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angelofthetardis's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The myth of Medusa is beautifully retold in this book by Natalie Haynes, turning the focus from the 'hero' Perseus to the woman with the deadly gaze. Abandoned by her divine parents and victimised over and over again through no fault of her own, this book poses the question of just who really is the monster in this tale?
The book is written from the point of view of several different characters (much like 'A Thousand Ships'), utilising both third and first person perspectives. And yet the book still flows really well and keeps you immersed. I particularly liked the chapters that 'break the fourth wall' and address the reader directly - you can definitely sense the author's own attitude and comedic prowess coming through in those pages.
Equally though, because of the constant shifting in perspectives it doesn't always feel like you're getting the depth you want; it is very much skimming the surface. The chapters are also quite short, so it is a lot of bouncing around - the story is linear, but it's hard to tell how much time is passing between chapters, sometimes due to the author's own phrasing. For example, we know that Perseus has two months to retrieve the head of a Gorgon and return home to save his mother from an unwanted marriage. But at one point, the author includes the line (paraphrasing) 'she could have been married and had three kids by now!' And yet he manages to return home with a day to spare? I know that time is immaterial to Gods and this is illustrated throughout, but there's just something about the way it's written that muddies the waters a bit for me.
I've been listening to Natalie Haynes a lot recently - both her audio version of 'A Thousand Ships' and her Radio 4 show 'Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics' on Spotify, so I feel like I'm getting a good grasp of the way she expresses herself. As a result, it was very easy to 'hear' her reading the words in my head and this gave the book an extra lift.
While I knew the story of Medusa, I didn't know the wider story of Perseus and how he came to pursue her nearly as well, so this was something of a reintroduction to me. Overall, while this book is about Medusa, the author very cleverly balances the other strands of the tale, both human and divine. If you aren't familiar with the story, there are a couple of moments earlier on which do throw the reader and make you wonder how a mortal queen with vanity issues links into the story, but everything weaves together seamlessly and all is revealed as you progress. However, this does also raise a criticism - there's just not quite enough Medusa for me!
This books also highlights some of the 'problems' with Greek myths generally. How many times must a mortal woman be punished for being the victim of a God forcing himself upon her? I love the stories of Ancient Greece, always have, but I don't think it's ever come across to me so starkly that the men (human and Gods) aren't always quite as heroic or divine as they might seem, and how vindictive the Goddesses can be, even when it should be obvious to all that they're taking their anger out on the wrong person. This is one of the reasons I love these feminist retellings though; some of the women involved absolutely deserve to be seen in a different light!
Clever, different and a good read.
The book is written from the point of view of several different characters (much like 'A Thousand Ships'), utilising both third and first person perspectives. And yet the book still flows really well and keeps you immersed. I particularly liked the chapters that 'break the fourth wall' and address the reader directly - you can definitely sense the author's own attitude and comedic prowess coming through in those pages.
Equally though, because of the constant shifting in perspectives it doesn't always feel like you're getting the depth you want; it is very much skimming the surface. The chapters are also quite short, so it is a lot of bouncing around - the story is linear, but it's hard to tell how much time is passing between chapters, sometimes due to the author's own phrasing. For example, we know that Perseus has two months to retrieve the head of a Gorgon and return home to save his mother from an unwanted marriage. But at one point, the author includes the line (paraphrasing) 'she could have been married and had three kids by now!' And yet he manages to return home with a day to spare? I know that time is immaterial to Gods and this is illustrated throughout, but there's just something about the way it's written that muddies the waters a bit for me.
I've been listening to Natalie Haynes a lot recently - both her audio version of 'A Thousand Ships' and her Radio 4 show 'Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics' on Spotify, so I feel like I'm getting a good grasp of the way she expresses herself. As a result, it was very easy to 'hear' her reading the words in my head and this gave the book an extra lift.
While I knew the story of Medusa, I didn't know the wider story of Perseus and how he came to pursue her nearly as well, so this was something of a reintroduction to me. Overall, while this book is about Medusa, the author very cleverly balances the other strands of the tale, both human and divine. If you aren't familiar with the story, there are a couple of moments earlier on which do throw the reader and make you wonder how a mortal queen with vanity issues links into the story, but everything weaves together seamlessly and all is revealed as you progress. However, this does also raise a criticism - there's just not quite enough Medusa for me!
This books also highlights some of the 'problems' with Greek myths generally. How many times must a mortal woman be punished for being the victim of a God forcing himself upon her? I love the stories of Ancient Greece, always have, but I don't think it's ever come across to me so starkly that the men (human and Gods) aren't always quite as heroic or divine as they might seem, and how vindictive the Goddesses can be, even when it should be obvious to all that they're taking their anger out on the wrong person. This is one of the reasons I love these feminist retellings though; some of the women involved absolutely deserve to be seen in a different light!
Clever, different and a good read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Misogyny, Blood, Death, Infidelity, Sexism, Rape, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Stalking, Sexual assault, Violence, Abandonment, Animal death, and Gore
goblinbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I want to preface this by saying that I am a major Medusa fan (if you can say that), but I truly really loved this book.
The switching between many perspectives(including her snakes and also some olive trees) , made this ancient story still feel very fresh and interesting.
