maureen2506's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Die vielen unterschiedlichen Perspektiven machen das Buch wirklich einzigartig und die Tatsache, dass Medusas Kopf ebenfalls eine Erzählerstimme ist, gefällt mir sehr. Eine wirklich tragische Geschichte sehr spannend erzählt.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Rape
annamay1021's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Rape
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
speedidy's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder, Rape, and Sexual assault
alexanderh's review against another edition
2.0
Even though so much of the mythology was flat-out wrong, I enjoyed the book. Haynes' portrayal of Medusa (and then her head) is my favorite I have seen so far. However, Haynes did a great disservice to Athena---"Athene" comes across as a spoiled and whiny brat. I would've also enjoyed the book more if it focused more extensively on Medusa.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Death
grnolivine's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book is a fantastic retelling of Medusa's story from multiple points of view. You really learn to fall in love with Medusa and become angry with the selfishness of humans and men. It is a somewhat slow build to the end goal of the main character. Which, I do not mind. It motivated me to finish it quicker. Overall a good book for any greek mythology lovers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Rape, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexual violence, Violence, and Sexual assault
mamalzie's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, War, Genocide, Rape, Slavery, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Violence, Infidelity, and Death
merenguita's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
It's good but it's not great.
I honestly thought there was going to be more Medusa in this story and i feel like the last part is way too much about Perseus...
There were emotional parts but even those I expected to be more emotional.
Idk, maybe I was way too hyped
I honestly thought there was going to be more Medusa in this story and i feel like the last part is way too much about Perseus...
There were emotional parts but even those I expected to be more emotional.
Idk, maybe I was way too hyped
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Violence, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Death
Moderate: Rape
anntharai's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Stalking, Violence, Murder, Rape, Sexual assault, and Misogyny
booksawyer's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes is a 2023 release that I’ve seen go under the radar. I had not heard anything about it until it was personally recommended to me, so after the life changing experience of reading it, I feel the need to talk about it as much as possible so it can get the hype it deserves!
Stone Blind is a #metoo era re-evaluation of the myth of Medusa and Perseus. On a greater level, it explores how women are often vilified in situations when they are really the victim. This book will frustrate you. It will make you want to stop reading and throw the book at the wall, yet also captivating you so much that you are unable to put the book down. This book made me cry, fume with rage, and stay up all night thinking about it at so many points throughout the tale.
I absolutely loved the way the story was told. The format of this book and Haynes’s use of point-of-view made me love the novel so much. We follow the perspective of so many different characters, venturing off into subplots that make the reader wonder “I thought this was supposed to be a book about Medusa?” However, Haynes masterfully weaves each chapter together, culminating in a satisfying ending where all the pieces come together. This element made Stone Blind so fascinating to read.
Stone Blind is fantastic for readers who, like me, are new to reading literary fiction. It is complex at times and often makes you think, but it is never confusing or overwhelming. This book is also suitable for people with all kinds of backgrounds with mythology. The timely and relevant conversations this book presents allow someone to enjoy this book even if they don’t typically love myths. Additionally, a character guide is included at the beginning of the book, which is helpful to understand who everyone is and what is going on.
Stone Blind genuinely felt like a perfect novel. It was beautiful, heartbreaking, and truly unforgettable. I really can’t recommend it enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Blood, Gore, Infidelity, Murder, Violence, Death, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Misogyny and War
Minor: Child abuse and Fire/Fire injury
Additional Content Warnings: Major Victim Blaming, Revenge Moderate Child Abandonment, Manipulation, Forced/Arranged Marriage, Predatory Behavior, PTSD Minor Crowing, Sacrifice, Imprisonment, Elder Abuse