This was a title from 2022, I didn't manage to get to it however I do own a physical copy so I will read and review it in the future! Thank you for the opportunity!

Natalie Haynes can do no wrong.

This time, we get Medusa’s story and it is everything you want in the retelling.

Beautifully written and perfect for fans of Madeline Miller - a great introduction to mythological retelling a too

Medusa's story is one of my favourite and this was a really wonderful book. I absolutely loved this!

I have struggled in the past with stories based around historical retellings and mythology, but the idea of Medusa really appealed to me and despite finding it a harder read than my usual picks, I ended up enjoying most of it. Based on the little that I know about the subject, the story seemed much more empathetic than I was expecting, her character seen much less as a monster in this case. I will admit that I found it tricky as I really don't know a lot about many of the characters featured (Poseidon, Perseus etc) and feel like it would have been better for me to research a bit before reading. Overall, I really liked the darkness of the story but I did find the whole concept a little confusing.

In Stone Blind, Natalie Haynes breathes new life into the age-old myth of Medusa, offering readers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on one of mythology’s most misunderstood figures. Published in 2022, this novel delves into the story of Medusa, the only mortal Gorgon, whose life is irrevocably altered by the whims of the gods. Unlike her immortal sisters, Medusa experiences the pains and changes of a human life, setting her apart in a family of gods and monsters.

Haynes’s retelling challenges the traditional narrative that paints Medusa solely as a monster. Instead, she is portrayed as a victim of divine politics and male violence, punished for a crime committed against her. The novel explores themes of power, victimization, and the rewriting of history, making it a timely and resonant read. Through multiple points of view and a richly woven narrative, Haynes juxtaposes the pettiness and cruelty of the gods with Medusa’s undeserved fate, creating a story that is both heartbreaking and enlightening. The novel was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023.

A fresh take on the story of Medusa, the original monstered woman.

They will fear you and flee you and call you a monster.

The only mortal in a family of gods, Medusa is the youngest of the Gorgon sisters. Unlike her siblings, Medusa grows older, experiences change, feels weakness. Her mortal lifespan gives her an urgency that her family will never know.

When the sea god Poseidon assaults Medusa in Athene’s temple, the goddess is enraged. Furious by the violation of her sacred space, Athene takes revenge–on the young woman. Punished for Poseidon’s actions, Medusa is forever transformed. Writhing snakes replace her hair and her gaze will turn any living creature to stone. Cursed with the power to destroy all she loves with one look, Medusa condemns herself to a life of solitude.

Until Perseus embarks upon a fateful quest to fetch the head of a Gorgon…

In Stone Blind, classicist and comedian Natalie Haynes turns our understanding of this legendary myth on its head, bringing empathy and nuance to one of the earliest stories in which a woman – injured by a powerful man – is blamed, punished, and monstered for the assault. Delving into the origins of this mythic tale, Haynes revitalizes and reconstructs Medusa’s story with her passion and fierce wit, offering a timely retelling of this classic myth that speaks to us today.

Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes, is a refreshing take on the story of Medusa, the original “monstered” woman. Haynes, a classicist and comedian, reimagines the myth of Medusa, providing empathy and nuance to one of mythology’s most misunderstood characters. This novel turns the traditional narrative on its head, offering a timely retelling that resonates deeply with contemporary issues.

Unlike her immortal Gorgon sisters, Medusa is the only mortal, making her susceptible to change and weakness. Her story is marked by repeated punishment and unjust treatment. Despite being depicted as a monster, Haynes portrays her as kind-hearted and undeserving of the fate imposed upon her.

The hero of the myth, Perseus, is shown from his upbringing to his transformation into a murderer. His journey is significantly aided by his divine father, Zeus, shedding light on the influence of the gods in mortal affairs.

The novel features a plethora of Greek goddesses, including Aphrodite who adds to the complex tapestry of divine interactions. Athena plays a pivotal role in Medusa’s punishment, showcasing themes of retribution and divine capriciousness. And Andromeda, who’s narrative intersects with Perseus’s quest, enriching the mythological retelling. As well as Gods, the story focuses heavily on the female characters throughout.

