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jstilts 's review for:
Stone Blind
by Natalie Haynes
dark
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Definitely would recommend! A gripping and emotional retelling of Greek myths around Medusa, Athena and Perseus from a different viewpoint: Medusa's. Well written, well thought out and - if you are listening to the audiobook - very well read by the author themself. I normally have trouble concentrating on audiobooks, but not this time - and it's a treat to hear an author who reads well as it's both engaging and in some way the diffinitive version, as they have the opportunity to read lines with exactly the intended emphasis.
Some cite this as a feminist retelling, but for me it's that but more: it's a fascinating reappraisal that hinges on two vital shifts in literary culture that seem obvious in retrospect: people who are different are not inherently to be feared and shunned, the Greek Mythology concept of "hero" is very different to the modern concept of heroism. This turns the whole tale on it's head while still being true to the incidents laid out in the Medusa/Perseus story.
The only things that keep it down to 4 stars for me is the sudden ending that robs us of a vital last part of the Medusa/Poseiden narrative, Andromeda's thoughts on how her wedding reception turned out (IYKYK), the prophecy of Zeus - which the book strongly hints refers to Perseus - and to some extent what the endgame of Hela's revenge actually was. Some of this isn't addressed in the myths, but neither AFAIK (SPOILERS) is Athena's death by ennui not Medusa's final resting place - and even if it was, it's the end of the book - let loose a little!
Some cite this as a feminist retelling, but for me it's that but more: it's a fascinating reappraisal that hinges on two vital shifts in literary culture that seem obvious in retrospect: people who are different are not inherently to be feared and shunned, the Greek Mythology concept of "hero" is very different to the modern concept of heroism. This turns the whole tale on it's head while still being true to the incidents laid out in the Medusa/Perseus story.
The only things that keep it down to 4 stars for me is the sudden ending that robs us of a vital last part of the Medusa/Poseiden narrative, Andromeda's thoughts on how her wedding reception turned out (IYKYK), the prophecy of Zeus - which the book strongly hints refers to Perseus - and to some extent what the endgame of Hela's revenge actually was. Some of this isn't addressed in the myths, but neither AFAIK (SPOILERS) is Athena's death by ennui not Medusa's final resting place - and even if it was, it's the end of the book - let loose a little!