FICTION

Medusa

by Jessie Burton
Bloomsbury. Dec. 2023. 208p. ISBN 9781639732685. pap. $17.99. F
COPY ISBN
Burton’s (The Muse) third novel retells the myth of Perseus and the snake-haired Gorgon from Medusa’s own point of view, and from a feminist perspective. The protagonist’s young age and heavy focus on romance will make this book most appealing to older teens and young adults, while the poetic phrasing and dreamlike atmosphere may remind some adult readers of Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles. Older readers may wish for more from all the characters, as few of them other than Medusa and Perseus get much in the way of development, and it comes largely in the form of telling their backstories to each other. The instant attraction between Medusa and Perseus also reads as unrealistic in an age of well-fleshed-out romances that have largely moved past insta-love.
VERDICT Recommended for New Adult collections where there is a heavy interest in new versions of mythology; otherwise, with so many feminist retellings of various myths, this doesn’t stand out in the crowd.
Reviewed by Mary McNulty , Sep 01, 2023
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

MEDIA

Help Wanted
by Waldman, Adelle
MEDIA

A Dream in the Dark
by Justice, Robert
MEDIA

The River View
by Harrison, Jamie
MEDIA

Signal to Noise
by Moreno-Garcia, Silvia
FICTION

Dogs and Monsters: Stories
by Haddon, Mark
FICTION

Shred Sisters
by Lerner, Betsy
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?