“Stone Blind” delves into the intricate world of Greek mythology, featuring Gorgons, Graiai, and Nereids. Haynes does not shy away from exploring darker themes, painting a vivid picture of the brutality and complexity of these ancient tales. The plot weaves multiple narratives, providing a comprehensive look at the myth from various perspectives.

Natalie Haynes employs a multi-perspective narrative, allowing readers to see the myth from different angles. This approach adds depth and richness to the story, as the many moving parts come together to form a cohesive and compelling narrative. Her writing is both witty and poignant, making the ancient myth accessible and engaging for modern readers.

Haynes revitalizes the myth of Medusa, providing a fresh and contemporary perspective of a Greek Myth Retelling. The novel highlights the mistreatment of women, particularly how victims are often blamed for the actions of powerful men. Medusa’s punishment by Athena for Poseidon’s assault is a central theme, reflecting ongoing societal issues.

The story examines how those in power rewrite history to suit their narratives. The gods are depicted as petty, violent, and callous, in stark contrast to Medusa’s inherent kindness, despite being labeled a monster. “Stone Blind” fits perfectly within the genre of mythological retellings. It combines elements of fantasy, historical fiction, and feminist literature, creating a multifaceted and engaging read.

Natalie Haynes’s “Stone Blind” is an entertaining and thought-provoking novel that breathes new life into the myth of Medusa. It offers a powerful critique of victim-blaming and the abuse of power, all while maintaining the charm and intrigue of Greek mythology. With its multi-perspective narrative and richly developed characters, this book is a must-read for fans of mythological retellings and those interested in stories that challenge traditional narratives.

In “Stone Blind,” Haynes has crafted a narrative that is both timeless and timely, offering readers a new lens through which to view an age-old myth.

Overall Rating: ★★★★☆

Positives of Stone Blind
Fresh Perspective: Offers a refreshing and empathetic take on the myth of Medusa, challenging traditional narratives.
Character Development: Medusa is portrayed with depth and complexity, highlighting her as a victim of injustice rather than a mere monster.
Writing Style: Haynes’s prose is witty and engaging, making ancient mythology accessible and captivating.
Multi-perspective Narrative: Provides multiple viewpoints, enriching the story and offering a comprehensive look at the characters and their motivations.
Exploration of Themes: Tackles important themes such as abuse of power, victim-blaming, and the rewriting of history.

Negatives of Stone Blind
Pacing: Some readers may find the pacing slow, particularly in the exposition-heavy parts that establish the mythological world.
Complexity: The multitude of characters and perspectives may be overwhelming for some readers, especially those unfamiliar with Greek mythology.
Character Focus: While Medusa is central, other characters like Perseus and the Greek gods sometimes overshadow her narrative, diluting the focus on her story.
Dark Themes: Contains themes of assault, punishment, and violence which may be triggering or uncomfortable for some readers.
Ending: The resolution may feel rushed or incomplete to some readers, leaving questions unanswered.

I love Greek Mythology and I couldn't wait to dive into Medusa's story. Initially I found the constant switching POV confusing but once I got used to the I enjoyed the story. My only gripe with this one is that Medusa only appears in some of the story, I feel like the blurb is a little misleading. Nevertheless, it was great to dip my toe back into the world of the Greek Gods.

If Stone Blind had been described as a tale of the ancient Greek Gods and how Perseus ended up on a quest to fetch Medusa's head, maybe it would have been a four star read. Maybe. But it wasn't. It was described as Medusa's story, so I was anticipating something like Circe by Madeline Miller, a novel that told Medusa's story through her own eyes and focused on the portrayal of her. Or like A Thousand Ships by this same author, a novel that directly focused on the unheard female voices of the Trojan war and brought them to life. And oh boy, was I disappointed.

