Medusa by Rosie Hewlett


Medusa
Title : Medusa
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : -
ISBN-10 : 9798737903244
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 204
Publication : First published April 30, 2021
Awards : International Rubery Book Award Book of the Year (2021)

You know her name, you know her story. Just not the right one.

Within the depths of the Underworld the formidable snake-haired Gorgon has finally had enough. Tired of being eternally and unjustly brandished a villain, Medusa has found the courage to face her tragic past and speak out. Determined to expose the centuries of lies surrounding her name, Medusa gives unparalleled insight into her cursed life, from her earliest memories and abandonment at birth, right through to her tragic and untimely death at the hands of the hero Perseus. Through telling her story, Medusa finally reveals the lost truth behind antiquity’s most infamous monster.

MEDUSA breathes new life into an ancient story and echoes the battle that women throughout millennia have continued to wage – the opportunity to simply be heard.


Medusa Reviews


  • Ashleigh (a frolic through fiction)

    Review to come!

  • Lucy

    4.5****

    ”You kill and are deemed a hero, celebrated by all, rewarded by the Gods... Yet when I kill I am immediately branded a monster, disgusting, wretched.”

    So despite reading and re-reading the usual tales of Medusa, where she is murdered by Perseus, THIS is the version that made me a blubbering mess. I knew her death was going to happen and it still made me cry. In this re-telling of Medusa, I was not prepared for my favourite Gorgon to go to the underworld. Rosie Hewlett (the author) makes the reader (me) so attached to the Medusa as a character, that I could not let her go.

    This was a myth that NEEDED retelling, especially from Medusa’s POV. Medusa, as we are shown to believe through famous films such as “Clash of the Titans”, is a monster who deserves to be slayed by the hero, Perseus. BUT, if you look a little deeper at the history of the myth of Medusa, you find she was once a beautiful priestess in the temple of Athena, and talk of her beauty had reached the ears of Poseidon. Poseidon decides to rape Medusa in Athena’s temple. This angers Athena and, as Gods are not likely going to punish each other, Athena instead punished Medusa for Poseidon’s actions, turning her into this terrifying gorgon.

    This book catalogued all of this from myth, but was told from Medusa’s POV. I found that this changed Medusa’s narrative completely- she’s not just a monster, but becomes a multifaceted character, unfairly punished by Athena.
    At first we see her lonely childhood and becoming a priestess; her kindness and the rape she suffers at the hands of Poseidon; Athena’s lack of empathy, anger and subsequent punishment; her powers as a Gorgon and vengefulness; and subsequently, Medusa’s death.

    The author goes one step further though to show Medusa’s sisters, Stheno and Euryale , and I love, love, loved, the sisterhood that they developed and shared between one another. The author also delves into Medusa’s feelings of carrying her rapists baby and her feelings of pregnancy. As well as delving into Medusa and Perseus’ fated meeting and the interesting connection they form.

    So many of these moments in the book made me feel bittersweet and sad for Medusa, as we know as readers that she can’t escape her fate.

    Rosie Hewlett does Medusa justice as the reader gets to know Medusa as more than a Gorgon; but as a sister, a protector, a mother, a victim; and a friend.

    If you’ve enjoyed Natalie Haynes book “Pandora’s Jar” and the chapter on Medusa, I highly recommend reading this book too!!

    “Our fragile patriarchy could hardly accept a female monster who can kill men and think for herself. That would be far too scary, wouldn’t it?”

  • Dannii Elle

    This was an incredibly poignant retelling of Medusa's tale, told from her own perspective. The horrors inflicted upon her were outlined for the reader, as were her anger-fuelled responses. Each were depicted in a raw and honest style, laying Medusa's story bare for the reader's unreserved judgement.

    I really appreciated the style used to narrate this story. It was told in Medusa's own voice and she often broke the fourth wall to converse directly to her audience. Aspects of this were written with a haunting and sorrowful beauty and others in an almost colloquial and informal tone. These two styles blended together to seamlessly deliver this timeless story of torment and suffering, betrayal and revenge.

    I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Rosie Hewlett, and the publisher, SilverWood Books Ltd, for this opportunity.

  • Boston

    I’ve been wanting a story about Medusa for so long and I was so happy to have found this book. I think it’s an excellent story and I did enjoy it, however my biggest issue was with the voice of the story. It’s narrated by Medusa and her voice is too modern for the story and takes away from it in my opinion. I would have preferred a more “time period” sounding story, but that’s just me.

    * Thank you to the publisher for sending me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

  • Trisha

    If mythological retelling is your thing, then this is just the book for you!

    I devoured this book in a single sitting because it's both good and short - doesn't happen a lot of times. This also happens to be my first ARC from NetGalley and even though I barely read ARCs, I got obsessed with this book just by looking at that gorgeous cover and reading the blurb, and knew that I had to request a copy. So glad I did!

    description

    This book is a retelling of, as the name suggests, the monstrous Medusa from her perspective. The story unfolds from the very beginning when a feeble mortal girl is born to the Sea Gods, Phorcys and Ceto, who are instantly disappointed by her mortality and abandon her right away. We then pay witness to the gruelling journey that this poor child takes from her abandonment to her death and the circumstances that made her one of the most feared monsters of the Greeks.


    Rosie Hewlett does a fine job of this feminist re-imagining. The Medusa she creates is unconventional, sarcastic (oh yes!) and a survivor who would be loved by all those who give this book a try. The only drawbacks to this book were: (a) its length, I honestly wanted more detail and this only felt like a sneak-peak into Medusa's life, and (b) the uncanny similarity with Circe, probably a little more detail would have brought out a sharper contrast between the two books. Despite these drawbacks, I loved Hewlett's incredible writing and would love to read her future works, especially retellings from a female POV.

    I recommend this book to anyone who identifies as a feminist with an interest in Greek Mythology.

    4/5🌟.
    TW: Sexual Abuse, Death.

  • Li ☾

    When the author Rosie contacted me and offered to send me an advanced readers copy of her book in exchange for an honest review I literally jumped at the chance. Anything mythology ... greek mythology especially and I am there for it.
    Thank you so much Rosie

  • Rosh [busy month; will catch up soon!]

    In a Nutshell: This book shows you why you must give a chance to indie writers too. There are some real gems in the indie world.

    There must be hardly anyone who hasn't heard of Medusa. One of the most feared of the Greek monsters, this gorgon sister is known for her gaze that could turn any man into stone. But here we have a book that reveals the other side of the picture. Why and how did Medusa become Medusa? Is she really a monster or a victim of her circumstances?

    In terms of its writing, this book is outstanding. The way the narrative progresses fluidly from one scene to the next leaves you hooked. At a mere 200+ pages, this book can easily be completed within a couple of hours.

    You don't need to know the classics in order to grasp the story. The author gives enough of a background into all the key characters to make sure that your reading flow isn't affected. There are some wonderful quotes in the book, with one of my favourites being "The most powerful revelations are the ones we discover for ourselves." I want to especially mention the feminist angle that the story takes at times. This could have been further developed upon but it was still a laudable attempt, especially considering how Greek myths glamorise only male heroes.

    Overall, this was a fast-paced and enjoyable read and I loved getting a behind-the-scenes look at Medusa. Definitely recommended to everyone looking for a quick break in between intense books.

    4.5 stars from me, rounding up to 5.

    Thank you to NetGalley and SilverWood Books Ltd for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.




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  • Gabbey F-A

    TW: Rape

    This is a poignant, powerful reimagining of Medusa's story, and I loved it. The story draws parallels to the novel Circe, in that Circe was portrayed as being evil-A witch, who turned people into animals and killed her husband-but we saw another side to her in Madeline Miller's reimagining.

    Medusa tells us her tale from the Underworld, unblemished by a male narrative. (Straight from the source, so to speak). From her birth amongst the waves to her death, we hear her story almost as though through her cycle of grief. We are with her in her trauma, then through her denial, guilt and anger. Later we see her at the height of loneliness, only to come through that phase, into acceptance and hope.

    The book is especially poignant in the wake of the Me Too movement. Much like in Yanagihara's A Little Life, the author has not shied away from writing about rape. As I wrote in my review of the aforementioned; "...This book portrays a very real life story of abuse.
    To use a poor analogy, My son often covers his eyes and believes that, because he can’t see me, I can’t see him.... Just because we shut our eyes to abuse and find it difficult to read/hear about, does that mean it’s not happening in the world? No."

    The author made us aware of the other things that were stolen from Medusa as a result of her rape. It was not just her virginity and her right to say no that he took from her. He stole her favourite time of the day, "...morning...as the world slowly began to wake up around me." He stole her future happiness, "Misery felt [safe]…There are no expectations when you're sad." It was realistic in way he groomed her, saying her mother was "A fool if she is disappointed by you," in much the same way rapists groom vulnerable victims.
    I also thought it poignant when we were told that she was, "not the first woman to be blamed for a man's flaws," and certainly would not be the last. It was very reminiscent of other women's stories, in which they have been told that they were the "seducer," or that they were "in love." Medusa dedicated her life to Athena, yet Athena victim shamed her. When Medusa tells of the gods current situation and says, "they are nobodies now. They are nothing. You hear that Athena? You are nothing." I got honest-to-god goosebumps!!!

    I loved Medusa's character. To quote the book's cover;
    "Gorgon. Killer. Monster.
    Victim. Survivor. Protector.
    "
    Medusa is the epitome of a morally grey character! I was extremely amused by the modern touches the author gave her, such as referring to Hermes as a "Little prick." And telling the fates, "If you're listening," 'screw you.' It made her more human and relatable.

    I also thought the gods characters were portrayed fantastically. It made me laugh that the gods would say, "Enough of that child," (Poseidon) and, "Oh, none of that," (Hermes) when Medusa scraped and bowed for them. Yet Poseidon levelled an entire city because they had a temple to Athena and not he. It was very reminiscent of all I have ever learnt of the gods!

    The family aspect to this book was also incredible. There was a real sense of psychology, almost an argument for 'nature vs. nurture.' Medusa wanted to be evil in order to earn her mother's respect. Do we all not revere our parents reverence?
    The dynamic between the sisters was also realistic, and telling of a lack of a parental bond. Medusa's first thought upon being transformed into a 'monster,' was that she finally looked like her siblings. Similarly, her sisters mused that "now we all finally fit in the family, eh?"

    I loved her friendship with Perseus - The ultimate irony being that he, as the one who didn't want to kill her, had to be the one to kill her. I was just so glad that she had a friend. I thought it sad (and very illuminating) that the author had to add, "before you even ask, I will tell you that I was not falling in love with Perseus." Medusa was a lonely, heavily pregnant woman who just needed somebody. I feel he was pivotal to her healing process.

    Yet another great debate this book brought to mind was that of vigilante justice. Medusa and her sisters actively sought out women being attacked in this reimagining, yet innocents got caught in the 'crossfire.'

    Finally, ( Yes, I'm nearly there, don't quit now) I loved Medusa as a mother. Having two children of my own, I felt an affinity with Medusa. She knew she was going to die, but she was ok with it, so long as her son got to live (Despite him being Poseidon's child-biologically- too). Is that not all we, as mothers, want? For our children to be healthy and happy? I cried like a baby myself when she went, alone, to give birth and we were left with these words:

    "Great Medusa.
    Powerful Medusa.
    You can do this.
    We believe in you."



  • Srivalli Rekha

    When I saw the cover and the blurb, I knew I had to read it. The book is 204 pages long but feels even smaller. I could finish it in 2 hours (though it was divided into two days) and must say I'm impressed by the author's voice.

    The story is written in the first-person narrative, with Medusa tells us her version of history. The Stream of Consciousness worked very well as the story progressed. It made the narrator's voice stronger and clear.

    We've seen and read different versions about Medusa, and all of them show her as a monster who went on a killing spree. She has been a fascinating part of mythology for centuries.

    In fact, when my writer friends and I were planning our first horror anthology, we decided to use powerful mythological characters to represent each of us. A friend shared an amazing picture of Medusa (she found it on the internet) for me, and I decided I would be Medusa. I loved her power and liked to imagine her backstory.

    Mudesa Art

    This book ticked almost all boxes and provided me with an intriguing version of Medusa. Retellings are always tricky. There's a thin line between a hit and a miss. This one is a hit because the narration held my attention from start to finish. I enjoyed the growth in the relationship between Medusa and her sister. The underlying introspective tone was another plus.

    Yes, I do wish there was more depth to the details. But guess the author would have had to tinker too much with the original. And research is never easy with topics like this. Also, there's the risk of turning the book into an emotional drama rather than the assertive version of what it is now.

    For a debut author, this is an impressive work, and I look forward to reading more from her.

    Maybe she could cut down a few adverbs in the next book. I do like the strength of the narrative.

    Overall, Medusa has been a lovely retelling, a feminist version with a controlled voice (not something I see in all feminist works).

    I received an ARC from Netgalley and Silver Wood Books and am leaving a voluntary review.

  • *Thea 'Wookiee'sMama' Wilson*

    Medusa is an absolutely fantastic book by debut author Rosie Hewlett.

    I have long been a fan of novels base on the Greek Myths and Medusa is a character that has often been villainized for her ability to turn men into stone but there have been few decent books about how the girl became the feared and demonised gorgon and the dreadful curse she was forced to endure through no fault of her own thanks to something as small as a simple, yet dreadful, misunderstanding. Told through Medusa's own word we get to learn about the woman behind the myth and how the curse affected every part of her life, it actually makes for a very sad tale indeed.

    This is truly heartbreaking tale and Medusa is the total anti-hero of her own story. A fantastic book and a great addition to anyone's Greek Mythology library.

  • Mortal Manuscripts

    An absolutely stunning account of Medusa’s story. If you love Greek mythology you’ll truly adore this. Rosie Hewlett is one to watch for sure.

  • Eve Jane

    Medusa has been called a lot things. A seductress, liar, monster, killer, rape victim. But who does she see when she looks in the mirror?

    I love the idea behind this, but I wasn't overly fond of the voice (though I did like the conversational way it was used). Maybe my problem was because it's quite modern? I'm not sure, but I think it just didn't fit my expectation of what Medusa would sound like - which is a personal thing. I also realised that I don't really like tales where the narrator is recounting the past. I prefer when the events are happening in the now rather than being remembered - but that's also a personal thing.

    I guess what you can take from this is that any fault I found with the story was just a matter of preference.

    This is the first book I've read about Medusa. I knew the very basics of the myth, but it's brought to life here in a way that feels very authentic. While I enjoyed hearing her tale, what I really loved was hearing her view of modernity and gender inequality. I highlighted many quotes that hit me in the gut and made me think 'wow, I know exactly what she means'. Issues are highlighted that continue to affect society to this day, e.g., victim blaming and rape. I know this is a work of fiction but these things really have been going on this long and it's heartbreaking.

    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 can't wait to see whose voice Rosie Hewlett will reveal next.

  • Alaina

    I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

    Medusa was such an easy book to devour. Mostly because I don't think I've ever read a book just about Medusa. The other gods? Yes. So I was really intrigued to see what her story would be like and I honestly didn't expect the emotional roller coaster while reading this.

    Medusa was a pretty interesting character. I didn't really see anything that annoyed or frustrated me when it came to her. She was a girl who was abandoned twice by her family. Her own mother was completely horrible and I despised her. Then she ends up losing the only person in her life that she considered family. Throw in a rape and an awful punishment.. and I'm pissed.

    After this happened, I wanted to throat punch a certain god for doing the awful deed. Then I wanted to throat punch Athena because she was being completely horrible to Medusa. It didn't even stop after doing what she did either. I just wasn't a fan of her for the entire book. The whole wanting Medusa dead made no sense to me because she did nothing to Athena.

    Not a damn thing.

    Other than that, it just felt like Medusa was really lonely and I felt bad for her. The ending was definitely bittersweet to me and I might have shed some tears or something. I just wanted her to find happiness and peace.. and I think she has that now.

    Definitely an easy book to devour and a retelling to dive into.

  • Amanda Hupe

    “But history is written by the winners. Or, more simply, history is written by the men.”

    MEDUSA
    Yes, another mythology retelling. I just can’t help myself, especially when it is about one of the most intriguing characters in mythology. Medusa by Rosie Hewlett tells Medusa’s story on her terms. Medusa is the mortal daughter of a marine goddess. She is left to serve as a priestess in Athena’s temple. In all that time, Athena never answers a single prayer. She grows into a beautiful young woman and catches the eye of the god Poseidon himself. Except he doesn’t take no for an answer. Laying on the floor brutalized, Athena finally appears and is offended by Medusa’s conduct in her temple and turns her into a Gorgan. At first, Medusa pities herself but then realizes the power she wields…

    TRIGGER WARNINGS: This book discusses the rape of Medusa and how she was treated as a victim afterward. Throughout history, Medusa is seen as a monster who was vanquished by the hero Perseus. It is not becoming a more prevalent opinion that she isn’t a monster, but a survivor. This book is relatively short, I would almost consider it a novella. But the story is pretty straightforward. I was not a fan of this version of Perseus. I wanted Medusa to fight to the end.

