it wasn't what I was hoping it would be. Whatever that means.
But this was a case of judging a book by its cover and then being somewhat disappointed.
It's not a bad book but it wasn't what I was hoping it would be. Whatever that means.
July 22, 2015
This is a modern fairy tale about a girl called Sophie.
It is a story about first Loves, lost Loves, new Loves, abondoned Loves and all other kinds of Love. Love is treated as a deity in this story with the inherent characteristics of a deity–the nice ones and the cruel ones. But it is done in a very funny way and doesn't take itself too seriously.
Unfortunately I cannot rate it 3.75 stars, but that would be my rating–leaning but not yet reaching 4 stars...
It is a story about first Loves, lost Loves, new Loves, abondoned Loves and all other kinds of Love. Love is treated as a deity in this story with the inherent characteristics of a deity–the nice ones and the cruel ones. But it is done in a very funny way and doesn't take itself too seriously.
Unfortunately I cannot rate it 3.75 stars, but that would be my rating–leaning but not yet reaching 4 stars...
June 5, 2011
It is a difficult book to quantify with certainty. I will say it was entertaining all the way thru, I was never sure just what the next chapter would bring. I found it to have elements of a fairy tale, and yet not. It seemed to have a moral, but not. I would recommend the book to anyone wanting a good , entertaining read that makes you think with every new chapter.
Well done Mr. Tarr.
Well done Mr. Tarr.
August 17, 2011
Very sweet, twisty fairy tale. Enjoyed Sophie's adventure of finding the types of love and happiness and her visits with the guru and his cat, Stephen, Eleanor Rigby (who spoke in Beatles song quotes but never on Tuesdays or Thursdays)and the man in the moon who sings Moonshadow while taking you to the land of Nod. Who knew you could make a fairy tale from Cat Stephens albums.
November 11, 2011
I'm rating this book at five stars partly because I don't think I've read anything quite like it. It is a fairy tale, but not Disney, and it tugs you along the adventure at a quick pace. It has lovely drawings, and even as I was trying to figure out if I really liked it, I was totally engaged and kept right on reading. so there you go.
November 30, 2011
One of the most weird and wonderful books I've ever read. If quirky isn't your thing, then this book is not for you. If you can completely suspend reality and just go with it, you won't be disappointed.
February 4, 2014
Loved this book! Completely different from anything I ever read! Completely original thought! A few parts dragged on but overall a wonderful read for anyone who likes different, likes original, likes quirky!
September 26, 2011
This was an unusual book. It is about Sophie and her adventures with love and the underworld. I would recommend it.
June 24, 2011
Absolutely fell in love with it
Want to read
April 11, 2011Sounds like a really fun book!
March 4, 2012
The author tends to get into rambling descriptives, it started to drive me nuts.
November 5, 2011
Cute story. Interesting characters. Fans of mythology and folklore will probably enjoy this book.
I was lucky enough to receive my copy for free through the Goodreads first-reads program.
I was lucky enough to receive my copy for free through the Goodreads first-reads program.
May 3, 2011
What a wonderful story! It is completely unlike anything I'd ever read before. Not as childish as the first chapters would lead you to believe and I cried through the whole end of the book.
July 7, 2011
Fun, witty, clever and great characters you will fall in love with. A surprisingly endearing read for a middle-aged male like me given the quirky format and subject matter.
May 24, 2012
The book was good in general. I didnt personally like how things turned out, but it was a good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews