This book was fantastic.

The mythical tale of Medusa is not new, and this book fits in so perfectly with the rediscovery and love that is occurring for the stories from Greek mythology. In a stunningly illustrated story, we see Medusa living alone on an island, considering the events that resulted in her and her sisters being there. Her life takes a turn when she notices the arrival of a striking young man: Perseus.

The illustrations that accompanied this story were breathtaking. Jessie Burton has breathed new life into a character that so many of us are already aware, fleshing her out to be a complex and fascinating individual.

5/5 - absolutely thrilled to have been given the opportunity by NetGalley and Bloomsbury to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jessie Burton’s retelling of the Medusa story turns several of the recognised elements about Medusa on its head. This book asserts the tale of a woman as fascinating as anyone in Greek mythology and certainly one of the most tragic. Burton’s interpretation of Medusa is not the stereotypical fixation of a monster deployed as an opponent in a hero’s golden quest. She is a vividly drawn young woman, fearful, lonely, unsure of what she has become, and searching for answers.

The novel advocates a woman’s position, a woman wronged, and a journey to discover herself and find acceptance for what she has become. At one level, this can be interpreted as a feminist opportunity to illustrate the power of women and the deceit of men. Still, I instead wanted to see this through the lens of a dazzling tragedy of humanity.

Medusa was a beautiful young woman pursued by Poseidon until he raped her in Athena’s temple. Athena’s retribution was to punish Medusa and her two sisters by turning them into Gorgons. Stheno and Euryale became immortal winged beings, while Medusa, the mortal sister, with hair replaced by snakes, received a further cruel warning.

“ ‘Medusa, listen well. Woe betide any fool man fool enough to look upon you now!’ ‘What do you mean?’ I whispered, barely able to speak, but Athena saw no need to give me an answer.”

Medusa’s happy fishing life on the seas with her sisters is replaced with an isolated existence on a deserted island. While her sisters can fly off, Medusa is confined to the rocky landscape with only her dog as company. One day a young man lands on the island as if blown off course but armed with his sword, shield and winged sandals all kept covered on his boat. Medusa directs him to a secluded part of her cave but warns that he cannot come in and look at her. He says his name is Perseus, while Medusa claims her name is Merina.

As they spend their days talking, they realise the growing intimacy and the sense of companionship. They discuss many things and seem to be open and revealing about themselves. Although both still hide a secret. Could this be love if they are willing to tell each other what truths remain hidden?

The book is a sensitive view of Medusa that we don’t usually have the opportunity to consider. It feels cruel the fate designated at the hands of a God and Goddess, how through no fault of her own has been damned. As the story progresses, her sense of worth and hope grows. Perhaps she has overimagined or misunderstood Athena’s curse – “Woe betide any fool man fool enough to look upon you now!” Perhaps Perseus can help!

The book is an illustrated version, with remarkable drawings from Olivia Lomenech Gill, as they fit perfectly with the theme of Greek mythology and ancient history. I would recommend this book, and I want to thank Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ARC in return for an honest review.

I mean, to put it bluntly, if you have even an ounce of interest in mythology or medusa then you will most likely love this book. It's a really fantastic retelling and approach to sharing medusa's story. I loved that we travel through her life, from a four year hellish isolation on an island with her dogs to the patriarchical society she came to be squashed by. Loved it. My only issue was that it was pretty short - too short really - to capture the feminist message it was dancing around.

Great writing, good storytelling and a character you will totally relate to.

ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Greek mythology? Re-imagining and retelling? Feminist perspective? Jesse Burton as the author? Yes please, yes yes, yes!
And Medusa, cursed for being the victim of rape, is such a compelling subject for this retelling, and Burton does an exceptional job - as does Gill as illustrator. What I loved here was that, whilst the feminist sensibility was quite rightly at the forefront, it never became preachy and never sacrificed its power as a narrative and a story for its politics about beauty and femininity and power.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

This is a retelling of the story of Medusa
I found this engrossing

recommended.

A fascinating retelling of the myth of Medusa, one of the bad guy of ancient mythology.
This story change perspective and we are able to read her side of the story and see how a story can be change modifying the perspective.
Jessie Burton is a talented storyteller and her word matches the gorgeous illustrations creating a great book.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 October 2021
I've been fascinated by Greek Myths since I was a teen. I have read a lot of the ancient stories. I've watched Clash of the Titans and Jason and the Argonauts. I do love a retelling but I don't think I've read anything that tells Medusa's story from her perspective... Until now.

Jessie Burton has done a fantastic job with handling the sensitive topics in this tale. Medusa suffered toxic masculinity, stalking, and rape. We expect Athena to punish Poseidon for the desecration of her temple, but instead she curses Medusa with a head full of snakes and to live in exile where no man can look at her. You could argue that she was trying to protect Medusa but thats much like telling women today not to be out alone at night. Nothing has changed and that makes this retelling so relevant today and a must read for every teenage girl.

I loved the changes Jessie Burton made to the end of this story and I loved the strength and loyalty Medusa's sisters showed her as they supported her in finding her true self. That was really heart warming.

This book has some beautiful prose and meaningful messages. I think this is my favourite quote

"You will not find me in my deeds, nor in poems written by long dead men. But you will find me when you need me, when the wind hears a woman's cry and fills my sails forward."

I am thrilled that I picked such a surprising book full of hidden gems. Perhaps the most surprising thing is the artwork by Olivia Lomenech Gill. It is simply stunning.

“These days my skull’s a home for snakes. That’s right. Snakes. Not a single strand of human hair, but yellow snakes and red snakes, green and blue and black snakes … I’m a woman whose head hisses: quite the conversation starter, if there was anyone around to have a conversation.”

My thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing U.K. Bloomsbury YA for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Medusa: the Girl Behind the Myth’ by Jessie Burton with illustrations by Olivia Lomenech Gill in exchange for an honest review.

This is an exquisitely illustrated retelling of Medusa’s story. It both respects its original sources while daring to reimagine aspects of the myth.

After Medusa and her two sisters were transformed into Gorgons by the Goddess Athena they fled to a remote island. Medusa’s winged sisters watch over her as does her faithful hound, Argentus. There are also the snakes that adorn her head; some have been named by Medusa and have distinctive personalities.

It’s a lonely existence and then one day a beautiful boy named Perseus arrives on the island. His presence brings change. He and Medusa strike up a friendship though she remains hidden from his sight.

Medusa is haunted by Athena’s warning: ‘Woe betide any man fool enough to look upon you now!’ Of course, the goddess didn’t bother to explain what she meant but it doesn’t bode well.

While I have always had empathy for Medusa given the circumstances of her transformation, I found it a little hard to imagine her as a young woman with no knowledge of the nature of Athena’s curse.

I also felt that the language used was quite young and modern though the book is intended for readers aged 12 and above. A certain amount of teen angst is also in evidence though again is in keeping with Medusa’s age and situation as well as its readership.

I appreciated that the story stresses Medusa’s bond with the sea, which befits her origins as she and her sisters, Sthenno and Euryale, were daughters of the primordial sea gods, Phorcys and Ceto.

Olivia Lomenech Gill’s illustrations were stunning and complemented Jesse Burton’s prose. I especially loved Gill’s vivid depictions of seascapes.

Overall, a wonderful reimagining of Medusa’s story.

A timely feminist retelling of Medusa.

Violated by one God, cursed by another, medusa and her sisters live a life of solitude on an otherwise deserted island. When a boat arrives one morning, bringing a boy with a shield and sword to the shore, Medusa doesn't know what to expect. Is Perseus a friend or foe? Will he look past her 'monstrous' appearance to see the girl within? Or is it Medusa who needs to change the way she sees herself?

Burton's beautiful language that takes you deep inside Medusa's thoughts and Lomenech Gill's stunning illustrations bring myth vividly to life.

Medusa's snakes are not just a descriptive element of her 'monstrous' reputation, but characters themselves, with names and personalities.

Tension is used perfectly throughout, and Burton plays on the well known features of this myth to create twists in her own, fresh narrative.

Medusa is a story of self discovery, self acceptance and inner power. While it explores difficult themes, such as consent and violence against women, it is ultimately uplifting.

A beautiful and heartbreaking retelling of the story of Medusa, will captivate you not only with the beautiful illustrations but the absolutely breathtaking writing. A feminist tale about sexual assault and violence against women told against the backdrop of Greek Mythology.

Beyond grateful for the early release copy of Medusa by Jessie Burton, absolutely stunning illustrations, such a gorgeous retelling of a classic fable, I loved reading this with my daughter and felt utterly in love with this gorgeous book.

This is such a glorious book to read: fantastic prose and stunning illustrations. I have been trying to develop my knowledge of Greek Mythology recently and could not resist this version - I was not disappointed in terms of its story telling power. I did not connect the author with 'The Miniaturist' until I got to the end of the book and read her biography, but this was another story that I really enjoyed, so I was not surprised at the quality of the writing.

The is a retell of Medusa's story with an unexpected ending. I really felt like I got to know the girl behind the snakes and was pleasantly surprised at the idea of her snakes being named and each having its own character. Medusa's story is heartbreaking and I have always imagined her as something evil and to be feared from previous characterisations of her, but this version paints a very different picture. I learnt about Medusa, the girl, and Medusa the woman.