    The pace is nonstop leaving little room for development, but I suppose that is because the author is relying heavily on the reader’s knowledge of mythology. There is one thing that bugged me and that is the dialogue. It is very stilted and bland. It was as if I was back in the 5th-grade class I subbed in last week. However, I loved all the feminist themes and how the author shines a light that Medusa was a survivor, not a monster that we were all led to believe. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars and definitely plan to check out more of this author’s books!

  • Reema

    When others say you can devour this book in one sitting, they are not kidding! I read this so quick, i just had to know what happened! Most of that is due to the whimsical writing style.

    I loved reading a different POV. Villians really are not born, they are made! I was angry for Medusa..... angry at Poseidon, i mean, isn't he Percy Jackson's DAD???!!!??? and even worse is Athena... i have no words... she is awful.

    Loved this, amazing writing, hard hitting story!

  • Jas Reads

    One of the easiest 5 stars I've given this year. So short but so impactful. Recommend to anyone that's looking for a beautifully written Greek Mythology retelling. Very Circe energy and we love that in this house. Can't wait to see what Hewlett comes up with next.

  • Sarah

    “I believe people prefer to tell these versions because it frees them of accountability. They can remain blind to the realities of the world and instead transfer their collective guilt onto me - it was her own fault! One day, you will come to realise that people will always try and wriggle out of the uncomfortable truths, choosing instead to cushion their fragile egos with the lies they want to hear. Well, now I realise, it is our job to make them listen” Rosie Hewlett - Medusa

    Greek mythology is one of my truest and deepest loves in life and has been since I was a child and first heard some of the famous stories. As I’ve got older, different figures have become more important to me. When I first heard the ‘true’ story of Medusa a few years ago she became a bit of an all time hero. There is something so very relevant about her in our modern day world. The victim who was treated as the perpetrator, brutally punished for the very crime that had destroyed her. I think it’s really interesting that most of us still think of her as the ultimate monster.

    As you can imagine when @medusa.book got in touch to ask if I’d like to read this book I was beyond excited. I’ve been waiting for someone to tell Medusa’s story in the way she deserved for years and Rosie has not disappointed.

    I adored the conversational tone and Medusa’s ironic humour as she reflects on her life brought much needed lightness to what is a deeply disturbing story.

    One of the things that fascinates me most in Mythology is their obsession with fate and destiny and how set in stone they are. The way Medusa came to terms with her own was really beautiful and profound.

    The twist on the dynamic between Medusa and Perseus was so clever and really added layers of emotion to each of their stories.

    Will definitely be reading all future myth retellings from this author 💚

  • Liz Barnsley

    I purchased this book after many recommendations, there are so many great things here that my rating is hugely subjective.

    Firstly this is a Medusa retelling that is hugely imaginative and really well executed in a lot of ways. However I feel the character voice was slightly lacking in levels- the passion so to speak was missing which is why I perhaps didnt engage with it in the way the author intended

    Having said that though this is a good book that I would recommend to anyone who likes a good but of reimagined mythology and exploration of feminist themes.

  • Melissa

    I recently read a retelling of Medusa that I liked, but not loved. So when Rosie approached me to read her book, I was really thrilled to give a second chance to learn more about this "monster".

    The story is told from Medusa's point-of-view, and although she sounds really resentful for most of it, I found that the tone kept me on edge while reading. She sets the records straight about her story, and I felt that it was important for her to point out that she wasn't the "only" villain in her story. That she was hurt, and even if it doesn't explain everything, it does explain a lot.

    TW for rape, victim-blaming, violence, and a little bit of gore.

    Many thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

  • Bookish_Lauren

    This is Medusa’s story, told to us by Medusa herself. It’s very different from the story that we are familiar with...stories that have been given to us by men.

    I looved this so much. It was so interesting reading this side of Medusa’s story.
    My absolute favourite bits were the Perseus/Medusa interactions. Oooo this take on it was just so clever 👏🏼

    If you’re looking for your next Greek mythology fix then I definitely recommend picking up this feminist retelling 👌🏼

    Rosie, please bring more Greek characters to life for us!

    Thank you so much to the author for my gifted copy. If I hadn’t been gifted it I would have ended up purchasing it anyway 💜

  • Neila

    4.5

    This is a great retelling of Medusa’s myth. Medusa narrates her own story from the underworld from her birth until her death. However, the book focuses on “nurture vs nature” in which monsters are made and not born. It’s a brilliant spin on the story, written in a funny and compelling manner!

    The chapters are short and to the point which makes it extremely easy to get engrossed in the story. The whole book is under 200 pages which means you can finish it in one sitting!

    The characters are relatable, funny and so entirely human (even when they’re not)!
    The good, the bad and the evil are all present in various forms and the topics of abuse, abandonment and motherhood are presented in a very meaningful way without making it heavy or too dark. Medusa’s perspective on the whole story is written in her own voice, allowing for her to express herself unedited by anyone. It brings depth to her story and I really enjoyed the reimagining of this tale, while adding interesting and deep topics to ponder upon.

    My only small reservation was that the shift from “human to monster” was a bit abrupt in my opinion and I wish that Medusa’s feelings and thought at that moment were described (a few extra pages would have made it perfect).

    Overall, love the writing, the retelling and the characters as well as the discussion behind the story! Recommend it to any Greek mythology lover!




    - Greek myth retelling
    - Short chapters and quick paced
    - Loveable main protagonist

    ⛔️
    None

  • The Book Club


    Medusa has always been known as a merciless monster, but the time has come when she is finally ready to tell her story.

    “I believe people prefer to tell these versions because it frees them of any accountability. They can remain blind to the realities of the world and instead transfer their collective guilt onto me - it was her own fault! One day, you will come to realise that people will always try to wriggle out of the uncomfortable truths, choosing instead to cushion their fragile egos with the lies they want to hear. Well, now I realise, it is our job to make them listen.”

    Rosie Hewlett brings this story to life using a really modern lexicon, which I found super accessible especially for young adults, that would love to dive in the genre for the first time. Medusa speaks directly to the reader, and it feels like speaking to your closest friend about the ghosts of your past.
    By the end of the book is impossible not to love Medusa and actually understand her reasoning in feeling so bitter.

    “When you are beautiful everyone thinks you owe them something and that they have the right to simply reach out and take it - to stare, to touch, to claim. The world around me became ugly and frightening, as if a candle had been struck, illuminating the dangers I had been so blind before.”

    Be aware that if you start reading it you will probably won’t be able to stop and will be completely immersed in the story! Don’t say I didn’t warn you 🤣

    TW: Sexual assault, homicide

  • Chloé

    I received this book from the author Rosie so thank you!

    When Rosie first contacted me and asked if I wanted to read Medusa, I was ecstatic. I’ve been waiting for a book from Medusa’s perspective to come out so I could read it and this book did not disappoint!
    I absolutely loved this book from start to finish and struggled to put it down. Being able to understand Medusa more through Rosie’s own retelling had my heart breaking for Medusa. She is always perceived as a monster but like all the women in Greek Mythology and real life, she was misunderstood and treated horribly by a man that no one believed her when she told the truth. To see her become so broken and then allow her hatred to eat her up is exactly how I pictured Medusa and Rosie did a wonderful job of showcasing that in her writing.
    I also loved being able to see more of the relationships be explored in Medusa’s life from her childhood to her sisters and even the one between her and Perseus. This is something I didn’t expect to see especially between Medusa and her killer but again, I loved being able to see it and see someone truly understand why Medusa had become who she is known to be.
    This story was refreshing, heart breaking and eye opening into a truth of Medusa and her pain and Rosie did an astonishing job of writing such a brilliant book.
    I will admit that the one bit that stopped me giving this book five stars was the use of words like ‘Screw You’ etc which I found a little off putting. I think it was more the shock of seeing modern terms like this in a book about an older tale and although I feel they didn’t suit the terms Medusa would use, it didn’t have an effect on the story Rosie was telling. I think it’s just me and my perspective that allowed the modern terminology to effect me but as I said, don’t let this put you off because this book is highly worth reading especially for anyone who loves Greek Mythology and who want to finally read a story from Medusa’s perspective.
    Thank you so much for sending this to me Rosie. I truly loved it!!!

