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The Fabulist
Aesop, an ugly, mute slave delivered from wretchedness by the gods and blessed with a wondrous voice, is dispatched to far and perilous realms to battle impossible beasts and terrible magic. Original.
- GenresFantasy
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 15, 2025
Avon Books
PB
244 pages
1993
Cover art by Daniel Horne
I learned about this book years ago from a post on FB. The cover art by Daniel Horne drew me in. The synopsis had me searching for a copy. This was an internet purchase as I’ve never seen a copy in the wild.
Aesop narrates his own story occasionally referencing current history or pop culture. He cautions the reader not to look into how his autobiography was written. Suffice it say he has friends among the gods.
Born into slavery, mute, and a hunchback severely limits his prospects. After aiding a stranger he is richly rewarded not only with the ability of speech but many other talents.
Desperate to win his freedom, he travels the ancient world serving powerful men. Passing from one master to another. A cavalcade of rulers, gods, and monsters encounter Aesop. When he finally wins his freedom, his own gift betrays him.
This is a light-hearted fantasy set in the Bronze Age. Aesop’s use of modern turns of phrase may put some readers off. I enjoyed the book as it was a change of pace from what I normally read. Although, I didn’t enjoy it enough to recommend or read it again.
However, there were a couple of instances that continue live in my mind. First, as an emissary in Egypt, Aesop is confronted with a riddle. There is a lot riding on his answer. The Pharaoh and his advisors seek to cheat and their victory is all but assured, but Aesop manages to trap them all with their own words. Brilliant! Second, this one is crude but humorous. Aesop is telling a fable about a Prince that ate a poor diet and was always on the can. He spent so much time in the latrine that he actually defecates his brains. Henceforth all of humanity looks at their feces ensuring they haven’t done the same.
PB
244 pages
1993
Cover art by Daniel Horne
I learned about this book years ago from a post on FB. The cover art by Daniel Horne drew me in. The synopsis had me searching for a copy. This was an internet purchase as I’ve never seen a copy in the wild.
Aesop narrates his own story occasionally referencing current history or pop culture. He cautions the reader not to look into how his autobiography was written. Suffice it say he has friends among the gods.
Born into slavery, mute, and a hunchback severely limits his prospects. After aiding a stranger he is richly rewarded not only with the ability of speech but many other talents.
Desperate to win his freedom, he travels the ancient world serving powerful men. Passing from one master to another. A cavalcade of rulers, gods, and monsters encounter Aesop. When he finally wins his freedom, his own gift betrays him.
This is a light-hearted fantasy set in the Bronze Age. Aesop’s use of modern turns of phrase may put some readers off. I enjoyed the book as it was a change of pace from what I normally read. Although, I didn’t enjoy it enough to recommend or read it again.
However, there were a couple of instances that continue live in my mind. First, as an emissary in Egypt, Aesop is confronted with a riddle. There is a lot riding on his answer. The Pharaoh and his advisors seek to cheat and their victory is all but assured, but Aesop manages to trap them all with their own words. Brilliant! Second, this one is crude but humorous. Aesop is telling a fable about a Prince that ate a poor diet and was always on the can. He spent so much time in the latrine that he actually defecates his brains. Henceforth all of humanity looks at their feces ensuring they haven’t done the same.
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March 24, 2024Book was okay, but cover is a masterpiece
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews