Synopsis
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.
Review
I was beautiful once.
I would not recommend it.
A powerful Medusa retelling that shines sympathy, humanity, and emotion into a narrative that talks directly to the reader.
We all know the legend of Medusa. Seductress.
Liar. Monster. Killer. Rape victim.
People seem to forget that last one.
We assume she is the monster and Perseus the glorious hero sent to slay her on a gods-ordained mission.
What if Medusa wasn’t the true monster, but the ones who put her in that position?
What if Perseus sees the humane in Medusa, a pregnant woman desperate to protect her unborn child?
Besides, I believe history preferred to remember me as a dehumanized monster; it made for a more ‘suitable’ story. 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?
Admittedly, the arc with Perseus and Medusa isn’t a major part of the book which I appreciated because ultimately this is a story about Medusa’s personal story and growth.
However, I liked Rosie’s take on their relationship. They have both been handed a bad deal and are dealing with others’ expectations with no regard to their own desires. Similarly, shout out to shining light on Medusa’s sisters and their bond.
I loved that this was told addressing the reader. Especially because we rework and retell legends, taking away the character’s own voice.
The chapters are short and titled to give you a sense of the theme or lesson within.
In the author’s note, Rosie acknowledges that she did not want to change the main legend, despite the tragic ending for Medusa.
However, without giving spoilers, she creates a satisfying end with what she has to work with.
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