Jessie Burton


A dazzling, feminist retelling of Greek myth from the internationally bestselling author of The Miniaturist, stunningly illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill.





Exiled to a far-flung island by the whims of the gods, Medusa has little company except the snakes that adorn her head instead of hair. But when a charmed, beautiful boy called Perseus arrives on the island, her lonely existence is disrupted with the force of a supernova, unleashing desire, love and betrayal…


Filled with glorious full-colour illustrations by award-winning Olivia Lomenech Gill, this astonishing retelling of Greek myth is perfect for readers of Circe and The Silence of the Girls. Illuminating the girl behind the legend, it brings alive Medusa for a new generation.

Illustrated edition

Medusa

'A beautiful and profound retelling' - Madeline Miller A dazzling, feminist retelling of Greek myth from the internationally bestselling author of The Miniaturist, stunningly illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill. Exiled to a far-flung island by the whims of the gods, Medusa has little company except the snakes that adorn her head instead of hair. But when a charmed, beautiful boy called Perseus arrives on the island, her lonely existence is disrupted with the force of a supernova, unleashing desire, love and betrayal... Filled with glorious full-colour illustrations by award-winning Olivia Lomenech Gill, this astonishing retelling of Greek myth is perfect for readers of Circe and The Silence of the Girls. Illuminating the girl behind the legend, it brings alive Medusa for a new generation.

sharkie

Perseus the Brave, Perseus the King: it sounds familiar. Maybe he would have saved a maiden and married her? Maybe, in another universe, that's exactly what he did. Not in my universe, however.

'I remember Athena's expression changing. There was something sly in her eyes, a shining notion, a god's idea. You think your hair is beautiful she said. I didn't think that at all, but I'd be happy to lose it if it meant no man or god would ever look at me again.'

If I told you that I'd killed a man with a glance, would you wait to hear the rest? The why, the how, what happened next? Or would you run from me, this mottled mirror, this body of unusual flesh?

A beautifully written retelling of Medusa. A story of believing in yourself and not what you’re told about yourself. Loved this short little book.

Aims

Love this re-telling of Medusa. It's the story I always thought was true. 

Karen

I really enjoyed this quick and well written Medusa retelling. 

Megan BV

Exiled to a far-flung island, Medusa has little company except for the snakes adorning her head instead of hair until a beautiful boy named Perseus arrives, distrupting her lonely existence and unleashing desire, love, and betrayal.

Nomin-Erdene Tsogtgerel

Julie Burszan 

This is truly a special book. It is uniquely beautiful and will stay with me.

I felt rather slump-ish. Until I told myself a feminist retelling is probably the way to go. Well, I wasn’t wrong lol 

It was very compelling and there were many quotes to highlight that are relatable and meaningful 

Amira BEN

I felt rather slump-ish. Until I told myself a feminist retelling is probably the way to go. Well, I wasn’t wrong lol 

It was very compelling and there were many quotes to highlight that are relatable and meaningful 

Beautiful illustrations and writing. Heartbreaking, but also empowering.

Erin Goss

Beautiful retelling with the ending I always wished for in the original myth. 

Samira 

I really loved the writing style. There were a lot of details that I enjoyed, like instead of 'oh my god' it would be 'oh my Zeus' 

Fluffy cow 

I can't understand the negative feedback from other readers, this is a very good retelling of Medusa's story. I also loved the different ending, as this is the one which was deserved.

i can see where the intentions were but this just reads like the wiki page of medusa with some simple dialogue shoved in :/

Jessica cozens 

I loved Burton's take on the tale of Medusa and Perseus. The way she crafted the story and the trauma that was done to Medusa was sad but so powerful. I loved seeing Medusa embrace herself, and let what happened to her make her stronger. The artwork throughout was also stunning, and enhanced the story even more. It may be a short story, but it packs quite the punch. If you enjoy Greek mythology or retellings, then this is a must read.

Heather Harrington

Zoe Smolen

Personally, this was like a 2.5 for me BUT I love the concept and art and I think it’s an important book for teens, especially teen girls so I’m rounding it up. 

Something about the writing just did not click for me. I think I would have preferred it to be write in verse with how short it was. 

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Medusa Illustrated edition

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