Stone Blind forces us to stare into Medusa’s eyes and confront the stories that we have been told through a different lens, at points making us wish to be ‘monsters’.

Natalie Haynes’ novel Stone Blind is a disturbingly devastating read with a suspense that never seems to end. Haynes’ most recent novel adds to their growing reputation for writing feministic mythological novels. This time however, Stone Blind focuses on one of the most well known ‘monsters’ throughout history - the story of Medusa. We all know of Medusa, but her origin story is one that is often unknown or forgotten. Stone Blind is the origin story of Medusa and follows her on her devastating journey to become the snake haired gorgon. The book doesn’t just stop there though, it also dives into what happens after Medusa becomes a ‘monster’.

This feminist retelling has left me feeling saddened, which is in itself a result of Haynes’ incredible talent. The truth is, if you’re looking to pick up a copy of Stone Blind as a bit of fun, light reading, this isn’t the book for you. It is a difficult read with traumatic scenes that insinuate rape and sexual assault. I have to say, each page had me feeling more and more frustrated. I went into this knowing Medusa’s origin story, so I did expect an emotional read. Haynes cleverly forges a connection between our modern world and the mythological one - making this an even more daunting read. The differences between our world and that of myth may seem large, but Stone Blind focuses on the similarities between the two by diverting our gaze to Medusa.

However, the novel does not only focus on Medusa. Medusa and all the other women featured in the novel are living in an escapable world where they either fear the men in their lives, or live under their shadows. While the actions of the men around them go unpunished, the women in the novel bear the brutal and barbaric consequences for the men and their decisions. The switching of perspectives throughout the novel were difficult for me to come to terms with at first. I was very much set on reading a novel about Medusa, and I must admit that if I were to give one criticism of Stone Blind, it is that I wish it focused more on Medusa’s story. That being said, I do understand that Haynes was forming a solidarity amongst women by showing that although all the women in the story were born into very different lives, even goddesses found themselves losing to sexism and inner misogyny.

I can’t write this review without mentioning Stheno and Euryale, Medusa’s immortal gorgon sisters. The love between the sisters is beautiful and brings some temporary relief from the dark themes embedded in the story. The narrator’s sarcastic humour is also a relief from the darkness at times, and the revealing of the narrator’s identity toward the end made me appreciate the storytelling even more. Haynes’ including a domestic setting between Medusa and her sisters intensifies the novel with the impending fate of Medusa. Their island life may appear solitary due to the fear that the humans have of them, but this only brings comfort to the sisters and strengthens their love for one another. There is an unexpected safety that comes with being deemed a ‘monster’. Something that Haynes loves to explore thoroughly in the novel.

Overall, Haynes does well to portray the anguish and frustration that women feel. But also the constant fear and lack of feeling safe. Although Stone Blind is a gut wrenching and fearful read, it is a thought provoking and necessary one that highlights the seemingly impossible escape that women face daily and have done forever. However, as mentioned before, I would have liked more of a focus on Medusa. That being said, Haynes does well to bring perspective to Medusa’s famous tale, by perceiving Perseus as a useless and scared fool, and also by highlighting Athene’s own struggle with the patriarchy and her conditioning to abide by it.

I highly recommend this book to fans of Ariadne and Elektra by Jennifer Saint, and also for fans of Pat Barker’s The Silence of the Girls and The Women of Troy. However, I think most fans of Greek mythological retellings will want to get their hands on this novel.

Once again Natalie Haynes has retold Greek mythology in a way that feels new and makes for a compelling novel. 'Stone Blind' is the story of snake-haired Medusa, and of the myths that link to her own. It is told from multiple viewpoints, made clear by chapter headings. Medusa is given a very sympathetic treatment in this version and the hero Perseus is portrayed as anything but. Having read the novel it's hard to think of the characters in any way other than the one Haynes has chosen, so convincing and readable is her style.

As I know very little about the Greek myths apart from little snippets - I had heard of Medusa and knew about the snake hair and stone-turning gaze, but nothing more than that - I could read with an open mind and didn't know how the story would conclude. I guess readers who are very familiar with mythology might have a different reaction to the retelling, so I can only review from the perspective of someone without that prior knowledge.

The cast of characters is well written and covers a good range. Medusa and are sisters and likeable and sympathetic, Perseus is contemptible, and the omnipotent narrator is often funny. Maybe the most interesting portrayal is the goddess Athene. Generally gods in these myths seem just like humans with extra powers, but Athene really does come across as a different being. She is also unintentionally very funny in a lot of what she says and the way she reacts to situations, even if it is in a faintly horrifying way. She's not a likeable character, but I really enjoyed all her appearances on the page.

I have probably enjoyed this most of all Haynes novels so far (and I did enjoy the others too). It feels fresher and more original - if you can say that of a book based on stories that have been around for two thousand years and more. It's well written, easy to read, and bowls along at a good pace from start to finish. I think whatever your views on the original mythology, there is a good chance most readers would enjoy this version.

I have thoughts… many, many thoughts and they’re not all good I’m afraid. But as any good teacher knows, when you need to deliver bad news you do it in a sh*t sandwich. So here we go…

I really loved the small intermit moments that showed how Medusa came to be. How her sisters went against everything they were to raise a mortal child. It was a story I wanted to read more of. Unfortunately that story did not continue.

There was so much promise here and I think that’s why I’m THIS level of disappointed (imagine I’m indicating to a large amount with my hands here). There were too many stories trying to be told, too many voices, too many things that had nothing to do with Medusa. I understand you needed some background work but keeping to Medusa, Athene and Perseus would have been enough. It was confused… like the author had dropped 4 manuscripts on the floor and kinda pieces them back together without making sure it was im the right order. I can’t even tell you the plot because I’m not sure 50% of the book had one.

Saying all that, I need the other slice of bread to this sandwich so I guess it was also very well written (if not overly complicated and confused). But yes, a collection of well written mini stories not about Medusa.

Overall, I think the hype and the blurb did this book a disservice. It wasn’t what I was promised, and it’s not Medusa’s story. But that’s just my opinion. Maybe knowing this going into the book you’ll be able yo enjoy it more than I did.

Medusa is a Gorgon, but unlike her two immortal sisters Sthenno and Euryale, she's a mere mortal girl. During a visit to Athena's temple, she's raped by the sea god Poseidon. The goddess takes her revenge afterwards by cursing Medusa with snake hair like her sisters and a deadly stare. Anyone who looks at her turns to stone. Meanwhile, Perseus, son of the supreme god Zeus and the mortal Danae, must go on a quest to save his mother from a forced marriage. His mission? The head of a Gorgon.

There's no one who can tell more enthusiastically about Greek myths than Nathalie Haynes in the press, podcasts or her non fiction books. This enthusiasm can also be found in her novels. Stone blind is an absolute gem!

Stone blind tells Medusa,'s story, but it isn't the story you're familiar with. In this book everything is turned upside down. Gorgons are not monsters with snake heads and Perseus is not the hero of the day, but a stupid boy who can achieve nothing without help from the Gods.

And those Gods, perhaps even more than Medusa, play the leading role. Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hermes, Athena... They watch over the humans and play with them. There's a lot of humour in the chapters of the Gods, but also quite a bit of drama. They are always fighting each other or cursing mortals.

Just as in 'A thousand ships', the chapters are told alternately from many perspectives. Medusa, Athena, Perseus and Andromeda pass by frequently, but Haynes chooses so many different characters who all contribute to the story in their own right. This is storytelling in its purest form. I did like the chapters of Medusa and her sisters the most and disliked Perseus off course . I hadn't heard about Cassiope or her daughter Andromeda before, so this was a new story to me. It all falls nicely into place at the end of the book.

No matter how good the books of Madeline Miller, Pat Barker or Jennifer Saint, Nathalie Haynes is the true queen of Greek myth retellings. I hope there will be another book soon and in the meantime I must make time for 'the children of Jocasta'.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of Stone Blind.

