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flamingo_and_owl_books's review against another edition
challenging
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bethommo's review against another edition
2.0
Quick read. Pretty boring… but sweet life lesson of self love.
amorgn1928's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
aclopez6's review against another edition
5.0
Burton and Gill reimagined what Medusa and Perseus's story may have been like, and how things could have ended differently for Medusa, through a more feminist lens. In the traditional telling of Medusa, Perseus kills Medusa by looking at her through a mirror and slicing off her head. In this book, Medusa and Perseus fall in love through a series of miscommunications and secrets, and Medusa accidentally kills Perseus by looking at him.
I thought this book was a solid reimagining of Medusa's tale. From the first line the authors seek to draw you into Medusa's story, "If I told you that I'd killed a man with a glance, would you wait to hear the rest? The why, the how, what happened next? Or would you run from me, this mottled mirror, this body of unusual flesh?" (1)
The authors humanize Medusa and make each decision feel honest and vulnerable. Medusa is very likable, but she has been victimized by Athena, sexually assaulted by Poseidon, and treated as a pariah by her community. Her sisters are her advocates and companions, but Medusa's character was isolated for years. On page 32 she thinks, "When was the last time someone had spoken to me like this? Too long, too long. Maybe never".
The author also includes lines that critique the patriarchal nature of society and the blaming of sexual assault victims. For example, on page 89, when Perseus is explaining his mother's predicament of being pursued by Polydectes, he says "Polydectes would never accept her own refusals of herself, but he would when they were told him by a man."
I thought this book was a solid reimagining of Medusa's tale. From the first line the authors seek to draw you into Medusa's story, "If I told you that I'd killed a man with a glance, would you wait to hear the rest? The why, the how, what happened next? Or would you run from me, this mottled mirror, this body of unusual flesh?" (1)
The authors humanize Medusa and make each decision feel honest and vulnerable. Medusa is very likable, but she has been victimized by Athena, sexually assaulted by Poseidon, and treated as a pariah by her community. Her sisters are her advocates and companions, but Medusa's character was isolated for years. On page 32 she thinks, "When was the last time someone had spoken to me like this? Too long, too long. Maybe never".
The author also includes lines that critique the patriarchal nature of society and the blaming of sexual assault victims. For example, on page 89, when Perseus is explaining his mother's predicament of being pursued by Polydectes, he says "Polydectes would never accept her own refusals of herself, but he would when they were told him by a man."
dana_yamaguchi's review against another edition
5.0
"You could take my arms and legs, my body and my breasts; you could cut off my head and still not end my myth.
You will not find my answer in the puzzle of a stony foot, you will not find me in my snakes.
You will not find me in my deeds, nor in poems written by long-dead men.
But you will find me when you need me, when the wind hears a woman's cry and fills my sails forward.
And I will whisper on the water that one must never fear the raised shield, the reflection caught in an office window, or a mirror in the bathroom.
I will tell you to look into me, and you will see.
Look, Medusa, girl and Gorgon.
You.
Me."
-Jessie Burton, Medusa
charley_019's review against another edition
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
dg_trout's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
starsandvellum's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars.
Medusa by Jessie Burton is a haunting and beautiful retelling of the Greek myth that captivated me from start to finish. Despite my limited knowledge of Greek mythology, I found myself drawn to the story of Medusa and her struggles.
The book delves into the life of Medusa, who is exiled on a secluded island with her sisters after enduring the trauma of being raped by Poseidon and cursed by Athena. It is a tale of love, albeit a complicated one, as Perseus enters the scene and their relationship unfolds in a mesmerizing way.
Burton's writing is exquisite, striking a delicate balance between providing enough detail to convey the impact of Medusa's experiences without overwhelming the reader. Burton skillfully portrays the depth of Medusa's trauma, taking us on a journey from her initial fear and emptiness to her eventual transformation into a powerful and inspiring woman. It is an incredibly powerful portrayal that resonated deeply with me.
What sets this retelling apart is the infusion of modern elements, adding a relatable touch to the story. This blending of myth and contemporary themes is masterfully done by Burton, creating a unique reading experience that is not often seen in retellings.
Upon finishing the book, I was so moved that I immediately texted my best friend, urging her to read it. To my surprise, she had just finished it and shared my enthusiasm. This speaks volumes about the book's impact. I am now eager to explore more of Burton's works, as her talent for storytelling and her ability to breathe new life into ancient myths is evident in Medusa.
For those intrigued by the mythology of Medusa or simply seeking a captivating read, I wholeheartedly recommend picking up this book. It is a poignant and thought-provoking tale that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
“She was a woman who’d done nothing wrong except exist.”
Medusa by Jessie Burton is a haunting and beautiful retelling of the Greek myth that captivated me from start to finish. Despite my limited knowledge of Greek mythology, I found myself drawn to the story of Medusa and her struggles.
The book delves into the life of Medusa, who is exiled on a secluded island with her sisters after enduring the trauma of being raped by Poseidon and cursed by Athena. It is a tale of love, albeit a complicated one, as Perseus enters the scene and their relationship unfolds in a mesmerizing way.
Burton's writing is exquisite, striking a delicate balance between providing enough detail to convey the impact of Medusa's experiences without overwhelming the reader. Burton skillfully portrays the depth of Medusa's trauma, taking us on a journey from her initial fear and emptiness to her eventual transformation into a powerful and inspiring woman. It is an incredibly powerful portrayal that resonated deeply with me.
What sets this retelling apart is the infusion of modern elements, adding a relatable touch to the story. This blending of myth and contemporary themes is masterfully done by Burton, creating a unique reading experience that is not often seen in retellings.
Upon finishing the book, I was so moved that I immediately texted my best friend, urging her to read it. To my surprise, she had just finished it and shared my enthusiasm. This speaks volumes about the book's impact. I am now eager to explore more of Burton's works, as her talent for storytelling and her ability to breathe new life into ancient myths is evident in Medusa.
For those intrigued by the mythology of Medusa or simply seeking a captivating read, I wholeheartedly recommend picking up this book. It is a poignant and thought-provoking tale that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
deathmetalheron's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Violence, Stalking, and Death
Minor: Sexual assault
cjamargo's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-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
3.25