4.5

Medusa by Jessie Burton was a fast read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Burton tells the story of Perseus and Medusa meeting, we are being told the life moments of both our characters as they form a bond from around a cave wall.

Medusa has her reasons to hide from Perseus, she has snakes for hair and hasn’t been treated well by others at all. Perseus tells part of his own traumatic tales as well, the perils that his mother faces while waiting for his return.

Over the course of a few days, Perseus and Medusa share more of themselves until Perseus’ mission comes to light and Medusa reveals who she is.

I enjoyed what Burton did with this story. Being told from Medusa’s perspective we relive some of the horrible moments of her life and the treatment of her by both the Gods and her fellow townspeople before she became a Gorgon. As someone that knows the greek myths surrounding Perseus and his quests, I was curious what Burton may change. I personally enjoyed the ending but I also know it will not be for everyone. I really enjoyed Burton’s writing style though and loved the way the story flowed together!

Another fantastic feminist retelling of the Greek myth about Medusa. Great on audio narrated by Alisha Bailey and perfect for fans of books like Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes and Medusa's sisters by Lauren J. A. Bear. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoy reading thus tell of Medusa and getting to see her story from her POV. There isn't many book that really showcase her side so this was a nice take. PSA "trigger warning" this do mention SA it's not a explicit scene but it is a flash back of in the moment. I liked getting to see the meeting between her and Perseus, and them getting to understand one another. Medusa growth throught the story is one of inner strength.

Medusa by Jessie Burton is a poignant retelling of the story of Medusa. Medusa lives on an island with the company of her winged sisters and her colorful tresses of snakes. These snakes offer their own level of commentary as they display emotions in reaction to Medusa's situation in this compelling story.
Medusa is unaware of the power she yields but remembers Athena's haunting warning - woe to any man who looks upon her. This offers a layer of trepidation for the reader in wondering if Medusa will have the same power as found in the ancient myths. It definitely sounds ominous to her, but Medusa hasn't been able to 'test' this warning since Athena changed her.

The harsh reality of Medusa's life is raw and applicable to the strength women seek in times of sexual aggression and abuse. This book moves the reader to not only delve further into mythology, but it opens conversations about the foundations of human decency and the empowerment of women.

As Medusa learns, life certainly offers you strange mirrors.

I will be recommending this book.

Thanks to Bloomsbury USA Publishing, Jessie Burton and NetGalley for this ARC.

I'm unsure how to feel about this book. I am a sucker for feminist Greek mythology retellings. And this one did a good job of giving a voice to Medusa, the "monster" of the Perseus myth. But I felt like the writing was a bit disjointed at times. At first, it read like a poem and I wondered (since I was reading an ARC copy with weird formatting) if this was a novel in verse and I just couldn't see it on my PDF copy. But then it definitely turned into prose. Additionally, at times it was very poetic and lyrical reminiscent of the myths of the past in diction, syntax, and descriptions. But then, especially in the dialogue, it would jump around and sound juvenile and modern. This back and forth pulled me out of the story from time to time.
If you've followed my reviews at all, you know I have a love-hate relationship with the 2nd person POV. There are times when it is done really well and times when it annoys the sh!t out of me. This is one of those times. Whenever this 18-year-old narrator (Medusa) starting to give life advice and dropping the "you" character, I rolled my eyes. It didn't work for me in this book and again, took me out of the narrative. And, maybe a spoiler, maybe not - the ending is different from the original myth, so Greek/Roman myth purists, beware. This puts Medusa and Perseus in a romance before the events of the classic myth. It got a bit repetitive at times.
Pros - When the writing was on, it was very, very on. I loved many of the comparisons and lyrical lines. I also enjoyed the characters of Medusa and Perseus as they were imagined in this story. There was an emphasis on romance in this book and how Medusa, who describes herself as disfigured, could possibly have any sort of romance since she turns people into stone.
Overall, if you want to read a retelling of the Medusa myth that is closer to the classic myth, try Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes. If you don't mind a bit of creative license, you might enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Oh, heck yes! This was such a unique retelling of the myth of Medusa that I binged it in less than an hour (it’s only 160ish pages!) Burton has some beautiful quotes but her writing is super accessible and does allow for younger readers to be engaged in a popular myth (which was Burton’s intention). There were some strong messages about consent, sexuality and the male gaze that were done so well. I think I need to pick up the illustrated version of this one!