I really enjoy Natalie Haynes writing and in Stone Blind her normally wry humour carries a real edge - and no wonder, any tale involving the Gods wreaking their boredom, revenge, lust, lustful revenge on mere mortals is bound to raise an eyebrow or two. Their vanity, carelessness with mortal life and bodies, doesn’t really always reflect well upon them and so is the case here.

Haynes succeeds in bringing to life the tragedy of the creation of Medusa, for some slight for which she’s not even to blame. The story of her life until she is blinded is touching and you feel the tragedy of her being blinded, so much more. Medusa - and her sisters - are made real.

The main men are often weak, petty and pretty useless, step forward Zeus (anything for a quiet life), Hermes (so annoying) and Perseus….erm, mortal son of Zeus, loves his mum, pretty useless hero becomes a mortal monster. Even the worst of the women look good next to these guys.

At times, I found the story unfolded less than smoothly and I wasn’t always sure how it was tying together but tie together it does. There is a certain amount of back and forth in time which adds to the confusion but actually, given that a century feels like an hour to the Gods, it’s really not worth fretting over, go with the flow and it all comes good in the end. Well, I say good…it’s not exactly a story with a happy ending for many of the characters and I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that Medusa in particular, doesn’t have the happiest of endings.

Unless you are really up on your mythology, it’s not always easy to tell when Haynes blends ‘fact’ with fiction. Yes, of course the Gods are not a fact in that sense but there are collected stories that largely make up a known narrative and as always Haynes makes use of the fact that nothing should get in the way of a good story. She did this with good effect in The Children of Jocasta, and makes good use of it here too.

This is a great story told from a different point of view to that which we are used to - instead of Medusa being a monster, she is revealed as far from it. We hear her side of herstory, instead of the men who toy with her or hunt her. And it’s a great story, even after she is hunted.

If you have any interest in Greek mythology, this is a must read.

Who decides who and what a monster is? Stone Blind took me about 20 pages to get really get invested but once I got past that, I was completely hooked and read the remainder in one sitting.

Stone Blind follows the story of Medusa, from being a baby abandoned to her sisters all the way to the end we all (think) we know. Other gods and goddesses make appearances throughout the story and help to weave a broader narrative and set the tone of what is to follow.

Themes of sisterhood, family and obligation are beautifully crafted in this novel as well as a very strong feminist lens on what happened and how we should look more critically at the stories we have been told (and why we have been told only those stories).

If you're at all interested in mythology and have been looking for a novel that can sweep you away but also make you question your history/classics lessons then this one is for you.

My obsession with retellings of Greek mythology continues! I loved Haynes's A Thousand Ships, and have listened to her podcast more than I care to admit, so when I found out she was doing Medusa's story, I was so excited!

Despite the 'Medusa's story' on the cover, she doesn't get much of a say, which is a shame. I like the multiple POVs, I like how the inevitable murder of Medusa is framed in a much bigger context, but ultimately I feel like Medusa becomes a bit of a side character in her own story.

I would have loved a vengeful Medusa, but instead it is a broken Medusa this story portrays, but it feels right for this story. Her nature is one of compassion instead of vengeance.

Other bits I liked:
- Hera. I never used to like her, but in the many retellings I've read this year, she always has a dry, sarcastic wit, and most of my highlights in this book is Hera.
- The commentary on what makes a monster, and who decides who is a monster. Beautifully written.
- Athene. Or rather, seeing Athene portrayed as the misogynistic goddess she is. She does not come out of this story well.
- Taking Perseus's status as a hero, and making him a petulant teenager who can't do anything right by himself. I love to hate him.

I wasn't as captivated by this book as I had hoped, but I was also dealing with a reading slump, so that might have had something to say.

I do love Haynes's writing, it is witty when it needs to be, and sincere and somber when the story calls for it. Will definitely continue to read and listen to what she writes!

Thank you @netgalley for the eARC! The book is out september 2022.

