What to read when on holiday in Greece? A book about one of the most iconic characters in Greek Mythology, of course! To be specific: Medusa, the snake-haired gorgon. As I picked this book up, I realised that beyond her snake-hair and turning men to stone with her stare, I knew very little of the myth and story of Medusa.
Opening sentence: I was beautiful once.
The woman behind the myth
In her preface, author Rosie Hewlett (a student of classical studies) explains that her book is based on the Medusa myth but some parts are fictionalised to add depth to the story.
Told from a first person POV from the lady herself, this is a feminist interpretation of the myth, where the woman at the centre of it all finally gets to have her voice heard and tell her version of events. The difference between the way men and women are generally portrayed in Greek myths and history, highlighted here:
‘You kill and you are deemed a hero, celebrated by all, rewarded by the Gods… Yet when I kill I am immediately branded a monster, disgusting, wretched.’
Who is Medusa?
So, what is the Medusa myth? Here we learn that Medusa’s parents were sea Gods (Phorcys and Ceto) but she was born mortal and therefore rejected by her family. Raised by a priestess of Athena (Goddess of War), Medusa spends her childhood in dedication to a Goddess who will ultimately be the one who curses her to her snake-haired fate.
In general, I find that most monsters are made, not born. Perhaps you should remember that next time you encounter one.
As an adult, she develops a relationship with two of her sisters, Stheno and Euryale, all three become known as the gorgon sisters.
This book tells the fascinating story of her exile, abuse, transformation and rise to power. The reason it’s such a great read is the emotional layer it puts over the myth – from her relationship to Perseus, the man who kills her, to the way she is treated by Gods Poseidon and Athena to how she feels about her fate, it’s a truly evocative read.
(Side note: Medusa had wings, which is something I hadn’t known about.)
Our fragile patriarchy could hardly accept a female monster who can kill men and think for herself. That would be far too scary, wouldn’t it?
This is such a well-written and engaging account of the Medusa myth. It was literally a one-sitting read for me. Highly enjoyed it!
- Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC;
- Get your copy of Medusa here;
- Published by Transworld 4th September 2025;
- 253 pages;
- My rating:
Books on the 7:47 
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