The author also took a holistic approach and investigated all the surrounding myths that all contributed to Medusa and Perceus. Haynes obviously deeply cares about the content of her stories and I can't wait to read more.
The switching between many perspectives
The author also took a holistic approach and investigated all the surrounding myths that all contributed to Medusa and Perceus. Haynes obviously deeply cares about the content of her stories and I can't wait to read more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexism, Sexual violence, Murder, Confinement, Body horror, Death, Violence, Rape, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Kidnapping, Grief, Misogyny, Death of parent, Blood, and War
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Grief, Gaslighting, Animal death, Colonisation, Sexism, Gore, and Physical abuse
javafenn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a great take on the story of Medusa and her sisters and how the various tales of the various Greek myths intertwined with her own, tragic story. I loved the authors interpretation and delicate care of Medusa’s story and she narrates the book herself! Though several parts are beyond tragic, she adds lightheartedness and levity to the situations.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Abandonment, Confinement, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual harassment, Stalking, Animal cruelty, Death of parent, Kidnapping, Sexual assault, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, Death, Gaslighting, Incest, Infertility, Murder, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Animal death, and Blood
garnethalo's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'll never look at Perseus the same. With the switching veiwpoints, I understood Medusa, the gods, and Perseus better. And I definitely have favorites. A wonderful, captivating read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Misogyny, and Murder
Moderate: Blood and Abandonment
Minor: Animal death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, and Violence
Medusa's story from before she was cursed. If you know Greek mythology, you know why. Also, Greek stories are usually a tragedy!hanschub's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, and Rape
Minor: Abandonment
cnannery19's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Rape, Murder, Grief, War, Confinement, Death, Abandonment, Adult/minor relationship, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, and Suicide
catarina_pego's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest, Violence, Stalking, Abandonment, War, Rape, and Blood
annakh16's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.25
I‘m a bit torn on how to rate this. Ultimately, I found this story easy to get through and I enjoyed learning from it.
Poseidon was disgusting, and both Athena and Perseus were utterly annoying - that’s a compliment to the writer, though it did make some of the scenes a bit hard to bear.
However, in general, the writing felt a bit bare and flat to me - I feel like especially the very emotional scenes could have done with more elaboration.
I also think that the ending felt rushed and quite abrupt. Perseus‘ story felt somewhat unresolved. like what about that grandfather he was meant to kill? It was quite important to the story. I‘m not saying it needed a full scene, but at least some mention of his future would’ve been nice. And Athena‘s story was resolved too quickly for my taste.
Overall, I would recommend this to someone interested in mythology, as I do like the new perspective on Medusa & think she’s a bit underrepresented in the retellings. It’s not my favourite retelling though, and I prefer „A Thousand Ships“ from Haynes.
Poseidon was disgusting, and both Athena and Perseus were utterly annoying - that’s a compliment to the writer, though it did make some of the scenes a bit hard to bear.
However, in general, the writing felt a bit bare and flat to me - I feel like especially the very emotional scenes could have done with more elaboration.
I also think that the ending felt rushed and quite abrupt. Perseus‘ story felt somewhat unresolved.
Overall, I would recommend this to someone interested in mythology, as I do like the new perspective on Medusa & think she’s a bit underrepresented in the retellings. It’s not my favourite retelling though, and I prefer „A Thousand Ships“ from Haynes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Death, Abandonment, Rape, and Murder
Minor: Confinement and Grief
abbeyreads13's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I enjoyed this book for what it was, which was the myth of Medusa from start to end …. but it includes EVERYBODY, not just Medusas story. So it’s like truly a retelling of the whole myth straightforward, not just from Medusa’s POV but everyone’s.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Abandonment, Sexual content, Rape, and Murder
sophs_mood_reading's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Ok well this was a lot. Greek mythology is never simple and never a straightforward story, I know this from Stephen Fry’s versions. This book held true to this trend.
Stone Blind is a retelling of the Medusa myth but more from her point of view. Of course, because there are many players in this tale we get a whole lot of storyline’s and points of view.
I loved how Medusa is not painted as an evil villain in this book and you really do feel sorry for her. Perseus is also portrayed as a bit of a dick (sorry but it’s true) which was also a nice break from the Hero mentality.
I loved the multiple points of view but at some stages it got a bit confusing and well a lot (there was a chapter of the snakes opinions which seemed to drag a bit). Also one chapter we were literally being yelled at, and though I understand why it was there (to change the well known narrative) it was a bit condescending.
It was a good way to learn about Greek mythology but I did finish wishing it had been more of a descriptive narrative and less dialog.
Stone Blind is a retelling of the Medusa myth but more from her point of view. Of course, because there are many players in this tale we get a whole lot of storyline’s and points of view.
I loved how Medusa is not painted as an evil villain in this book and you really do feel sorry for her. Perseus is also portrayed as a bit of a dick (sorry but it’s true) which was also a nice break from the Hero mentality.
I loved the multiple points of view but at some stages it got a bit confusing and well a lot (there was a chapter of the snakes opinions which seemed to drag a bit). Also one chapter we were literally being yelled at, and though I understand why it was there (to change the well known narrative) it was a bit condescending.
It was a good way to learn about Greek mythology but I did finish wishing it had been more of a descriptive narrative and less dialog.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Rape, Kidnapping, Violence, Sexual assault, Murder, and Death