A review by juliezantopoulos
Medusa by Rosie Hewlett

emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

"But history is written by the winners. Or, more simply, history is written by men. ... The sad thing is I am not even surprised by these lies. I was not the first woman to be blamed for a man's flaws and I certainly will not be the last. ... I claimed earlier that beauty was my first curse, but perhaps it was actually being born a woman."

This book broke my heart. The cover claims Medusa as Gorgon. Killer. Monster. Victim. Survivor. Protector. Told from the POV of Medusa herself, we see her born to a mother who didn't love her, abandoned at a forgotten temple for Athena and raised by a Priestess in seclusion. Then we follow the harrowing events of her r*pe and subsequent cursing by the very Goddess she swore her life to. It's absolute bullshit.

"And how I wish this vile behavior had died out with our world, but I watch, outraged yet not entirely surprised, as the same tragedy echoes throughout generations, leaving an endless trail of broken victims and unscathed perpetrators."

I was so angry at times and at others bursting with respect for Medusa. Also, the Gods were assholes. There, I said it. I'm sure liberties were taken with the mythology of Medusa, but to be honest, I am not familiar with much of the original material or other retellings. What I do know is that this one resonated with me. It's powerful. It's raw. It reclaims things stolen from women, from victims, and it healed a part of me I didn't know was a bit broken. I highly recommend it for anyone who thinks they can handle the content. It's not an easy read but it's a beautiful one. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings