Lets talk Medusa by Rosie Hewlett

 Hey lovelies, welcome back! 

As you all know I am a bit of a Greek mythology geek, especially a retelling. So much so, that I wrote 10,000 words on it for my dissertation! I love reading these classic myths from a new perspective and Medusa by Rosie Hewlett does just that! 

From her eternal resting place in the Asphodel Meadows, Medusa, the snake-haired gorgon, decides to reclaim her story. Determined to expose the centuries of lies that have created one of antiquity's most famous monster and myth, Medusa recounts her tale in her own for the first time. And she's not missing a single thing out... 

There are so many things I love about Hewlett's retelling! From the tone to the in-depth knowledge to the humour. This is by far THE best retelling of Medusa on the market! 

Hailed a feminist retelling and rightly so, Hewlett embeds the politics into the narrative from the start by championing Medusa as a victim, survivor, protector. Hewlett doesn't sugar-coat the narrative to make it more palatable, she strikes right from page one by acknowledging Medusa as a rape victim and blaming the patriarchy for her misconstrued reputation. Hewlett creates this sassy, no-nonsense character whose sarcasm and wit slither off the page. 

Despite writing about such a well-known tale, Hewlett manages to rewrite it in a completely new light. The friendship she creates between Perseus and Medusa is heartbreakingly beautiful, real, and natural. You feel his pain and anguish at having to fulfil his destiny at the end and your heart sinks with his as he accepts the inevitable. Although you know the outcome, you can't help but root for their friendship. 

What sets this retelling apart from others, is that the narrative is written in retrospective of the tale. Rather than writing the instant anger and hatred akin to the immediate aftermath, Hewlett writes wisdom and admittance into Medusa's narrative that are only made possible by placing the narrative thousands of years after the events have transpired. The tale becomes her way of finding closure and healing.  

If you think you know the Medusa myth, think again and read Medusa by Rosie Hewlett! 

Reading Hewlett's retelling has completely altered my perception of Medusa and as such I think she is now my favourite female from Greek mythology! What's your favourite Greek myth? And who's you're favourite character? Let me know in the comments below! 

Until next time, lovelies!