If I told you that I'd killed a man with a glance, would you wait to hear the rest? The why, the how, what happened next?
Monster. Man-hater. Murderess. Forget everything you've been told about Medusa.
Internationally bestselling author Jessie Burton flips the script in this astonishing retelling of Greek myth, illuminating the woman behind the legend at last.
Exiled to a far-flung island after being abused by powerful Gods, Medusa has little company other than the snakes that adorn her head instead of hair. Haunted by the memories of a life before everything was stolen from her, she has no choice but to make peace with her present: Medusa the Monster. But when the charmed and beautiful Perseus arrives on the island, her lonely existence is blown apart, unleashing desire, love... and betrayal.
Adapted from the hardback illustrated by Olivia Lomenech-Gill, this paperback edition is perfect for readers who loved Circe and Ariadne, as Medusa comes alive in a new version of the story that history set in stone long ago.
Staff Choice: Jesmae
“The Medusa. What did he mean, the Medusa? My name was Medusa, and I was a girl. Perseus had made me sound like a mythical beast. I didn't want to be a myth. I wanted to be me.”
In this fascinating re-imagining of the myth of Medusa, author Jessie Burton gives us a fresh feminist perspective on a character and tale that have, for the most part, been associated with one of Perseus' most heroic deeds. Simply put, Perseus has always been the victor and Medusa the victim.
Not this time around!
Staff Choice: Isabelle
This book had me hooked from the very beginning! I was immediately curious and had to know more about the infamous Medusa. The writing is beautifully descriptive, poetic and flows effortlessly. I love that there's this sense of escapism, but also a very meaningful feminist message as well. I especially enjoyed getting to know the girl behind/within Medusa.