A great feminist reimagining of the tale of Medusa.
I really liked the relationship that Medusa formed with Perseus towards the end of this novel and it felt very authentic, as you could really see the conflict of Perseus having to fufuil his fate and killing his new found friend.

Rosie Hewlett’s Medusa slots into an ever-growing sub genre of feminist retellings of Greek myths - something I am not mad about as they’re a brilliantly accessible way into classical literature.

Hewlett explains her reimagining of the Medusa story helped her channel many of her thoughts and feelings around the covid pandemic and the #metoo movement that shot to prominence at a similar time. Medusa rails and rages against those who have wronged her.

The voice of Medusa flips from more formal archaic style to quite modern slang which did feel jarring occasionally. I don’t think I’m too much of a fan of the breaking of the fourth wall - where the narrator talks directly to the audience - but that’s just personal preference.

I thought how Hewlett reimagined when Perseus the “hero” finally meets Medusa to kill her was really interesting. I won’t give away spoilers, but it was certainly a different take and it was interesting and emotional!

Medusa is written in a similar style to Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes, and it’s hard not to compare this take with that masterful explosion of a story. But these are tales that have been retold thousands of times over thousands of years so I think there’s room for them all!

Thank you to the author and the publishers at Transworld/Bantam for the gifted advanced copy. Medusa is out now!

I will post a review on instagram @charlottereadshistory tomorrow, 17th September

Kind of oscillates between moments of genuinely interesting and unique insight into Medusa, particularly the relationship between her and Perseus and the parallels in their stories was really well done. Other points felt under developed or clichéd. It makes sense that this was Hewlett's first book, you can see the promising narrative voice that really comes into its own with her book on Medea. I think Medusa is maybe difficult to write a full novel on because I found the pacing was a little off in this, but it was still an enjoyable and poignant read.

This retelling literally transports you into Medusas mind and spits you out at the end. It’s raw, poetic and beautiful. The way the story unfolds may not be new but the presentation of it is fresh and unique. I loved that I was being told the story, this created such a connection. Also I loved the ending almost cried. Amazing book! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

I have no words to describe my love for this book. Medusa is such a misunderstood character and this book really covers that. We see Medusa from a very young age, up to when Poseidon attacks her and Athena curses her, and then her inevitable death. But in between we see her other relationships and her loves and enemies, and I really loved the depth of this book. The author is fantastic at writing myth and I can’t wait to read more of her work!

"But history is written by the winners. Or, more simply, history is written by men."

Well not anymore.

A mesmerising portrayal of one of mythologies most revulsed monsters, told by Medusa herself.

Rosie has given Medusa her agency back in this powerful and emotional reimagining that challenges the traditional good vs evil narrative. This version of her is one that will stick with me and offers a fascinating insight into what made the monster - or rather why the monster isn't quite what we thought her to be.

It's very contemporary and refreshing. The whole book is written in a first person point of view, and it really felt like Medusa was sitting talking to me, which I really enjoyed and was something a little different for this genre. I loved the chapters with Perseus and the interpretation Rosie imagines, adding a whole new dimension to both characters.

It's beautifully written and evokes a lot a feelings - anger, empathy, sorrow. But also a feeling of satisfaction that Medusa has finally had her say, even though the inevitable ending is heart breaking.

I absolutely loved it and can not sing it's praises enough! A must read!

I confess, I knew very little about the myth of Medusa beyond the popular image: a terrifying gorgon with snakes for hair and a gaze that could turn people to stone. That was the Medusa I grew up with, especially as a fan of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, where Medusa is one of Percy’s first major foes. And Rosie Hewlett changed all that for me.

Through her powerful retelling, Hewlett invited me to look deeper, much deeper into the story behind the myth. Told in Medusa’s own voice, this first-person narrative reframes her as a tragic, deeply human figure: a victim of cruelty, injustice, and divine indifference.

Here, Hewlett brilliantly gives Medusa the power to tell her own story in a first-person narrative. I learned about Medusa’s childhood, her strained relationship with her mother, the unwavering support of her sisters, and the devotion she gives to the goddess Athena as a priestess, only to be horrifically betrayed. After being raped by Poseidon in Athena’s temple, Medusa is not protected, but punished: she’s stripped of her beauty and transformed into the fearsome gorgon, she becomes a figure of fear rather than sympathy. The injustice is staggering and, heartbreakingly, all too familiar even today. Hewlett’s writing captures this with raw honesty, and I found myself genuinely angry on Medusa’s behalf.