I'd say about 25% of this novel actually has Medusa as a semi-main character and even then, there's a lot of attention on her sisters. The rest of the novel is made up of petty Godly squabbles and fights and Perseus's quest across the land to bring back the head of a Gorgon. It... wasn't what I signed up for. It also frankly didn't interest me that much. I was genuinely interested in the childhood and life of Medusa, I was kind of interested in some of the God side plots although they really needed to be minimised... I just did not care about Perseus. Come on. The story of the boy who beheads the sleeping monster was not the important one here, particularly when he's shallow, selfish and cruel to boot.

What I wanted and what I got here were two very different things. Medusa was essentially relegated to a bit player in her own damn story and that's a crying shame, particularly when I know how well the author can portray the unsung voices. This could have been excellent, it should have been excellent; Haynes certainly has the writing talent and spark to pull it off. But instead of allowing Medusa to stand on the stage alone, she is overshadowed by Gods and men and petty arguments. And I really, really struggled to engage with it because of that.

Don't get me wrong. I'll read the author again. I adored A Thousand Ships. But this... this was a disappointment and it was nowhere near interesting enough to hold my attention.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my free review copy of this title.

If you enjoy myth retellings, this is one that is done very well. It is imaginative, neat and engaging.

But the key element is if you enjoy them- I've tried a few now, by different authors, and they don't really work for me.

Natalie Haynes is a great author, and what a story she has to work with! If you enjoy this or not will be down to whether myth retellings are up your street.

3.5 stars

Unlike her Gorgon sisters, Medusa is mortal. However, because of her wings, Medusa stays away from the other mortals.
When Medusa catches the eye of Poseidon, the sea god, his actions lead to Medusa being cursed by the goddess Athene - where Medusa's hair once was is now a mass of snakes, and any living creature that meets Medusa's gaze is instantly turned to stone.
Medusa stays at her home with her sisters, safe until a young man named Perseus comes searching for the Gorgons.

As a fan of Greek mythology and having enjoyed several of the author's previous works, I was looking forward to reading this.
While Medusa is a main characters in this book, the story has several main characters whose lives entwine quite cleverly - alongside Medusa, there are chapters on Athene, Poseidon, Perseus, Andromeda, and several others.
The chapters about Medusa and her sisters were interesting and I really liked their close relationship.
Perseus was a character I disliked immensely, and the chapters on Athene made me see her in a new light.
The volatile relationships between the different gods were interesting to read, especially when they were trying to one-up each other or get revenge.
I thought the author did a really good job of weaving several story-lines together, and it was done in a very engaging way.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read that I would definitely recommend.

There is nothing quite as tragic as being born a woman.

Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes is my first true introduction to Greek mythology. Thorough and exceptionally researched, I was very surprised by my overall enjoyment of this book.

There is little to no contest that Haynes is a talented writer and storyteller. Many lines and paragraphs were highlighted and annotated and stunned me upon reading. Aside from the sheer number of characters and points of view, I have no complaints about the writing and stylistic choices.

With that being said, I wanted this book to be full of Medusa’s story as opposed to supported by a retelling of many myths at onde. While I recognise that Medusa’s story is both a part of many others as well as its own myth, I felt like there wasn’t enough of her. Perhaps I wished Haynes would have taken creative liberty to expand on the story; perhaps I wished I’d have a better opportunity to learn and love the other women and their plights.

I was incredibly emotional reading this and I hurt for Medusa and her sisters. I hurt for the plight of all women who endured the wrath and greed of men and, in (emotional) self-defence, turned on other women. What a tragedy it is to exist for men who hate their own creations.

Thank you Natalie Haynes, Pan Macmillan, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

I love the story of Medusa, any Greek myth I’m obsessed with but more so Medusa. Beautiful lyrical writing and I loved every minute of it

Stone Blind is a retelling and a fresh take on the myth of Medusa. Medusa is the youngest of the Gorgon sisters and the only mortal in her family. After the sea god Poseidon assaults her in Athene's temple, Medusa is transformed and cursed by Athene for what Poseidon had done in her sacred space. The story was interesting and gave insight into Medusa, her family and upbringing. It played well to the original concept of blaming the victim for a crime perpetrated against them and the consequences thereof. I enjoyed the read, not as much as her previous novel "A Thousand Ships", but would still definitely recommend it.

