The Medusa myth is given new shading and depth in a feminist retelling that homes in on the heart of a young girl punished unfairly for being herself.

is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.Boy meets girl, girl loves boy-but girl’s hair was cursed and is made of living snakes. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review.

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It makes a new shape, rising out of a shallow grave in glory.”ĭisclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. Gorgeous hand-drawn illustrations of Medusa reinforce the lyrical text, which states that “you cannot break up a myth or wedge it on top of a cliff. Still, though Medusa’s tale could end in tragedy, it’s given a twist, tying Medusa to the modern #MeToo movement and empowering young women to live on their own terms, and in their own skins. Perseus cannot see beyond what’s physical, and Medusa’s suffering is made even more urgent as their conversations progress. Her conversations with Perseus draw out her confidence and feminist beliefs.Īs the book’s focus moves to Perseus, its tone shifts to one of veiled unease. But Medusa herself is vulnerable, wistful, and scared she struggles with self-esteem. Their misogyny contributes to Medusa’s curse and banishment. Medusa is a woman wronged her self-reliance and beauty result in scorn and objectification from the townsfolk. Told from Medusa’s point of view, this is a sympathetic, compassionate tale. Their relationship takes a tragic turn, however, when Medusa and Perseus reveal their true identities to one another. Separated by cave walls, Medusa and Perseus have intimate heart-to-heart conversations. When a handsome young sailor, Perseus, arrives on the island, Medusa befriends him-and falls in love. Jessie Burton’s Medusa is a dazzling, engrossing retelling of a classic that’s delivered with a profound feminist twist.Įighteen-year-old Medusa has been exiled to an isolated, rocky island by Athena, who cursed her and turned her hair into a crown of snakes after Poseidon raped her and desecrated Athena’s temple.

Medusa by Jessie Burton