Medusa
Fourteen-year-old Medusa is living happily on the shores on the edge of Night until she accidentally angers the goddess, Athena. Athena punishes Medusa by turning her hair into live, writhing, venomous snakes. An outcast, Medusa flees with her dog and two sisters, and they live alone on an island for four years. Then a boy called Perseus and his dog sail up, and Medusa’s life changes dramatically.
This is best-selling author Jessie Burton’s retelling of the Medusa Greek and Roman myth from Medusa’s point of view, with powerful illustrations by Olivia Lomenech Gill. The myth might be well known, but Burton’s feminist reiteration gives it an extra spin, dissecting themes of abuse, power, sexism, familial and romantic love and the tyranny of beauty. It will certainly cause debate among 11-year-olds, who the book is recommended for, but also widens the appeal to older readers.
On the island, Medusa is desperate to speak to Perseus, but does not want to show herself. She may be coming to terms with her snakes, who are named and react to her emotions, but she is certain Perseus won’t. She remains hidden in a cave, as an intrigued Perseus sits at the entrance. They strike up a friendship, hidden from Medusa’s sisters, telling each other about their lives. Love starts to develop, but then Perseus’s real mission is revealed. The denouement is powerful.
Great for fans of Madeline Miller and Natalie Haynes. This is one of those special books that you will want to keep on your shelves or hand down to younger generations.
