Stone Blind

This was so much funnier than expected, whilst also being so full of detail. I loved seeing the different angles that all led towards the crux of Medusa’s story. A really well done mythology retelling!

storygraph was certain this was the perfect book for me based on my user profile...happy to report it was completely right. 

I really enjoyed this retelling of medusa's myth. It was a truly refreshing take on a common myth, one full of empathy not only for medusa but a range of the characters. The writing was excellent and captivating, each character had their own unique voice. I found myself re-evaluating each character and re-examining how theyve been judged before. What makes someone a monster? Is perseus really brave if at every step he had help from the gods ? Why was Athene like that!? How could she be so cruel ? This and many more questions crossed my mind as I read, I was truly engaged. I think this retelling stands out because it paints an entire picture of each of the characters involved in the myth, even minor players, which leads to a deeper understand and richer storyline overall. 

A really wonderful read, I will take storygraph suggestions a little more seriously now. 

unique storytelling

This is the fourth mythological retelling by Haynes that I read this year. I'm almost through all of Haynes' bibliography. In short: I still prefer A Thousand Ships than Stone Blind. I don't question Haynes' research about the mythological source as after I read Pandora's Jar I know how much research is done by Haynes' through each book. I always appreciate that Haynes always use female perspective in all of her books, even though the main character in the chapter might not always be female. I like how Haynes portrayed Medusa and how she imagine the 'mortality' that Medusa have-- differentiating her from the other Gorgons. I enjoy how she doesn't oversell Perseus, and is truthful about his becoming. Haynes also used more goddesses perspective in this book which is interesting to read. I don't know if it's because I already know how the story will play out, but I honestly find Stone Blind to be a bit hefty to read. One of the things I don't really like is the story began with the prophecy for Acrisius but did not give a thorough ending to the prophecy. I would recommend this to myths enthusiast, but for casual readers who are interested in myths stories, I think Madeline Miller or Jennifer Saint are the better options.

Not her best work. I like how she portrays Perseus as a jerk idiot. It gets a bit rambley in some bits, though, but an enjoyable tale non the less.

** spoiler alert ** Loved it, as I do love all Natalie’s books. Although we might think this story is only about Medusa and only from her perspective, her story and what led to her end, is told by everyone involved. It’s heartbreaking to find that Medusa didn’t actually did anything to deserve her fate. And the pain her sisters go through? It broke my heart. It’s a great book and if you can, hear it!

Great book! Beautifully written and I especially loved the Gorgoneion parts because they were so well written!

Very good

I put off reading Stone Blind because earlier in the year I read (and devoured and loved) The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood. I was afraid this book wouldn't be as good, and as they have pretty similar plots and purposes, to retell and reframe the myth of Perseus and Medusa, I was afraid they'd be too much alike.

But they are very different books, and they are both incredible in their own right. It's also hard to compare the two. Certainly, Stone Blind isn't as bleak and dismal, and it relies heavily on the mythological aspect of Perseus' and Medusa's story. There are myths and gods and creatures and divine influences instead of straight up history, like The Shadow of Perseus. Very different takes, but both retell the myth and stories beautifully.

I did give Heywood's book 5 stars, and here's why I didn't quite do so for Stone Blind. (Minor spoilers below)

I didn't quite like how Perseus is so heavily vilified throughout this book when Athene isn't. We are told by various narrators to despise and dislike him, but Athene's actions aren't presented as bad as his. Especially when the Gorgon head is stuck with her for centuries. I would have liked some forgiveness or acceptance to be included. I don't like the negativity surrounding Perseus when Athene and even Poseidon are rightfully deserving as well; at least Poseidon gets some flack. And I didn't even despise Perseus; I kind of liked him at some points.

Clever and witty, the story was well weaved together, as artfully as if Athene herself had woven this tale. I loved all the different little stories and myths and how they all came together and were tied together.

I am not quite sure who or what Panopeia is supposed to be. The sea? Sea spirits? It wasn't explained or revealed later like everything else, like the other narrators and POVs were. It wasn't clear, and I wish it was.

Normally, I don't really like when books are dialogue heavy, but it works so well here. That's a testament to Haynes' writing; she is talented and gifted and a good writer. The dialogue served its purpose and then some.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I'm glad I finally read it. It has strong characters and many engaging stories. I loved all the different narrators and POVs too.

An absorbing, touching Greek myth retelling, with sparkling dialogue with that is humorous in places. Makes you reflect on who, or what, constitutes a monster.

I vastly prefer Natalie Haynes's non-fiction writing over her fiction writing, her fiction tends to come off a little boring and too meandering to keep the reader focused. However, I would still say "Stone Blind" is one of the better mythology retellings I have read. She certainly knows her subject matter and knows how to pick the more interesting versions of the myths which she then weaves in with a lot of humour but also a lot of sympathy for her female characters.

In this context, it is even more of a shame that the book does not focus on Medusa herself but on the larger myth involving her. In the little time the reader spends with Medusa and her Gorgon sisters, Haynes manages to create a connection between the reader and characters, she manages to make us care about them enough that Medusa's death is impactful. One can only imagine how fantastic the book would have been if it had taken that even further by adding to the myth of Medusa and rounding out her character.

Beautiful, tragic and humorous. Excellent narration by the author in the audiobook.

This one bummed me out a bit, and made me hate a whole lot of characters from Greek mythology that I had no qualms with before

I did the audio version of this and highly recommend it. Natalie Haynes narrated her work beautifully. The story of Medusa gives us a ringside view of the pettiness of the Gods, the bumbling of “heroes “, and the humanity of the ones you’d call “monsters” without missing a beat. There were moments of genuine love and tenderness, moments I laughed out loud, and times I was angry on behalf of characters mistreatment. It’s a well rounded retelling of a myth you only think you know well. Loved it! ** Thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.**

The story is so familiar and yet completely gripping. The writing is funny and clever and filled with dry wit and sarcasm which makes you love the monsters and hate the hero's.

Head of the perseus is a loser fan club, taking members in daily.

I did the audio version of this and highly recommend it. Natalie Haynes narrated her work beautifully. The story of Medusa gives us a ringside view of the pettiness of the Gods, the bumbling of “heroes “, and the humanity of the ones you’d call “monsters” without missing a beat. There were moments of genuine love and tenderness, moments I laughed out loud, and times I was angry on behalf of characters mistreatment. It’s a well rounded retelling of a myth you only think you know well. Loved it!

Thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I loved everything about this book

This may have cured my reading slump! Similar to her previous work "A Thousand Ships", "Stone Blind" is quick-witted and full of feminine rage. Employing the use of a large cast, all orbit around the quiet player, Medusa. The gods are insufferable and Perseus ignites almost Theseus levels of disgust in me.

A compelling take on the lore of Medusa, witty, funny at times, and feminist at heart. I don't often read mythological retellings, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Trigger warning: rape (not described in detail, but the word and act comes up extremely often)

I was surprised about all the different views we get while reading this book. You don't just get the view of Medusa, you get the view of every figure that somehow has something to do with her story.

Nonetheless, I really loved the way in which this book is written and can absolutely recommend it to any fellow lovers of greek mythology.

I really enjoyed this book. It is beautifully written and it was interesting to read Medusa’s story from multiple points of view. The men and gods in the story come off badly. Portrayed as egotistical, self-absorbed and fool hardy. Medusa was characterised as being a sympathetic character but I would have enjoyed more of her story. Especially her relationship and life with her sisters.