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Carmen Meza
It's probably worse if you know, because you'll be thinking about it. I didn't enjoy this book, except for the setting. Only because the places are familiar to me. I wanted more "mythology" but it's not really my cut of tea. Was just difficult to get through all the emotional baggage of the characters.
Jennifer
It won't. Didn't even realize the parallels until after I had finished reading the book and wanted to see what others thought of it.
Jan
I read a review prior to reading this saying the book was fun like the TV show Dallas. I love all the family drama, even bigger in Texas. But the story took a turn and was not longer fun. I went in not thinking of mythology, just following the dysfunctional family story line. I still liked it, and glad I read it.
Julie Delegal
It won't! I enjoyed it thoroughly, without very much background knowledge in Greek/Roman mythology. USA Today did a review that I read AFTER reading the book, so you can get a primer there but there's a spoiler in the article, too.
Rebecca Reeder
I was afraid that I would not like the book because it was supposed to be based on Greek myths. I didn’t once feel reminded of Greek myths. I’m glad I gave the book a chance. It’s a pretty good story even though I didn’t find the characters particularly likable.
Dana
Just to add to answer confusion….I say give it a try. This is not a retelling (thank goodness). I’d say it’s mythology-influenced and you don’t have to know any mythology to enjoy it. If you go in thinking its going to be a retelling, or that it’s going to stick with a certain mythology plot, then you’d be disappointed. She drops mythology hints left and right. But they aren’t awkward. So if you don’t know mythology it won’t stick out. If you are really into mythology, take it maybe as if Greek/Roman gods lived in modern era and didn’t know they were gods. I think that’d be a safe way to go at it. I went in blind and liked it a lot. I only started to wonder who certain people were when I had about 1/8th of the book left. Prior to that I just enjoyed the writing and the story.
Kirsten
I agree with Carmen. Knowing mythology is very distracting because I was trying to figure out who was who. Reading the book without knowing anything about mythology would be very refreshing. I am enjoying the book very much.
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