I love any retelling of the Greek Myths and could not wait to read this title; I have read Natalie Haynes before and enjoy her writing very much - this title did not disappoint!

I was expecting a story about Medusa, but it was so much more than that as it told mini stories about her young life, Perseus, Danae and so many of the other Greek gods which help develop her story. At first, this seems a little confusing, and maybe (as other reviewers have mentioned) makes the title a little misleading, but I felt it added to Medusa's story. Reading about her as a young girl and her relationship with her sisters was heartwarming and makes her fate even more bitter in my opinion. Medusa is so often portrayed as a monster, rather than the poor misaligned victim, that she should be seen as, and Haynes book goes someway to correcting that myth in a similar way to Jessie Burton's version of the 'Medusa' story.

I enjoyed the characterisation of Perseus, having recently read 'The Shadow of Perseus' by Claire Heywood, and felt that Haynes had developed a different version of our 'hero.'

The fickle, argumentative bickering of the gods is very amusing and enhances this read - though there is not a male god to like by the end of it! In Greek mythology, no-one's story can be told in isolation, and I think Haynes does a wonderful job of weaving together the multiple narratives in this novel to give a rounded picture of what life might have been like.

This is not really Medusa's story, but so much more! I satisfying read all round.

Stone Blind is the story of Medusa and other events that happened at the same time, such as the tale of Perseus, his childhood, Danaë, his mother and her imprisonment as well as Andromeda and her eventual sacrifice. There are many different little stories that all come together so satisfyingly perfectly at the end that I had to take a minute to marvel at Haynes’ genius brain.

I’ve seen a fair few reviews that have disliked the book due to it being marketed as being a story about Medusa which I do think is a fair point. It’s not something that bothered me at all because I really enjoyed reading all the other side stories but I can definitely understand why that would be disappointing for some readers who wanted to read more from Medusa’s point of view.

100000000% read this one if you like books on mythology and if Medusa has piqued your interest!!!

I find Natalie Haynes such a mixed author as some of her works i love and others, like this, i really struggle with. I liked the first 40% of this book but it just felt too much of a slow burn for me. I liked how they set up Medusa as a character and i appreciate this was a character study but it felt like it needed a bit more action in certain places. This had such good moments and i found what i liked was good, i just wish there were more like them in it.

3 2 3 Stone Blind
1 finally got round to reading this Instagram favourite and l'm so glad I did!
I can totally understand why it has so many great reviews, it's absolutely beautifully written.
We start with life before Medusa's famous snake-hair, how she grew up with the Gorgons and their sisterly love for each other. We also see Perseus' life from baby to young adult.
We read Medusa's horrific attack and how it affects her, and she is then unfairly punished for this (Gods and Goddesses have a lot to answer for) The pain alone is bad enough but she gradually works out that she will never be able to look at her beloved sisters again. We follow the story along as we know it will end, and it's heart-wrenching. We also hear from the snakes as they remain alive after Perseus shoved them into a sack.
An emotional and witty read which I really enjoyed.

This fell a bit flat for me. Mostly because I was expecting a story about Medusa and instead got a story about so many different people that I didn't really understand why the others were even in the story at all. It did tie together right at the end, but I don't feel like it was the best decision on the author's part. The gods in here also felt like spoilt little brats, which just got on my nerves to be honest! All in all, I just felt that there was too much going on in this one.

I adored this book and everything about it was perfect. I cried and laughed and loved. It was so special and I can’t wait to come back to this book for a second read.

Stone Blind was everything I wanted it to be. Natalie Haynes has taken an amazing character from Greek mythology and explored all characters involved in Medusa’s legend, allowing the reader to see her story from all angles.

The book is written beautifully and I adored the format too, which allowed me to get through the book easily.

Stone Blind fully rests in my favourites of this genre and cemented Natalie Haynes as an auto buy author for me.

Another incredible book by Natalie Haynes this time brining to life the myth of Medusa. Haynes manages to bring something new to these characters and craft the most incredible stories, she is the queen of Greek myth retellings