The Witch of Colchis

The book is focused on the mythological figure of Medea, a woman of extraordinary power who is trapped by the constraints of men. This retelling is the journey of a powerless princess from Colchis who changes her fate to be a powerful witch whose choices shape the world.

Medea, from birth, has a gift of witchcraft, which is manipulated by her father for his grasp of power. This skill alienates her mother and other members of her family. Her father's cruelty and dominance make her live a life of isolation and fear. One day, Jason and his Argonauts show up for the legendary golden fleece, which is said to make the owner invincible in battle. Jason is drawn to Medea and tells her that she is beautiful and that he will rescue her to give her the freedom she desires. Jason's actions are the catalyst that spur all of Medea's future choices and sets off a chain of events that can not be undone.

I loved the book, but it makes you think about how two people can be the undoing of each other and be devastating for everyone around them. This story is a very dark retelling of how Medea is warned over and over again about Jason and his ambitions, yet she continues on this path of destruction. At one point, Circe tells her that she is broken, and instead of reflecting, she reacts by unleashing immense suffering and violence.

This book focuses on transforming one's self-narrative, which is the justification of evil deeds and the cost of ambition. You want to believe that Medea's childhood trauma causes her vulnerabilities to be influenced by the beautiful hero who promises her the world, and that desire humanizes her character. This story exposes the manipulation of a woman and the profound consequences of revenge. I felt devastated after reading this story. It was like the perfect storm and showed how long-term abuse can alter someone's reality. To me it is a call to action for mental health awareness.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark.

This was just a villain origin story, and I ate it up. I am all about female rage and I feel like Medea needed her story to be told like this for so long now. I have NEVER liked Jason and I'm glad this showcased him in his dickish ways.

The bewitching and enchanting story of Medea of Colchis, a heroine and villain looking for the freedom to be herself.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"The Witch of Colchis" by Rosie Hewlett, formerly titled simply "Medea", tells the story of the famed sorceress, Medea, of Greek Mythology. She who betrayed her family to aid Jason and the Argonauts in gaining the Golden Fleece. She who married Jason and gave him two sons in exile. She who was betrayed by Jason and abandoned for him to marry the young and pretty princess of Corinth. She who got her revenge by destroying what Jason loved most, cementing her place in myth as murderess, witch, and one disdained by both gods and men.

I finished this book about two weeks ago, and I just haven't been able to write a review yet because I'm so haunted by the writing of this sad, sad story. For context, I've been a big fan of the mythological character of Medea for a long time - I've directed two plays based on feminist retellings of her story, and I taught Euripides version to my students. As a director, my goal has always been to get the audience to empathize with Medea; I want them to feel her rage and root for her, while simultaneously fearing the end we all know is coming. This book completely succeeds in the goals I've always had for Medea's story.

Hewlett's writing evokes such sadness, bitterness, and those rare fleeting moments of hope that we hang onto. By starting at Medea's childhood, we get to see a rarely explored side of Medea's life - her family, the beginnings of her power, and what would push her to eventually betray them for Jason. There were so many sections where we see that Medea is clinging onto the idea that Jason loves her and her power instead of being disgusted by it - I was sad for her to accept the drippings of love she thought she deserved, and yet, I know that I and many women I know have done and felt that way. The middle section about Jason's family was new to me, and it was horrifying and sad to witness. I felt like this story dealt the best with Medea's children - there was a level of peace there that I haven't felt elsewhere. I think this is due to Hewlett's deft hand with Medea's growth and thought processes.

Overall, if you are a fan of Greek myth retellings, women getting revenge, and tragedies, you'll love this book. I was hooked from the dedication:

"For all the women who have ever been called 'too much' or 'not enough'."