Burton's writing weaves a wonderful tale about a female victim who is powerless and betrayed over and over. Medusa comes across as so normal - in spite of her hissing headlocks!! She cares about people's opinions and her chance meeting with Perseus in this book allows her to slowly reveal her story and share her dreams. Her relationship with Stheno and Euryale, her sisters, is wonderfully supportive and caring.

This felt like a love story as Perseus and Medusa share their histories, which contain many sad similarities. If you already know the story, make sure you read this version, you will be captivated and entranced, shocked and suprised! The narrative is supported with the most amazing illustrations which truly bought the tale to life: a welcome addition to the book.

Four and a half stars from me.

An interesting re-telling of the Medusa myth, but I felt the language was overly flowery at times and didn't quite seem to fit with the tension of the story. I've enjoyed some of Jessie Burton's books before - and one of the highlights of the book are the beautiful illustrations Olivia Lomenech Gill created - but this one wasn't for me.

This is a retelling of one of the most famous Greek Myths. We all know Medusa, she of the snake hair and whose gaze turns you to stone. But she wasn't always this. She was a girl, and this tale tells of her days before. Of how she ended up how she was. We also meet Perseus and, if you know the tale, you'll know why he's entered the story. But has he ? This is, after all, a retelling. Maybe she isn't the creature we all think she is...?
I could wax lyrical about so much that is contained within the pages of this book. But I think the real power behind the words is much better experienced as the author intended. What I will definitely mention is the wonderful illustrations that complement the story. Where the emotions are described in the often lyrical narrative, the illustrations really do bring them to life. So beautiful.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

A refreshing take on Medusa’s story, which fits well with the current affairs around women’s rights.
Beautifully told and beautifully illustrated, this book will not just be a useful resource for lower juniors studying Greek myths and legends or older juniors in PSHE, it will also be a worthy addition to any library or home bookshelf.
An exploration of jealousy, victim blaming, and exile in a relatable way where you really care for the characters.
Highly recommended.

Absolutely adored the illustrations in this book. I gave 4 stars purely for them they are gorgeous! Really enjoyed this book. I am a huge Greek mythology fan and Medusa's story is one of my favourite. A must read for anyone who loves myths.

As a youngster I used to love reading Greek mythology and wish it had been as beautifully written and illustrated as this. The story is retold here from Medusa's point of view. How she came to have snakes on her head instead of hair is sympathetically told and the outcome of her relationship with Perseus is fascinating. I do hope this is the first of many retellings of mythology in conjunction with this talented illustrator.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Jessie Burton/Bloomsbury Publishing for a digital cop of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

Greek myths and feminist retellings: those are two of my favourite things.

Needless to say that Jessie Burton’s Medusa hit the sweet spot for me.

Although this story is aimed at middle grade readers and up, with stunning illustrations, this is a story for anyone.

Here we meet Medusa not as the monster as she’s always portrayed, but as a woman wronged. A woman whose cries for help, for protection were ignored by society, because, you know, she must’ve asked for it, she shouldn’t have…, and who finally reclaims her story and thus her agency.

A story for our times that all girls (and boys) should read!

4.5 stars!
For so long I have been craving a retelling about Medusa, especially during such a popular time for retellings in publishing.
Jessie Burton's portrayal of Medusa is EXACTLY what I was longing for. It read less like she was making up a new story for Medusa and more like she was just a conduit for the reader to hear and understand her voice. Who she was and what she went through, and of course how it changed her.

I really enjoyed the fact that Medusa was our narrator, that she was telling us the story of her journey to being herself and being comfortable and powerful in her own skin.

Throughout my reading of this book so many lines stuck out to me where the author spoke out about the blaming of survivors for their own abuse and the almost demonization of young women, their femininity and sexuality,
I loved how strong Medusa was in her conversations with Perseus, calling him out on his unjust believes and getting him to see them from someone else's perspective. Namely, a woman's perspective.

"I was not going to let him destroy me for who I was, or who he thought i was, for his own ends, It was simply unacceptable"

Jessie Burtons retelling of the Greek Mythology of Medusa is so beautiful and powerful. This is a telling of the girl and not the accused to be monster, the girl that was wronged by and abused by so many others. Medusa is a book that will resonate with many.

As an ebook this book is great but I can not wait to have a physical copy and see all the finalised illustrations as I am sure that the ebook does not do this book the justice it deserves.

From the captivating beautiful writing to the beyond gorgeous illustrations that bring this book to life, this is a book that is a must have and will make a wonderful gift.

Thank you to netgalley and Bloomsbury for the Earc.