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A review by abbys
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
3.0
I do not know a lot of Greek Mythology outside the realms of the Percy Jackson series and the blurb of this novel intrigued me. It didn't disappoint.
Stone Blind tells the story of Medusa's life, told from her point of view and the points of view of those around her. Natalie Haynes writes in such a beautiful and fluent style that truly incorporates the great tales of mythology retold within the pages of this book. My favourite chapter is that of Medusa towards the end, written in first person and full of anguish and emotion as she recounts her sisters' reactions to her death. The language in this chapter is wonderfully encapsulating and enchanting, the language Haynes uses throughout Stone Blind is truly masterful.
So much rage is contained within the pages of this book, of not only Medusa but also of her sisters and the Goddesses and mortals that have been used by the Gods as playthings for their entertainment. They thought that they could do whatever they wanted and get away with it due to the the power that they wielded, a sentiment that is painfully and sadly so prominent in modern times. This portrayal of Zeus and Poseidon truly disturbed me, they were not the grand figures that they are often portrayed as but twisted cowards that would rather kill and force their victims to submit to them rather than deal with the consequences of their actions. It was a bold and feminist take on the legends within Greek mythology and it felt in equal parts disturbing, sad but also hopeful and uplifting.
The ending is haunting but also peaceful and satisfying. It feels as though Medusa lives on in the hearts of those around her, and although Legend depicts her as a villain and monster, those who knew and loved her will forever know the truth. Although Perseus has achieved what he set out to do, all that he achieves is showing how weak he is despite Legend depicting him as a strong hero. As she rests at the bottom of the sea, she is no longer preyed upon by Poseidon or hunted by Perseus, she is free. She is at peace.
Stone Blind tells the story of Medusa's life, told from her point of view and the points of view of those around her. Natalie Haynes writes in such a beautiful and fluent style that truly incorporates the great tales of mythology retold within the pages of this book. My favourite chapter is that of Medusa towards the end, written in first person and full of anguish and emotion as she recounts her sisters' reactions to her death. The language in this chapter is wonderfully encapsulating and enchanting, the language Haynes uses throughout Stone Blind is truly masterful.
So much rage is contained within the pages of this book, of not only Medusa but also of her sisters and the Goddesses and mortals that have been used by the Gods as playthings for their entertainment. They thought that they could do whatever they wanted and get away with it due to the the power that they wielded, a sentiment that is painfully and sadly so prominent in modern times. This portrayal of Zeus and Poseidon truly disturbed me, they were not the grand figures that they are often portrayed as but twisted cowards that would rather kill and force their victims to submit to them rather than deal with the consequences of their actions. It was a bold and feminist take on the legends within Greek mythology and it felt in equal parts disturbing, sad but also hopeful and uplifting.
The ending is haunting but also peaceful and satisfying. It feels as though Medusa lives on in the hearts of those around her, and although Legend depicts her as a villain and monster, those who knew and loved her will forever know the truth. Although Perseus has achieved what he set out to do, all that he achieves is showing how weak he is despite Legend depicting him as a strong hero. As she rests at the bottom of the sea, she is no longer preyed upon by Poseidon or hunted by Perseus, she is free. She is at peace.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence