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georgia_rkh's review against another edition
2.75
It just felt rather amateur. Sort of like I've just read some homework written by a 14 year old. It would have been very good for a 14 year old but as a book it was a let down. I never really cared for any of the characters, the writing style was unremarkable and I imagine I'll forget it before the year is out. To it's merit though, the book is not longer than it needs to be and makes an interesting point about how stories are told, retold and reshaped
cheyenneconrady's review against another edition
5.0
This book was absolutely fantastic. My only complaint? I wish it had been longer so I could keep enjoying it!
I have read every reiteration and retelling of Medusa’s story that has come out in the last few years. And almost all of them have been a disappointment. Rosie Hewlett changes all of that with this short version of Medusa’s life, told in her own words.
With her own changes to the story that bring more love, warmth and humanity than ever before, Hewlett proves Medusa’s story is not just tragedy. There is much more to her, which is why her end touches us all in such a special way.
Hewlett’s emotion behind the story is powerfully evocative, described in ways that make you feel like you’re seeing from Medusa’s own heart. I laughed, I teared up, and I finally felt like Medusa would like to read one version of her story (even if the major change Hewlett chooses to make here could be controversial). It’s not about accuracy, as we’ll never know such things in Greek myths, but about telling stories that touch your heart and make you want to treat others, or yourself, better. Hewlett accomplishes that here.
I read this in one day and was sad the second it was over. Can’t wait to read more from this author!
I have read every reiteration and retelling of Medusa’s story that has come out in the last few years. And almost all of them have been a disappointment. Rosie Hewlett changes all of that with this short version of Medusa’s life, told in her own words.
With her own changes to the story that bring more love, warmth and humanity than ever before, Hewlett proves Medusa’s story is not just tragedy. There is much more to her, which is why her end touches us all in such a special way.
Hewlett’s emotion behind the story is powerfully evocative, described in ways that make you feel like you’re seeing from Medusa’s own heart. I laughed, I teared up, and I finally felt like Medusa would like to read one version of her story (even if the major change Hewlett chooses to make here could be controversial). It’s not about accuracy, as we’ll never know such things in Greek myths, but about telling stories that touch your heart and make you want to treat others, or yourself, better. Hewlett accomplishes that here.
I read this in one day and was sad the second it was over. Can’t wait to read more from this author!
abbieleigh85's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
dahud's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Murder
meganlee96's review against another edition
5.0
This book is so amazing, I'm mad I waited so long to read it!
This book is beautifully written. The writing is lyrical. I often feel books are too long but this book was perfectly paced and a short read.
I love the different side we see to Medusa and her life. Her story is really heart breaking.
I enjoyed learning about the other gods throughout this book and how they played a part in Medusa's life.
If this is on your TBR, read it next. If it's not on your TBR, still read it next!
This is definitely a book I'll be adding to my physical shelves.
I gave it 5 stars⭐
Thank to NetGalley & Rosie Hewlett for an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
*TW for rape*
This book is beautifully written. The writing is lyrical. I often feel books are too long but this book was perfectly paced and a short read.
I love the different side we see to Medusa and her life. Her story is really heart breaking.
I enjoyed learning about the other gods throughout this book and how they played a part in Medusa's life.
If this is on your TBR, read it next. If it's not on your TBR, still read it next!
This is definitely a book I'll be adding to my physical shelves.
I gave it 5 stars⭐
Thank to NetGalley & Rosie Hewlett for an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
*TW for rape*
bookscoffeeandreading's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
paradise_library's review against another edition
2.0
Medusa is renowned as a fierce monster who kills men without thinking. Yet what if she was just misunderstood?
One of my favourite mythological creatures, I was excited to read Medusa’s point of view to see where it all went wrong. However, this retelling really didn’t live up to expectations.
While it was interesting to hear her story, the narrative was quite long and drawn out. It also felt very bland – I would have liked Medusa to be passionate and fiery when sharing her version of events, but she was merely lacklustre. I didn’t love the modern voice either, although it didn’t detract from the story. The timeline was also a bit shorter than expected, as she and her sisters didn’t really have much time to grow into legendary monsters before Medusa finds out that she’s pregnant.
What really let the book down for me was the interaction between Perseus and Medusa. I guessed that the author would have them ‘make a deal’ so that we still saw Perseus in a good light and she could be martyred to save his mother. What a let-down.
If everyone is good and has a tragic backstory, then the world of fiction becomes boring. While I am in agreement that women have been badly treated throughout history, it doesn’t make for an exciting story. In my opinion, it would have been more interesting to have a new perception of Perseus, so that he became the villain and murdered her savagely despite recognising that the monster was really just a woman. And a pregnant one at that.
Sometimes people are just evil and in fiction that’s OK; in all honesty, I find a villain much more interesting.
One of my favourite mythological creatures, I was excited to read Medusa’s point of view to see where it all went wrong. However, this retelling really didn’t live up to expectations.
While it was interesting to hear her story, the narrative was quite long and drawn out. It also felt very bland – I would have liked Medusa to be passionate and fiery when sharing her version of events, but she was merely lacklustre. I didn’t love the modern voice either, although it didn’t detract from the story. The timeline was also a bit shorter than expected, as she and her sisters didn’t really have much time to grow into legendary monsters before Medusa finds out that she’s pregnant.
What really let the book down for me was the interaction between Perseus and Medusa. I guessed that the author would have them ‘make a deal’ so that we still saw Perseus in a good light and she could be martyred to save his mother. What a let-down.
If everyone is good and has a tragic backstory, then the world of fiction becomes boring. While I am in agreement that women have been badly treated throughout history, it doesn’t make for an exciting story. In my opinion, it would have been more interesting to have a new perception of Perseus, so that he became the villain and murdered her savagely despite recognising that the monster was really just a woman. And a pregnant one at that.
Sometimes people are just evil and in fiction that’s OK; in all honesty, I find a villain much more interesting.