Stone Blind is a novel retelling the Greek myth of the gorgon Medusa. It was written by Natalie Haynes, a British classicist and writer. The book was nominated for best fiction book at the British Book Awards.[1]
| Author | Natalie Haynes |
|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy, Greek mythology, historical fiction |
Publication date | 2023 |
Plot
editThe story follows the life of Medusa, from her birth until the aftermath of her beheading by the demigod Perseus.
Structure and style
editThe narrative is told through multiple point-of-view characters including the main character Medusa (both before and after her head is severed), an olive tree, and a crow.[2] Several stories, including those of Medusa and Perseus' separate upbringings, the conflict between the Olympian gods and the Giants, and the pained relationship between Hera and her son Hephaestus, are told simultaneously,[3] through a non-linear structure.[4]
The novel uses familiar dynamics and frustrations to modernize the retelling, while placing it firmly in the mythological past.[4] It has been described as a dark-comic retelling.[5]
Themes
editThe book deals with themes of violence and patriarchy as exemplified by the gods. This is personified by the violent actions of Zeus and Poseidon, as well as the cruel machinations of Hera and Athena, towards mortals and monsters alike.[4][2]
References
edit- ^ "The British Book Awards 2023: Shortlist Announced". Planet Radio.
- ^ a b Rosenfeld, Lucinda (2023-02-05). "Medusa, Scourge of Myth, Tells Her Side of the Story". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
- ^ Preston, Alex (2022-09-04). "Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes review – a gripping Gorgon retelling". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
- ^ a b c "A Review of Stone Blind, by Natalie Haynes". The Paideia Institute. 2024-01-29. Retrieved 2024-02-09.
- ^ Hughes-Hallett, Lucy (2022-09-14). "Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes review – why Medusa is no monster". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-02-09.