DNF @ 30%

I was desperate to get my hands on a Medusa story, but despite the title, blurb and cover image this is the story of all the Greek gods.

Haynes tells but does not show. The writing is simple and no character is focused on long enough to make me care for them.

I have this very deep-seated urge to read every mythological retelling I can get my hands on, especially the ones taking a closer and more modern look at the women of ancient tales that are often forgotten. Medusa is a prime example of one such woman - all I knew about her when growing up and learning about Greek mythology is that she was a monster, slain by the great hero Perseus. That she is so much more than that, and that her story is a lot more tragic and cruel than one might think at first glance, is something I found out much later when I delved deeper into the myths and their various interpretations. Obviously, I was very excited to read Haynes' take on Medusa, and I've enjoyed the author's previous retellings a lot.

"Stone Blind" is, though, not entirely focused on Medusa at all. Even more so, it's Athene's story with her perspective being the dominant one especially in the first half of the book. There are a lot of povs, and while they are all connected to Medusa in some ways, they rarely focus entirely on her. That does lead to Medusa, as a character, not being as rich and deep as she could have been portrayed, but it fits with the overall way the story is told. This is not a character study, it focuses more on all the circumstances that lead to Medusa's death and shines a light on a very different, much more critically viewed version of Perseus. I really quite loved it. I do admit I was at first a little disappointed at the lack of Medusa because the description of the book very much makes it out to be, well, a book about Medusa, and I would have loved more focus on her. But for what it is - a loose retelling of Perseus' "hero" tale focusing on the women in his story - it's very good.

The writing is gorgeous and the story is masterfully crafted, at no point was I bored or confused by the multitude of characters. The pacing is perfect, the ending absolutely spectacular. This really is a great book - just don't go into it expecting a story solely focused on Medusa.

4.5 stars

After being disappointed by the last Greek mythology retelling I read, I was nervous going into this one, but it reaffirmed my love for Greek mythology stories! It told the origin story of Medusa in such a unique way, forcing the reader to question who the true villain is of that myth. It doesn't focus exclusively on Medusa, which I was a little confused about at first, but by the end I saw that it could not have been done any other way, because all of these myths and stories hinge upon the outcomes of other myths and stories. It was emotional and devastating, but there was also a lot of humour with the perspective of the narrator, whose identity you don't find out until right near the end, which I thought was a great storytelling choice.

This was my first Natalie Haynes book, but it certainly won't be my last!

Stone Blind is a beautifully written, multilayered story. Medusa’s, yes, but Hera, Athene, Euryale, Sthenno, Danaë, Andromeda, Nereids and even snakes and olive groves all have their say, too.

Medusa is the only mortal in her family and lacks the strength, size, tusks, and immortality of her Gorgon sisters, Euryale and Sthenno, who grow protective of her. When Poseidon commits an unforgivable crime against Medusa in Athene’s temple, it is Medusa who pays the price and is cursed by a vengeful Athene to have snakes grow from her head and a lethal gaze that turns whatever living thing she sees to stone.

Later, the callous and selfish Perseus is tasked with killing a Gorgon and returning with its head - all to save his mother the inconvenience of marrying a king. Who is really the monster of this story? A young girl, harmed unjustly twice, or the man who plots to murder her, thinking nothing of her life and driven by the desire to use her body as a trophy?

We all know how the myth ends, but Haynes reframes the patriarchal narratives of Greek mythology. The traditional hero of the story - Perseus - is thoughtless, inept and bloodthirsty, only succeeding through the machinations of Zeus, Athene and Hermes. Athene, goddess of wisdom, is cold and ultimately lonely, while Poseidon and Zeus are the definition of toxic masculinity.

I loved Haynes’ writing, use of multiple points of view and the fact she makes her reader reflect on their ideas of good and evil. History is written by the victors but in Stone Blind Haynes invites us to consider whether the victors are actually heroes after all.

Stone Blind is out on September 15th. Thank you to Netgalley and Mantle for the e-arc.

