I really enjoyed Hewlett’s version of the Medea story and this earlier self-published rendition of Medusa has echos of the feminism and shades of grey which make her writing so strong. The power in Medusa’s story is how she rises above her tragedy, but Hewlett successfully pays tribute to the anger and bitterness she suffers along the way. This is a great retelling and the only slight regret was this was a little brief, but understandably so for a self-published debut. So glad she found her book deal in the end as Medea was fantastic. I will definitely read what this author writes next. This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

4.5*

'Medusa 'by Rosie Hewlett is a truly impressive debut and it’s easy to see why it’s now being republished through the traditional route.

Medusa is a traditional villain that has had her story retold by several different authors over the last few years and I feel that Hewlett truly breathed new life into her story. She has managed to humanise Medusa in a way that feels both intimate and heart-breaking. She isn't a one dimensional monster here and the first person narrative calls out traditional views of her. This time we get the novel where she is given a voice and has depth and vulnerability and we truly see the tragedy at the heart of her legend.

As with her retelling of the Medea myth, Hewlett takes us on a journey that can only lead with one ending, one that we all know is coming and yet here it's delivers with real poignancy and it's truly both sad and bittersweet.

This was a fresh and empathetic retelling that has lingered for me more than some of the other versions of this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Bantam for a digital review copy of "Medusa" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

"I was not the first woman to be blamed for a man’s flaws and I certainly will not be the last.”

I’ve been a fan of Rosie’s work since Medea, so my expectations were high, and this book did not disappoint. At just under 240 pages, Rosie manages to pack in so much, crafting a poignant and powerful retelling of Medusa’s tale.

Told in first person, Medusa’s voice is raw, honest, and deeply moving, and it’s impossible not to feel the weight of her story. Rosie infuses this retelling with sympathy, humanity, and emotion, while also drawing sharp parallels to modern society.

I really enjoyed the narration style of this novel as it was done in a way where it felt like an account from Medusa's current place in time. The chapters were short and were set in chronological order of Medusa's life which made it extremely easy to follow.

The dynamic between Medusa and Perseus was another highlight. Despite knowing how her story ends, Rosie’s take leaves you unexpectedly rooting for both characters, and the conclusion, though tragic, felt satisfying and complete.

besides the cameo that medusa has in percy jackson and the lightning thief, this was my first medusa retelling, and i thoroughly enjoyed it!

from the first page of this debut novel, you can see that rosie hewlett's narrative voice is so strong - medusa doesn't just seem like a mythic character, but real, in a sense. from the first page, i felt i understood medusa as a character, even amidst her weaknesses and flaws. if anything, those weaknesses and flaws fleshed out medusa's characters, and allowed me to distance her from the medusa i knew from mythology.

i also loved her characterization of perseus. it's incredible that even in such a short section about perseus, rosie hewlett had me understand him, his backstory, motivations, and hesitations.

if anything, i would have loved more! i loved the length of this one, and how the story felt very contained - it felt almost like a culmination of what medusa learned in her life. but, i wouldn't have been opposed to more - more scenes with her sisters, more introspection from medusa, and more beautiful writing from rosie hewlett!

Medusa by Rosie Hewlett is the first retelling of the myth I've read, and as a long-time admirer of the character, I approached it with low expectations. However, I was quickly proven wrong. Hewlett delivers a powerful, emotionally resonant story that sheds light on the deep injustices faced by women - while serving up rich, immersive Greek mythology.

At just over 200 pages, this is a concise and accessible read, told entirely from Medusa’s perspective as she reflects on her life and the events that shaped her into the infamous snake-haired Gorgon. The narrative dives into her past, reimagining her transformation not as a monstrous curse, but as a consequence of cruelty, betrayal, and divine injustice.

Hewlett writes Medusa as raw and human, and I want to caution readers, especially survivors of sexual assault, that while the book avoids graphic scenes, the subject matter is deeply confronting. As with many myths, the emotional weight lies in its unflinching portrayal of suffering and injustice. This is a story drenched in feminine rage, loss, and tragedy - an unmasking of the vilified "monster" we think we know. I had tears in my eyes in several occasions.

One of the standout elements for me was Hewlett’s reinterpretation of Medusa’s encounter with Perseus. It’s written with nuance and emotional depth, and the shift in perspective left me with a heavy heart. While joy is scarce in Medusa’s tale, the ending - where she is finally reunited with those she loved - offers a moment of catharsis that makes the journey worthwhile.

My only real criticism is the use of modern dialogue, which occasionally pulled me out of the immersive ancient setting. Though I understand the intent, Medusa is recounting her story in hindsight, it sometimes felt jarring against the mythological backdrop, and it slightly diminished the otherwise strong atmosphere.

Overall, Medusa is a haunting, feminist retelling that reclaims a vilified figure and gives her a voice. It’s raw, poignant, and fiercely memorable.

Medusa by Rosie Hewlett is a feminist mythology retelling that packs an emotional punch. We are all familiar with the story of Medusa as monster but before that she was an abandoned child, a priestess of Athena and a victim of sexual assault, a woman wronged in many ways. Here the author allows Medusa to tell her own story and in turn we as readers are allowed to feel sorry for her. We know where the story is going and how it inevitably must end and yet I was compelled to keep reading almost hoping for a different ending because of the injustice of Medusa's fate. When your only complaint about a book is that you wish it was longer you know it's a good one.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book.

This book is retold from the perspective of Medusa, showcasing her personal story and growth. Rosie’s version takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, helping them understand where Medusa belongs and where she comes from. Along the way, they encounter the gods and goddesses commonly found in this mythological tale. However Medusa narrates this story retelling it in a way to show how she was wronged,almost making you feel sorry for her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and appreciate Rosie’s writing talent. However, I found the story a bit short and the language somewhat modern. Nevertheless, I’m eager to explore other works of hers to compare her writing style and character development.

I did like the idea of Medusa embracing being a monster. and the way the Perseus situation was dealt with and the underworld parts were interesting in that the story didn't end with her death. I just wish it were longer its a very short books so I felt I only got the bare bones of a story.

I also found Medusa's "voice" is far too modern for my liking it doesn't sound realistic. Someone from the ancient world would not have the same attitudes as a modern woman, and a book can be feminist without having Medusa use modern slang.

Interesting angle and I liked how it married up the different origins and versions of the Medusa legend, worth a read.

I wasn’t sure what I was expecting from this book but I actually really enjoyed it! So much that I finished it in one sitting (helped by the fact it was a shorter book).

This is a telling of the story of Medusa, one which is told from Medusa herself. I really enjoyed the storytelling aspect of the book, I found it helped me to connect more to the main character as it felt like she was telling me the story directly herself.
I liked the way the chapters were laid out, as instead of just numbers they were each headed with an aspect or a theme in Medusa’s life that she dealt with. We would see her navigate each particular theme in each chapter which I liked.
I thought the character development and growth was very good. We see Medusa grow as a person throughout the story, by showing us how she reacted to each object she faced in her life and how it changed her for better or worse.
Even though it was a shorter book this did not take away from the story. The writing was clever in that it was focused, so there was no lack of depth or development, proving you don’t need 500+ pages to make a captivating plot and characters you connect to.
I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t know how I missed the original release of Medusa by Rosie Hewlett, maybe because it was around a similar time to Jessie Burton’s version but, when I heard of the re-release I knew I had to get my hands on.

Personally, whilst there are similarities between the two in terms of female agency, I much preferred Rosie’s version. Her retelling from Medusa’s perspective struck a real chord within me. There is no shying from the core events, rejection, mistreatment and ultimately violence that shaped the myth and legend that is Medusa but, Rosie steps beyond to craft and shape Medusa’s transformation, truly delivering agency in beautifully written manner that is not overwhelming saccharine.