Stunning
I've dedicated a significant portion of my recent days to reading, immersing myself in a variety of genres, from horror and thrillers to romance. Being an avid enthusiast of Greek Mythology and its retellings, I found my perfect literary storm in this latest discovery. Always on the lookout for a fresh perspective on the Medusa myth, I was captivated by this rendition.

Unlike the conventional portrayals of Medusa as a monstrous Gorgon, this retelling delves deep into her story, revealing her life before encounters with Poseidon and Athena. In this narrative, she emerges as more than just a monster—she is a misunderstood victim. Having previously enjoyed "Medusa’s Sisters," I found this rendition even more compelling.

What sets this retelling apart is its comprehensive exploration of various elements in Medusa's life. The narrative unfolds her existence before the pivotal moments with Poseidon and Athena, showcasing her as a sailor alongside her sisters who were divers. The strong sisterhood between Stheno, Euyale, and Medusa is portrayed vividly. The first-person narrative provides an intimate glimpse into Medusa's perspective, making her thoughts and experiences feel personal.

In my quest for Medusa retellings, this one stands out as the best. I wholeheartedly recommend it to those seeking a fresh and nuanced take on her myth. In the era of feminist mythological retellings, Burton's contribution is a remarkable addition. The prose is beautifully crafted, with a lyrical and flowery style that makes it both enchanting and easy to read in one sitting. Although a quick read, its impact lingers, promising to stay with me.

This has undoubtedly been the most satisfying Medusa retelling I've encountered so far, and I eagerly anticipate more from the author in the future. I would eagerly snatch up any future works from her. For now, all I can do is urge you to grab this book, which I devoured in a single sitting—it's a literary gem that shouldn't be missed.

A young adult retelling of the Medusa myth with a feminist flair. Matter of fact at times and lyrical at others this blooming love story with another can only end in irony. A quick pleasing read.

Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley

Medusa (ARC)
Jessie Burton
3.5⭐️

Pub Date: 12/5/2023

I love Greek mythology and I am very intrigued with retellings especially when it covers the POVs of characters we've always known to be the villains, mostly women. They've been painted as monsters so this book really caught my attention as Medusa is one of the biggest "monsters" in that realm.

This book is mostly a self narration and a conversation between Medusa and Perseus. There's a "calming" kind of feel to it as they are just talking in this secluded island. But that's it. There's not much going on. The only times there's action is when they're retelling their stories and hardships to one another as well as the ending. The actual events of how Medusa came to be was just in a conversation. I do adore the little aspects- like how she named her snakes, that each snake has a personality and that they're connected to her emotions. There's also her sisters who were there her. There's this strong sense of family between the three. The author took liberty with the plot as it is very different from the actual myth. I don't mind it when the plot deviates from the original (that's why it's a retelling) but I feel like this one is too mild. Especially for a character so big as Medusa. I do like how it ended- one that gives her more justice. But I do wish there was more to this story.

This was interesting enough to finish easily but I felt like it had more potential. I will say that this is a good book about self love, awareness and contentment.

This book had such potential, but the stylistic choices really dampened my enjoyment overall. The first chapter was so good, but the rest of the book felt so different and wooden. I think that's what's most frustrating about this one, the first chapter and the last couple of paragraphs are quite good, and they really moved me, demonstrating that the author is quite talented, and had a clear vision and message with this retelling. And the important aspects of the myth, from my understanding, were accurate. However, I found myself feeling quite disconnected from the characters and frustrated by the dialogue and the narration style. I can understand why the author went with these stylistic choices, but they did not work for me. I really enjoy Greek myth retellings, especially those that uplift the stories of women, and this one had a really excellent message and theme, I just feel like it got lost a bit in a large chunk of the plot and dialogue along the way.

I've seen discourse in the past of readers being upset by authors of fantasy novels using modern slang in their books, and how it can disrupt the immersion. I myself have never really been bothered by that. If it's a well-structured world and fantastical elements, I'll be transported regardless of the lingo used. It turns out however, modern slang does bother me in Greek myth retellings. Overall, the dialogue felt very off, and not how I'd expect the characters to speak, and the modern slang and very casual dialogue just worsened the effect for me. The era wasn't ever specified, especially given that the location for nearly all the story is a remote island, but the context clues seem to suggest that it is occurring in the period the myth originally occurred in. I can appreciate switching up the language to be more accessible to more readers, but there's a fine line between more accessible dialogue and phrases that I could never picture ancient Hellenes saying.

The pacing of this book felt like it could have been tweaked a bit as well. The story pace was certainly quick, and yet it felt like nothing and everything was happening. The details revealed and the events never led me to feel more in touch with the characters, and the spacing of Medusa and Perseus' exchanges and the nightly rituals Medusa had with her sisters felt clunky. Like take for example when Perseus and Medusa were telling each other their stories, they cut it short right before critical details were revealed. It was certainly a good cliffhanger, but the nightly rituals that occurred afterward felt like it halted the plot. There just weren't that many events that happened across the book, so the pacing felt very started and stopped overall.

Overall, I could see myself really enjoying this retelling, especially that twist in the end on the original tale, but technical aspects and the method of execution really dampened my enjoyment,

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: General Fiction, Feminist Literature, Mythology Retelling
Language: Fairly sensitive for the abuse Medusa received, "Okay" used which threw me out of the story a bit.
Theme: Be yourself, Choices, Agency

I would say this is a feminist retelling of Medusa where we get the backstory of how she ended up as a gorgon.

It was interesting, and I enjoyed it.

BUT I had to double check if it was YA or adult. It's adult. I thought the instalove and relationship between Medusa and Perseus felt more YA. The themes are heavy though.

I've noticed most readers adored this book—and I *liked* it. The feminist ideas come through like a spotlight. And the prose is a bit sparse feeling to hone in on what is said instead of flowery language. As funny as it sounds, I think part of my just liking it was because the typography in my ARC ebook copy was so hard for me to read. So, you can take all of my comments with a grain of salt. Ultimately, both Medusa and Perseus had to choose who they were.

I think if you love Greek mythology and feminist ideals, you're going to enjoy this book.

Happy reading!

A feminist retelling of Medusa's myth, from her own perspective. Medusa was exiled by the gods to an isolated island, a young Perseus comes to visit on a mission, what neither expect to find kinship with the other and build a bond.

I have always been fascinated with the tale of Medusa. She is more often than not painted as a villain, so this new perspective was refreshing. The writing was very flowery, and at times it felt hard to follow. Overall I think it was very beautifully told.

I was hopeful about Jessie Burton's MEDUSA, especially after it received such a glowing review from Madeline Miller, but ultimately, I was a bit disappointed. I think the review was probably a little too kind. Yes, it's a feminist retelling, but there isn't much depth to it. I think there are much more interesting angles the story could have taken with regards to exploring the mythos of Medusa and Perseus. There could have been a lot more tension in the story. The fact that the Gorgon sisters were not as fully fleshed out as they could have been was another missed opportunity. Additionally, the voice felt off to me. Too many modern colloquialisms scattered throughout that pulled me out of the story, so I never felt invested or submerged into the world. That being said, this is still a retelling I would recommend to students because it's still a different angle compared to the original source material and I think some young readers might find it interesting.

Jessie Burton's "Medusa" is a captivating and thought-provoking retelling of the classic Greek myth, offering a fresh perspective on the story of a woman often portrayed as a monster. In this stunning novel, Burton delves into the life of Medusa before her transformation, revealing the strength, resilience, and vulnerability of a young woman who was silenced and punished for the actions of others.

Things I Liked About This Book
-The novel explores themes of identity, transformation, and the power of storytelling.
-Burton's writing is both lyrical and evocative, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience.
-The novel is a timely and relevant exploration of gender dynamics and female empowerment.

