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A review by olga_naden
Medusa's Sisters by Lauren J.A. Bear
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Book 130 of 2023 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Alongside Costanza Casati’s ‘Clytemnestra’, this is my favourite Greek mythology retelling I have read to date. An outstanding debut novel from Lauren J.A. Bear is written in an exquisitely beautiful prose and truly moved me to tears.
The narrative of this book unfolds through the perspective of Medusa's two sisters. Prior to their transformation into Gorgons, Medusa and her siblings, Steno and Euryale, possessed an exceptional quality among immortals. Fuelled by a fascination with mortals and their existence, they ventured into the human realm with the aim of discovering their own sense of belonging. However, their journey swiftly led them to the treacherous heart of an intense Olympian feud, and they came to realize, albeit belatedly, that a deity's affection can be a tumultuous and destructive force.
Right from the opening page, every aspect of this book captivated my attention. The prose, the intricately woven relationship between the sisters, the unexpected developments – collectively, they emulated the experience of delving into a timeless Greek myth. Yet, there was an entirely novel quality to it, bringing a breath of fresh air. Bear's skill truly transports you to the bygone era, to the point where I felt like a first-hand observer in certain scenes. This was undeniably an enchanting and delightful reading journey.
Alongside Costanza Casati’s ‘Clytemnestra’, this is my favourite Greek mythology retelling I have read to date. An outstanding debut novel from Lauren J.A. Bear is written in an exquisitely beautiful prose and truly moved me to tears.
The narrative of this book unfolds through the perspective of Medusa's two sisters. Prior to their transformation into Gorgons, Medusa and her siblings, Steno and Euryale, possessed an exceptional quality among immortals. Fuelled by a fascination with mortals and their existence, they ventured into the human realm with the aim of discovering their own sense of belonging. However, their journey swiftly led them to the treacherous heart of an intense Olympian feud, and they came to realize, albeit belatedly, that a deity's affection can be a tumultuous and destructive force.
Right from the opening page, every aspect of this book captivated my attention. The prose, the intricately woven relationship between the sisters, the unexpected developments – collectively, they emulated the experience of delving into a timeless Greek myth. Yet, there was an entirely novel quality to it, bringing a breath of fresh air. Bear's skill truly transports you to the bygone era, to the point where I felt like a first-hand observer in certain scenes. This was undeniably an enchanting and delightful reading journey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape