Stone Blind, by Natalie Haynes - Milly
“You’re the one who thinks anything that doesn’t look like you must be a monster.”
Following in the footsteps of Pat Barker, Margaret Atwood, and Madeline Miller, Natalie Haynes has created a fantastic story with a stunning cover. You just know sometimes when you read a book it is going to be huge.
This is a gripping story, masterfully woven by Natalie Haynes, retelling Medusa’s story for today. Medusa is a real person, not a myth or a monster. She feels emotions, she hurts, and her story is turned on its head, written with humour and empathy. The portrayal of her Gorgon sisters and their developing care and love for Medusa was one of the most touching parts of the book for me, and as for Perseus - he is definitely not the golden boy we all thought he was.
It really made me consider the myths as we know them: predominantly told by men and woven into our psyche and culture. By changing these myths with retellings, the author has made this classic myth relevant to us today, told with a powerful feminist voice and with passion. This is a story that still resonates down the years.
“And the monster? Who is she? She is what happens when someone cannot be saved.”
This book is brilliant.
Milly
