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Medusa: A Novel

JESSIE BURTON
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Medusa: A Novel

JESSIE BURTON
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Overall rating: 4.25 / 5 from 12 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

Review topics: [story, read, book, myths, narrative, mythology, written].

Review highlights

Reviews

I enjoyed it, but it had more potential.

"I got pulled in by this book due to the fact that Madeline Miller's review on it was great. I really thought it would be as well written as her writing. I honestly expected more, and it could have gone so much further than it did. I did enjoy it for a quick and easy read, some thought provoking quotes. But again, it could have gone so much deeper."

— Kelsey (3/5)

Médusa for Life

"This book was really well written. If the myth of Medusa interests you this is one place to start as it will have you heart throbbing and sobbing."

— Lauzon (5/5)

Every woman should read this!!

"“you could cut off my head, and still not end the myth. ”_x000D_ _x000D_ This is divine! It is Jessie Burton’s inspirational story written for all women. We are given not only redemption for both Medusa herself, but for every woman living in today’s world, and throughout the ages. _x000D_ _x000D_ This is not the Medusa story you know. Although, as one can assume with any story in which there is a hero with a sword and a gaze of snakes that turns men into stone, it does not end well for everyone. _x000D_ _x000D_ Easily read over an evening, afternoon, or weekend this short novel packs a punch in its retelling of the stories for both Perseus and Medusa. My absolute favourite parts are when Medusa talks to her snakes (who have names!). As a snake owner I can tell you I talk to them all the time! I talk to my dog and husband too, but my discourse with my big boa is different as the narrative is distinctly one sided. Burton shows us the catharsis of speaking about traumatic events, and that having a listener is often all someone needs. _x000D_ _x000D_ This brilliantly put together story should be in the hands of every woman in the world. It is a reminder that our beauty is not there to be exploited by others, that we can break free of constraints and make our own fate, and that ultimately us ladies belong to no one but ourselves. We can leave enduring stories behind, and while the matriarchy may twist those stories to make them more favourable to the ‘hero’, there will always be someone, like Burton, who can reclaim the story for what it should be and remind us all that women are neither weak, nor property to be owned. _x000D_ _x000D_ This is a brilliantly twisted story that reinforces women’s strength and endurance. Burton is saying, and allowing her reader to say, I am woman hear me HISS!"

— Mel R. (5/5)

Not the best retelling of Medusa

"I found this book didn’t have as much substance to it as I’d like or as I’ve read in other retellings of the Greek myths. I love Greek mythology and was very excited to read this however it didn’t really leave me with a long lasting impression. The way they portrayed medusa and her story was inspiring though"

— Victoria (2/5)

3/5

"Medusa’s is always a sad story, and this is a well written retelling of one of the most misunderstood Greek myths."

— Nicole (3/5)

A stunningly beautiful read

"A stunning retelling of a story of a girl who had some very bad luck and how she came into herself despite all the hurdles placed in her path. Starts with one of the most beautiful opening lines I may have ever read in my life. No prior knowledge of greek mythology needed and very accessible to everyone. Highly recommend to all."

— Emma (5/5)

For the Greek mythology lovers

"Great gift book — bought for someone who loves Greek mythology and they loved it."

— Jls (5/5)

Medusa - An entertaining tale

"This was an easy, entertaining and thoughtful read of the Medusa story. Jessie Burton created an interested interpretation, and this book was definitely enjoyable."

— Gloria (5/5)

Wow

"I bought this book a few days ago to know more about Medusa and this story is very helpful and interesting! I’m not a reader but this book made me want to read which was a shock to me."

— Lizardsreads (5/5)

Beautiful story. Recommend the illustrated version.

"Beautiful story and an easy read. If you can, I would recommend getting the fully illustrated version to make the magic complete!"

— Booklover (5/5)

Q&A

  • Published date: Dec 05, 2023
  • Language: English
  • No. of Pages: 208
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
  • ISBN: 9781639732685
  • Dimensions: 5.45" W x 0.55" L x 8.2" H

“A beautiful and profound retelling... a powerfully feminist, elegiac, and original twist on this old story. The book tackles pain and trauma without flinching, but its message is ultimately one of joy and hope.” —Madeline Miller, author of THE SONG OF ACHILLES and CIRCE

“Medusa is absolutely stunning and easily my read of the year – sheer perfection from start to finish, both in words and art.” —Catherine Doyle, author of THE STORM KEEPER series

“This book is a beautiful excavation, uncovering the girl beneath the gorgon, the power within the punished. Exquisitely told, Medusa stole my heart from its first fierce lines.” —Mary Watson, author of THE WREN HUT

“A fiercely feminist undercurrent fuels Medusa's unflinching voice. . . . Medusa wrests control of her own story in this necessary reimagining of the Greek myth.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review

“Burton tackles an old myth with unflinching honesty to reclaim Medusa's story as one of self-love and bravery. . . . With unforgettable imagery and a powerhouse woman at the helm of the tale, this revamped myth is one to get on your bookshelf.” —School Library Journal, starred

“In this haunting reimagining of the myth of Medusa and Perseus . . . Burton's take on the traditional adversaries humanizes both characters, blurring boundaries between hero and monster.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Epic ... Readers who love nuanced retellings of myths will not want to miss it.” —BookPage

“The Medusa myth is given new shading and depth in a feminist retelling that homes in on the heart of a young girl punished unfairly for being herself. Burton's prose [is] aquatic and mythical but not overwrought... A smart reimagining of an ancient tale that questions old tropes.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Burton's feminist reboot . . . compassionately humanizes her protagonist . . . in unambiguous, occasionally poetic contemporary language as Medusa grows in self-confidence . . . this short novel of betrayal and destiny, which questions who the myth's real monsters are, grants Medusa a well-deserved, empowering finale.” —Booklist

“A gorgeously written, keenly observed and downright powerful retelling, Medusa strips away the misogyny, fear and hatred that have kept Medusa's myth alive for so long and delivers something much better: the truth.” —Bookreporter

Jessie Burton's first novel, The Miniaturist, was a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a PBS series, starring Anya Taylor-Joy. Jessie's second novel, The Muse, was also a #1 international bestseller. Jessie has written essays and reviews for The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. She lives in London.

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