ZEUS RISING

A retired Zeus inhabits modern Los Angeles in Anastas’ debut comic novel.

Zeus—yes, that Zeus, the king of the Greek gods—lives in the hills above Los Angeles. He’s in the midst of a midlife crisis (not his first) because his girlfriend, Greta, a beautiful tenured professor, has just proposed to him. “I admit, I am not one-hundred percent sure this will translate into forever with you,” she says, “but I want to give forever a try.” Well, forever means something quite different to Zeus than it does to Greta: Even though he put aside his powers long ago, he’s still an immortal who’s been alive for millennia. She, of course, has no idea of his real identity or his literal antiquity. He requests some time to think about it and to consult with some of his confidants. These include Yorgo, his right-hand man and the sole person who knows exactly who Zeus is, and his 20-something son, Perry, who Zeus fears might turn out to be immortal as well. As Zeus thinks back on his life—he’s had some experiences, including playing a role in early humanity very similar to that of Adam and meeting people like Socrates, George Washington, and Picasso—he ponders a way forward. Then an ancient enemy from his past shows up in town, and she may end up making Zeus’ decision moot. In Anastas’ hands, Zeus’ narration is light and amusing, mixing the topography of modern Los Angeles with a winking view of Greek history. Here Zeus describes the neighborhood of Westwood: “There are some strip malls south of campus that look a little like Oklahoma City, but they have a new-found vibrancy brought in by the Persians. I’ve long since made peace with them, by the way.” The book is a bit hokey at times, but the author actually raises some prescient questions about the dangers of power—both the democratic and authoritarian kind—and how important it is for leaders to be willing to give it up. Readers will enjoy Anastas’ irreverent take on mythology, his loving depiction of LA, and his subtle interrogation of the West’s democratic heritage.

A humorous, if imperfect novel built of ancient ideas.