  • Dan Bassett

    Medusa. That very name strikes fear into the hearts of mortals around the globe.
    Feared, fabled and eternally remembered as a monster. But that’s not how she tells it.
    Within the dark unforgiving depths of the underworld, the much-revered Gorgon has finally had enough. Branded a villain, temptress and harlot. After all this time Medusa wants to tell you what really happened all those years ago...
    Beginning her life as a mortal, and therefor a disappointment to her mother Medusa is sent to walk the planes of the mortal realm alone until she stumbles upon the temple of Athena and someone who takes her in and raises her as family, never questioning why.
    But soon she attracts the attention of Poseidon who, like so many women before her falls victim to his overwhelming lust and Athena herself casts the blame solely on Medusa, transforming her along with her sisters into something so hideous, no man will ever look upon them again, doomed to be feared and isolated for the rest of their days...
    And with that the real story of Medusa unfolds from accepting who she is, to bringing those who do nothing but harm to justice, to forging a friendship with the very man sent to end her life all on the whim of the gods who are so blind to how corrupt they truly are which shows Medusa how much she was played from the very start of her existence, being nothing but another amusement to those who claim to be her betters.
    Fresh, bold, eye-opening and gripping: Medusa’s real story finally comes to light and it is one worth hearing.

  • Lorely

    Medusa is one of my favourite characters within Greek mythology, but I have to admit I did not enjoy this book. I ended up not finishing it, as I did not get on with the style - first person narrating to the reader. I did not like the uses of phrases like “anyway, where was I?” And “you wouldn’t think…”. The concept is great but unfortunately fell short for me

  • Marta the Booktrovert

    Thank you so much to the writer Rosie Hewlett and to NetGalley for an e-copy of this book. The opinions below are my own.

    This is a long-overdue review of a fantastic and unmissable retelling that I read in one sitting.

    We all know the Greek myth of the Medusa, but this retelling will walk you through the whole story from a very unique feminist perspective.

    From the very beginning, I was trapped into the story thanks to a conversational writing style. It made me feel like Medusa was actually telling me personally her story. A couple of things absolutely stand out in this story. The first thing, this is a debut novel and it is exceptionally well written. The second thing, you can feel the writer poured a massive amount of research and knowledge into this story and the final result was stunning.

    The dialogues around gender inequalities, victim-blaming and rape are presented within this ancient myth but could also be applied to our present.

    If you love Greek mythology retelling and you are looking for a challenging feminist perspective of Medusa’s story you can’t miss this book. I had only a small issue with certain dialogues, which sounded too modern. It’s an emotional rollercoaster and you will devour this book in one sitting, I promise!





    You can read this review and more on the
    The Monogamist Reader Blog

  • Kara (Books.and.salt)

    "I have found a small corner of history and claimed it as my own, not as a monster or a victim, but as a survivor, a protector."

    "Medusa" is a mythological retelling of the story of Medusa, a woman who was cursed to be a terrible monster that turned men to stone. This is a dark, heavy tale with a strong recurring theme of sexual assault. From her resting place in the underworld, Medusa finally feels ready to step forward and share her side of the story.

    I have always had a lot of love for Medusa, & Hewitt reweaved her story in a way that broke my heart in both new and familiar ways. With so much time to reflect, Medusa has evaluated the path she took in life. I loved hearing her reasoning for doing what she did, while also expressing remorse for her emotion-fueled actions.

    I thought this was a beautiful feminist retelling of one of my favorite Greek myths. I never would have thought I'd walk away from this book loving both Medusa and Perseus. I gave this 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads.

    Many thanks to NetGalley and Silverwood books for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

  • Kirsten Moody

    4.5 stars

    Powerful, feminist, raw.

    This follows Medusa's story from her perspective. She talks directly to the reader, looking back from when she was born up until her death. It touches on Medusa's family, the atrocious acts of Poseidon and then Athena, finally her friendship with Perseus and the events around her death.
    I found this to be an engaging and easy book to read, it is raw in its honesty and full of anger against the patriarchy of men and how it has tainted the story of Medusa. As well as looking into how women seem to owe men and how it should never be the case.

    'I claimed earlier that beauty was my first curse, but perhaps it was actually being born a woman.'
    A great retelling and a feminist outcry.

  • Ilda Redzepovic

    I’ve been lucky brought to be gifted this book by the author - thank you so much Rosie. It’s such a beautiful book. I loved the writing style and loved reading about Medusa. Written with such emotion and passion - I would recommend this to everyone, whether you do or don’t like mythology. It’s such a great read and it has such a powerful message.

  • Beth (biblio.beth)

    3.5 ⭐

    I love the idea of retellings from the 'monsters' point of view and think it worked really well in this story. It really makes you feel for Medusa and all the hardships she has faced throughout her life. I really loved the unlikely friendship that blossomed in the story too!

    I didn't care for the writing style all too much. The actual story was fine, but I just wish it was told in the usual first or third-person style rather than the conversational way it was done. That's just personal preference though.