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savshanae's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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
4.5
I really loved this book! I loved the twist in the stories, and of course I came for Medusa, which did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this book looking for a quick read about Greek mythology with a feminist twist.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Rape, Violence, Bullying, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Pregnancy, Sexism, Confinement, Death, Incest, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Slavery
alexschrade's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I set this book aside for a good 2 months before deciding to finish it, because I found the writing style very confusing. This being said, when I did continue to read it, it all turned out quite logical and well-written in the end. I just wish the beginning wasn't this difficult to get through, other than that I thought it was a good book with a lot of food for thought.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Death of parent
basil_touche's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I wish that the book was more from Medusa's perspective rather than from various characters (mainly Athene and Perceus). I found the God's various squabbles were getting tiresome for the most part, but I enjoyed the parts with Medusa and her sisters the most, makes you feel regret for what happens to them. Athene was an interesting character, spoilt but the ending featuring her was probably my favourite part. Perhaps Greek Mythology just isn't my thing, but I enjoyed most of this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, Incest, Murder, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Violence, Grief, Death, Pregnancy, and Slavery
Minor: Suicide
buer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Stone Blind is a reworking of several recognizable moments from Greek Mythology mostly told through the perspectives of the women who lived them. Although Medusa is the titular character, we also get up close to Athena, Andromeda, and Perseus (who is delightfully rebranded as an inept man-child who probably should have stayed on the island he and his mother had been stranded on.)
Overall I really enjoyed this book, which plays with labels like "hero" and "monster" and asks the reader to consider whether someone we've been told is the former might actually be the latter and vice versa. Well worth a read, especially for those who enjoy Greek mythology!
Overall I really enjoyed this book, which plays with labels like "hero" and "monster" and asks the reader to consider whether someone we've been told is the former might actually be the latter and vice versa. Well worth a read, especially for those who enjoy Greek mythology!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Sexual assault
probablypenelope's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, Vomit, and Murder
pheonixx8910's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
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? No
4.0
Arguably one of my favorite retellings of the story of Medusa with accurate descriptions of the gods, goddesses, gorgons, and not quite human alike. A beautifully written letter to all those who have felt the ache and disparity of inhumane crimes, giving us space to question who holds the narrative.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Rape
Minor: Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, and Misogyny
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
a_violentfemme's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
5.0
In this, Haynes does a perfect job at portraying god's and mortals alike as petty, flawed and difficult people. Her ekphrasis is beautiful through out and her many sources and inspirations are clear throughout.
I love her audio books and have to end this review by agreeing with Haynes that Perseus sucks.
I love her audio books and have to end this review by agreeing with Haynes that Perseus sucks.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
estelagf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
crawffff's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I loved hearing from so many different Greek gods but this book is filled with characters I dislike.
Medusa and her sisters Sthenno and Euryale were the saving Grace as well as Athene’s disdain for Perseus.
I know this is based on mythology but all of these ancient retellings tend to featured women being screwed over by men. Pretty bleak.
Medusa and her sisters Sthenno and Euryale were the saving Grace as well as Athene’s disdain for Perseus.
I know this is based on mythology but all of these ancient retellings tend to featured women being screwed over by men. Pretty bleak.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Violence