Prometheus on the Rocks

by D.G. Barrett

The classic tragedy "Prometheus Bound" as retold through a hazy mist of alcohol abuse, identity crisis and depression--with just enough drugs, sex and wry humor to make that prospect entertaining. Having defied the will of almighty Zeus, the titan Prometheus finds himself facing the bitter fallout of his life decisions. It seemed like a good idea at the time . . .

More than just a modern reimagining, Prometheus on the Rocks uses mythology as a departure point to explore the experience of personality, and the individual’s relationship to Society. Recommended for Classics nerds with substance abuse problems, substance abuse nerds with a Classics problem, classists who have problems with the substantial, and problem folk who are substantially classy.

284 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 15

About the author

D.G. Barrett is a lovably feckless dilettante enamored of excessive wordiness and grimly imaginative flights of fancy. He writes about optimistic depression, pessimistic idealism, joyful disappointment, and bitter resilience. Recommended for well mannered pseudo-intellectuals, the sarcastically inclined, and those who like gritty fairytales about the human condition.

Reviews

[B. Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a lot of ways Prometheus on the Rocks is three, three, three books in one. One is a humorous retelling of (part of) the myth of Prometheus, the Titan of Greek myth who gave fire (and the future) to mankind, and paid a heavy price for his trouble. Then there is a series of parables, also tinged with wry humor, in the vein of Taoist philosophy. The third, and longest, section spanning and connecting the other two, is the tale of a gifted, troubled, anonymous young man, and how his life is driven and affected by those myths and parables. Sort of. It’s… complicated.

With his first novel, D.G. Barrett has crafted an impressively intricate and intricately impressive piece of literature. The book is rife with interesting concepts- including but by no means limited to the idea of “personality patterns” that ties the three branches of the story together- frequently hilarious turns of phrase, and pearls of genuine wisdom and insight into the human condition- I am not a tattoo person, but if I were, I would have the line “Everything’s special, so nothing is. But that doesn’t make things not special” written somewhere on my body permanently by now. Barrett has a strong voice and a sharp wit. The book is well written from word one to the final page. The roughly halfway point of the book, the chapter called “Ships in the Night” is some of the best writing I have read this century, or indeed ever. And I read a lot.

I can’t recommend Prometheus on the Rocks enough. It would be a bargain at twice the price. I’m looking forward to more from D.G. Barrett, whether it’s more about this book’s chained-up deities, ancient but wacky philosophers, and nameless young hero, or something else entirely, hopefully sooner rather than later.

[Louisa Lechner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Thank you,

It is not often that an author writes something that both makes one think and brings one such enjoyment. And I am speaking in the Royal sense of 'one'