Of course this does mean that there is a strong discourse on society, patriarchy and misogyny but, in such a retelling this is unavoidable, however, Rosie balances this with the relationship that develops between Medusa and Perseus bringing greater depth and strength to the story.

If you’re looking for a Medusa retelling that will draw you in, not flinch from from the darkness and focus on the female perspective, then I definitely recommend you pick up this re-release from Rosie Hewlett.

Thank you Random House UK, Bantam, Transworld Publishers and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

I love a retelling and this is the Medusa story I didn't know I needed.

Told in 1st person POV by Medusa herself, this gives such an interesting twist on the women behind the myth, and I loved it.

You really get to know a different side of Medusa and the woman behind the monster - sister, friend, protector, mother and most importantly... victim.

It explores her relationship with 2 of her sisters, tells of an understanding between Medusa and Perseus, and of her love for the children she would never get to raise. It's heart felt and emotional.

I would definitely recommend this book. It's a quick read and a perfect slump buster!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this advanced reader's copy and the opportunity to this early. Review has been posted on Waterstones and Goodreads.

ever one to miss a Medusa retelling, I was so excited to read Rosie Hewlett’s republication Medusa, which is out next month. Hewlett tells such a beautiful story of Medusa’s life - not hiding from the violence endured but also tells of a powerful transformation as Medusa really grows into her new self. It’s an unsubtle commentary on the patriarchy and works to reclaim Medusa’s story, especially for those who this might be a new retelling/genre entirely. This retelling was very similar to Jessie Burton’s whose version invoked very similar feelings - and I really enjoyed both, ones you can read in one sitting.

I particularly liked how we got to know Stheno and Euryale, and I liked the depiction of her relationship with Perseus, I’m slightly partial to Medusa having a happier ending as best she can.

For my next Medusa retelling though, I’ll be looking for a more novel and radically different take - so I’m looking forward to Ayana Grey’s I, Medusa!

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-arc for an honest review!

Reviewed a previous edition Of Rosie Hewlett's Medusa and requested this version without realizing I had read the previous edition:

https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/227421/review/171852

Medusa is an absolutely fantastic book by debut author Rosie Hewlett.

I have long been a fan of novels base on the Greek Myths and Medusa is a character that has often been villainized for her ability to turn men into stone but there have been few decent books about how the girl became the feared and demonized gorgon and the dreadful curse she was forced to endure through no fault of her own thanks to something as small as a simple, yet dreadful, misunderstanding. Told through Medusa's own word we get to learn about the woman behind the myth and how the curse affected every part of her life, it actually makes for a very sad tale indeed.

This is truly heartbreaking tale and Medusa is the total anti-hero of her own story. A fantastic book and a great addition to anyone's Greek Mythology library.

4⭐️

Ok firstly, how powerful is that foreword! Even just that had me feeling a bit emotional.

Rosie just has a beautiful way of taking myths and offering the other side of the coin. The chance to see how it might have felt for the women who are villianised.

Ive seen some reviews that dont love the modern tone taken in the storytelling but medusa literally says in the beginning that she has seen how her story was twisted and she was inspired by people coming forward to tell her own story. I kind of loved it, in part because it's so real. People do find bravery in hearing other peoples stories.

I do wish the book was a little longer. It didn't quite get the chance to really hit me emotionally the way that the authors other book medea did. A big part of the story is how numb she comes to her experiences, and I go back and forth on if that may have hindered the emotional impact a little.

I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you to Netgalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, and Rosie Hewlett for the opportunity to read an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

"You know her name, you know her story. Just not the right one."

We've all heard of Medusa, the monstrous beauty, but do we have the right story? Rosie Hewlett has retold Medusa's story in such a vivid, powerful yet delicate way. This is not your typical retelling; this book is like sitting down with your close friend Medusa while she tells you her life story.

I was given an advance copy of this book ahead of its rerelease.

I really enjoyed Rosie Hewlett's Medea, and I love the story of Medusa, so I couldn't not give this a go! I loved the almost diary-like structure of the narrative, and felt like it gave a real insight into the complexities of Medusa's character, and her shifting sense of identity throughout the novel.

If anything, I would have liked a little more of this book! It was a surprisingly short read, and there were so many little easter eggs about the role of the gods in this version of the mythos, that I wanted to dwell on them for longer. That pacing at times felt slightly rushed.

It's hard to go into too much detail without giving anything away, but I will say that I thought this did a great job of navigating the monstrosity of the Medusa myth, with the tragedy of Medusa's own fate.

Books with similar vibes - Medusa by Jessie Burton, Medea by Rosie Hewlett, Circe by Madeline Miller, and The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood.

A moving and mesmerising retelling of Medusa’s life by Rosie Hewlett. I felt so lucky to have the opportunity to read an advance copy ahead of Medusa’s re-release in hardback on 4th September 2025. Thank you to Bantam and NetGalley for sharing this eARC with me in exchange for an honest review.

Birthed by a goddess, Medusa - a mere mortal - is swiftly abandoned by her disappointed mother. Growing up within the sheltered confines of a temple of Athena, she lives a life of piety and service trusting in the gods to hear her prayers and offer protection, until they don’t.

Medusa is powerfully depicted as a victim of her circumstances who finds strength through suffering. Relentlessly pursued by glory-seeking heroes and in thrall to the incessant, toxic voices of her snakes, a deep vulnerability belies Medusa’s violence. Hewlett’s writing style created a sense of compulsion, both in Medusa who is finally telling her own story from the beyond as well as in me, the reader. I felt compelled to listen to a woman who had been silenced for so long; who had been subjugated by the narratives of men. I felt outrage on her behalf, I felt the tragedy of her plight and, more than anything, I wanted her to find peace.

Medusa is a must-read for everyone who loved Rosie Hewlett’s Medea and will appeal to fans of the feminist retellings of Greek myth written by Madeline Miller and Jennifer Saint.

A beautiful retelling of the harrowing story of Medusa, from her own perspective.

As a lover of mythology retellings, I often get lost amongst the multiple perspectives and expected prior knowledge of ancient Greek folklore. Rosie Hewlett writes an equally devastating tale, rival to those most famous, in a way that takes you along on Medusa’s tragic journey.

“I was beautiful once. I would not recommend it.”

After centuries of her story being written for her, Medusa is fed up and ready to tell the truth. Written as an almost chronological diary-entry, the famous tale of a woman that we were led to believe as evil, is altered completely by Medusa speaking her truth.

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

From her birth, to her death, to beyond in the afterlife, Medusa tells her tragic story through this heart-breaking retelling of one of the most famous mythological tales.

Hewlett’s writing truly felt like the perspective of a woman who felt it was time to bring the truth to light. One that is just as agonising as the story we all know. The format of a first-person narrative makes it simple to understand, allowing introduction of other characters to be more in-depth. It also makes the tragic events all the more harrowing.

“I was not the first woman to be blamed for a man’s flaws and I certainly will not be the last.”

Medusa is a depiction of abandonment, sacrifice and love - betrayal at its finest and the corruption of those they worshipped at the time.

“I claimed earlier that beauty was my first curse, but perhaps it was actually being born a woman.”

Scarily relevant to today’s modern problems, Medusa is one of those books that will stick with more for a long time. Beautiful, harrowing and utterly heart-breaking.

Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 ⭐
Thank you so much to Transworld and Netgalley for the ARC.

'I was beautiful once. I would not recommend it.'

This was a short read but it did pack a punch! Medusa is the perfect story to bring back to 21st century as it is unfortunately still so relevant.
I loved Hewlett's writing and the way she gave Medusa a voice, so that she could tell her own story and for once put the record straight on a very muddy myth with a lot of misinformation. It helped make the characters so real, which in turn made it all feel so raw and much more painful to read.
Do not go into this book blind, but I highly recommend it!