Overall Impression
Medusa is a must-read for fans of Greek mythology, feminist retellings, and thought-provoking reads. Burton's captivating narrative, complex characters, and powerful message make this a truly unforgettable story.

4.5

Medusa is a retelling of the Medusa story.

I tend to stay away from Greek mythology because I find it very hard to follow. But man I am so happy I read this one. The author wrote this in a way that is very easy to follow and understand. I have always known who Medusa was but all I knew was that she has snakes in her hair and turns me into stone. I love how this made Medusa into a real person. I really enjoyed this one. If you find Greek mythology a little intimidating like I do, I think this is a great one to read.

Thank you so much Bloomsbury and Jessie Burton for this copy!

This is the story Medusa deserved and I’m so glad it is being told!

I am a huge fan of Greek mythology so I have been super excited about this retelling, and Jessie Burton did not disappoint! Love the powerful and unapologetic feminist spin and all of the empowering quotes throughout. It was so refreshing to hear Medusa’s story in her own words. I enjoyed the inclusion of her sisters and their bond being present, as well as, the addition of personalities for some of Medusa’s snakes (Echo, Daphne, Callisto). Seeing a different side of Perseus was also something I wasn’t expecting. I cannot wait to purchase a hardcopy!

An intriguing take on Medusa's story with a more modern perspective, told entirely through her eyes and aimed toward a young adult audience. I liked seeing her conflicted feelings about Perseus as the two of them repeatedly came in contact with each other, and the showcase of the strong sisterly bond that she shares with Eurydale and Stheno was unexpected. The book felt a little too short and ended abruptly, yet I feel like overall it was successful, examining an old tale from a new angle. I may have to seek out the illustrated version to see what the visuals add to the mix.

It seems every time I spot a book featuring the mysterious serpent-haired Gorgon, I can’t look away. Fitting really, if you ask me! Steeped in violence and tragedy, stories circling around one of the most infamous monsters of myth always end with the hero triumphant. But what if the hero is the true monster? I’d read that story! And I have; Medusa by author Jessie Burton immediately caught my eye, and turned out to be one I just could not put down.

Medusa is a beautiful tale about the power of confidence and self love, a reimagining of the legend of Medusa and Perseus through the eyes of the young Gorgon herself. Witnessing the harshness and cruelty of the world from her perspective adds a poignant level of humanity to a life that is usually described as monstrous. Within the pages, Medusa narrates her story, speaking directly to the reader as if conveying a cautionary tale about the dangers of life and love. It’s powerful and heartrending in equal measure.

Burton’s eloquent, poetic flow allows this story to be told as it’s meant to be told, with plenty of room to breathe and allowing readers to drink in the sights and sounds. Small in both page count and scope, the word that comes to mind is intimate. A quiet heartfelt exchange between sisters, the sharing of whispered secrets between two young lovers, the roaring silence of a moonlit sea, this one is just…cozy.

While I’m not well-versed in women’s lit, this is definitely a book that checked all the right boxes for me, a stunning source of empowerment and acceptance. With the heart of a story of old, told with a modern flare, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Medusa and her loving sisters on their isolated island. This was my first read from Burton, but it certainly won’t be the last. If you’re a mythology junkie like me, always looking for a fresh take on a classic, give this one a try!

Thank you to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this retelling of Medusa’s story. It is from her perspective, instead of another person trying to tell the story of her. It can be so easy to villainize women, and there was no exception to Medusa’s story. As Perseus calls her a “monster”, we understand that despite hearing her story he did not truly grasp that all of these things happened to her. I enjoyed the ending, it felt like a beautiful way for her to reclaim her life identity and her story.

I find that we rarely get short, bite-sized myth retellings. That is what we get here - Burton is able to instill humanity into the Medusa myth in a short amount of time. Medusa is just a girl here who has experienced something awful and been transformed by the powerful Athena. But is this transformation as horrible as she thought? We follow Medusa as she meets and grows close with Perseus, and the betrayal and events that follow.

I’ve been a big fan of Jessie Burton for years and was excited to see her branch out into the retelling sphere. This was short and sweet, but also powerful.

I received an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.