Athena, often seen as a wise and just goddess, is portrayed here as one of the cruellest figures in the book; a portrayal that may surprise some readers but feels entirely earned within the context. The emotional weight of Hewlett’s prose is powerful; the narrative drew so much compassion, sadness, and fury from me that I was surprised how quickly I felt connected to this long-vilified character.

Hewlett also does an excellent job with the complexity of Medusa’s relationship with Perseus, this is not the straightforward hero-versus-monster story we’ve been told. This was Rosie Hewlett’s self-published debut, now I hope it will gain the recognition it deserves following her magnificent Medea, which I read and reviewed last year. I can’t wait to see whose voice Hewlett chooses to uplift next.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for the ARC.

I love greek mythology and this was a refreshing take on Medusa - she isnt the evil gorgan she has been portrayed to be - she is a surviour and wronged by those around here, including the gods.

I loved it. It was very poetic and touching.
Excellent writing.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this arc.

Medusa by Rosie Hewlett offers a powerful, refreshingly human retelling of the legendary Gorgon’s story—finally hearing it from her own voice. Medusa is no longer a monster; she’s a survivor, full of anger, wit, and emotion as she recounts her abandonment, betrayal, and transformation. Rosie Hewlett’s writing is raw and beautifully direct—it made me root for Medusa every step of the way. Despite its brevity, the book packs an unforgettable punch, giving depth and dignity to a figure long misunderstood. A must-read for lovers of mythology, feminist storytelling, and emotionally rich narratives.

Medusa by Rosie Hewlett is a beautifully written and refreshing retelling of the well-known myth. Hewlett’s prose is lyrical yet accessible, and she captures Medusa’s story with a balance of tragedy, strength, and humanity.

I especially loved how she gave Medusa a voice beyond the monster myth, turning her into a character you can empathise with and root for. The feminist lens never felt forced, instead, it added depth and modern resonance to a story that’s been told for centuries.

The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is that a few sections felt a little too brief, I found myself wanting more detail and time with the characters. That said, Hewlett’s writing style is so compelling that I’ll absolutely be picking up more of her work.

If you enjoy mythological retellings like those by Madeline Miller or Jennifer Saint, this is one you shouldn’t miss.

Abandoned at birth because she was a mere mortal, Medusa is brought up as a priestess of Athena. However when her surrogate mother dies and Medusa is left alone she is raped by Poseidon. This draws the wrath of Athena upon her and she is turned into a Gorgon with a head of snakes. Now Medusa is feared but when she realises she is pregnant all she wants to do is to support her child. The Fates have other ideas and Athena sends the hero Perseus to kill Medusa.
This is a wonderfully modern reinterpretation of the myth of Medusa. Drawing on the ancient tales but written with a contemporary voice the story fizzes along. Medusa is a sympathetic character and the relationship with Perseus is tragic but lovely. Humorous and full of pathos, this is a short but wonderful read.

I am SO glad Rosie got a trad publish for this book. She’s an absolute queen when it comes to Greek retellings. It’s no secret that Medusa has MANY retellings and depictions out there - but spinning this one from her own perspective, “setting the record straight” is a unique take.

We go through every moment of Medusa’s life, from birth through to her harrowing end and into the afterlife. It’s a fresh perspective and I simply cannot put this book down. It’s a version of Medusa that sticks with you, and I loved the internal dialogue. I’m always going to be a Rosie fan and can’t wait to see what work she does in the future.

I enjoyed Medusa by Rosie Hewlett, but I can't shake off the feeling that its impact has been diluted in the year since its first publication. Medusa is no longer voiceless, but has multiple voices, as there are multiple retellings, so it doesn't feel as original or powerful as it would have done when it was first published. That said, I think the book is well written, and I found the story engaging overall.

Think you know the truth about the legend of Medusa, the famed Gorgon who turned men to stone with one look? Think again. Tired of being misrepresented for centuries, this is Medusa's story from the woman herself.

I really liked this one, I felt the author did a really nice job on illuminating the human side of Medusa's story rather than the monster of the usual tales. By the end, I really felt for her & didn't want her to die. There was also the linking with the present-day & the fact that victims of rape are still often disbelieved & vilified, especially if their assaulter is rich & powerful. I will say that yes, the language is anachronistic with the time but it obviously this makes it easier for the modern reader, & I wish it had been a longer book - it felt far too short for such a weighty subject. Overall though it's a really good emotional read. 4.5 stars (rounded up).

TWs: abandonment, sexual violence, pregnancy, misogyny.

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Random House UK/Transworld Publishers/Bantam, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

A retelling of the myth of Medusa, told in her own works. I normally enjoy Greek mythology retellings but this story has been done and been done better. There is a good twist on Perseus and Medusa’s meeting, but overall the book is fairly bland and unengaging. It tries to be serious and dive into the impact of rape but everything feels very surface level and glossed over. Not one for me.

Thank you to Random House UK, Netgalley and the author for a arc copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

As a lover of greek mythology retellings, I knew I'd love this book, and it's safe to say I wasn't disappointed!

This was a beautiful and honest retelling of the legend of medusa, told from a person-centred approach. The book was very character forward, and I enjoyed hearing the account of Medusa's life from her own perspective. I really enjoyed where Rosie took common misconceptions and well-known lore about the myth and flipped it to hear it from Medusa's point of view, it took the story from one of a monster and villain to one of (what is often misrepresented) a victim.

My heart broke for Medusa at multiple points in the story, and I was so angry for a very young woman ultimately trying to do her best, living an honest life and steering clear of the God's wrath. I know so many people feel a kinship with her because of her abuse and assault by Poseidon, and I was glad to see this reflected so well in the story.

I also have to say that I loved the way Rosie detailed Perseus' character, and he's the only depiction I've read so far that I actually warmed to, He was a compassionate and guilt-ridden young man, something very often missing in the legends of heroes, and the friendship struck between the two of them was heart-warming to read.

If you're a lover of retellings, or want to learn more about Medusa and her legend, then you'll definitely love this read!

A sympathetic account of Medusa’s story in her own words. For so long we have been led to believe Medusa was a monster. The truth - as she sees it - is a little more nuanced.
We gain some sympathy for Medusa as we see her early years and the sense of inferiority she feels in comparison to her sisters. The build-up to what happens is a little slow, but it forces us to humanise Medusa.
In her version of events we see Poseidon’s threat way before she does. Athena’s reaction seems harsh, and Medusa’s punishment is an isolating one.
Over the course of the book we gain an insight into Medusa’s view and her determination to protect her unborn child. Her depiction of the understanding between her and Perseus really was poignant.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this.

This is a soft DNF for now. I don’t know if it’s the book or if it’s me, so I’m going to try again and see if my thoughts change. In a couple of months.

I do like the writing and the story telling but at the minute something is missing for me to make it work.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, for allowing me to read this ARC in return for my review. All opinions are my own.

Determined to expose the centuries of lies surrounding her name, Medusa gives unparalleled insight into her cursed life, from her earliest memories and abandonment at birth, right through to her tragic and untimely death at the hands of the hero Perseus. Through telling her story, Medusa finally reveals the lost truth behind antiquity’s most infamous monster.

After loving this authors retelling of Medea last year, I was so excited to read this one! This retelling of Medusa breathed a new life into the story for me, telling it from Medusa’s 1st person POV. It felt like she was really speaking to me and I was going through everything with her.

One thing I loved the most was the growth in relationship between Medusa and her sisters. They really developed in their sisterhood and even though had their ups and downs, they always returned.

The story explored Medusa’s feelings of carrying her rapist’s baby and her feelings of being pregnant. I loved how she described as she got bigger, the world got smaller as she was just concentrating on the baby (or babies, we later learn).

I really enjoyed the writing, it was easy to follow and I loved how the weather was described through the gods and goddesses. I do think sometimes the writing seemed a bit modern, a character said “bollocks” and I’m not sure if that word existed back then?

The ending was really bittersweet as we know that Medusa cannot escape her fate. Medusa was portrayed as a priestess, a sister and a mother, showing that she wasn’t just the monster she was known for being.

Thank you again to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, for allowing me to read this ARC.