Stone Blind is one of my 2022 highly anticipated books and I was ecstatic when I was kindly given a proof copy. Thank you @mantlepressbooks
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This is suppose to be Medusas story but it wasn’t fully focused on Medusa, she sadly takes back stage, but in my review I want the Gorgons to take centre stage because they were the heart and soul of this book. I felt most compelled when reading about Medusa and her sisters. I absolutely loved the bond between the them. Stheno and Euryale are written so beautifully, despite being known as monstrous creatures, this author transformed them into endearing and intriguing characters that absolutely needed more page time, I don’t know why they weren’t uniquely explored more. I loved Medusa with and without her heart, seeing her grow protectively under her sisters nurturing wings melted my heart and the devastating aftermath of Medusa being cruelly targeted and then cursed was heartbreaking.
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For me the rest of the characters didn’t feel compelling enough, Athena has a big part in this book and I would have liked her character to have been more mesmerising. The Gods are infuriating bickering fools that often get bored and inflict horrible acts. We were told often how bored they were which bored me!! The hero is just as foolish and annoying as the Gods, which was motivated for this feminism twist in these traditional Greek myths.
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There’s so many narratives and POV’s to get your head around, I literally felt as though i had a full head of snakes all hissing at me constantly while trying to read. Not problematic but messy. It’s so easily confusing, how jumpy the perspectives and narratives are, eventually it all does intertwine, with a bitter sweet ending.

Unfortunately I had to DNF this book at 20%. I was so excited to read it and it was one of my most anticipated releases for this year. However, I’m really struggling to read it. I like the writing, but there’s way too many characters and it’s very confusing. I also thought it was Medusa’s story, but it focuses on a lot of different characters. I read all of part one and feel like hardly any of it was actually about Medusa. It might all join together and become relevant to the story of Medusa, however I can’t keep reading as unfortunately this book just isn’t for me. I’m rating this DNF 2 stars because the writing is good, it’s just way too confusing for me.

From the cinematic sweep of the opening to the invitation to share the terror and flight of a character, this book states its intentions clearly. The reader will need empathy and be prepared to share a span of emotions. There will be grief and pain.
However, that is the point where the skill and humour of the author kicks in, using the technique of multiple POVs the story of a ‘hero’ winning his prizes becomes one of cost. What has to be paid as the price of these enduring myths to the participants, willing or otherwise?
Drawing upon a lifetime’s devotion, Haynes the classicist offers us a mirror to view the many strands of Greek Myth with an emphasis on highlighting the wealth of female characters so often marginalised or overlooked. The writer draws upon her knowledge to revive stories that have been forgotten or altered in years of telling, providing at times such description to encourage the reader to visualise the scene, the heat of Helios on the skin, the laughter of the Hesperides in the ear. Her style is engaging, this book is a fitting return to fiction after ‘A Thousand Ships’ and must cement the author’s growing reputation.
There seems one important thing to remember about the Gods, that whilst power and immortality might sound alluring, they have never and will never find love or truly receive it. That is humanity’s special unique gift.
I have been on a difficult journey here, laughed, cried but I shall be happy to do it all over again. I didn’t want the book to end, it’s a keeper, definitely.
“He didn’t need to be brave to kill her while she slept.”

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

I was, I am the daughter of a sea god, and even though I was fated to die, I was hardly an ordinary mortal, was I? I had wings, for a start. Do you have wings? No, I didn’t think so. Here’s something else I have: the ability to retain my memories, my faculties, even after death. I really wasn’t like other girls.”

Wonderful! Initially I was disappointed that the story didn’t focus on Medusa exclusively but by the end, I couldn’t see how it could have been done without the cast of characters- the Greek Gods and Demi-gods. The story is told with such humour- I loved all the different points of view from the snakes on Medusa’s head to the head itself. And I loved that Medusa was solely the victim and Perseus was a complete twit!

Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

Summary: A retelling of the story of Perseus and Medusa. A story we think we all know but have we ever really considered who the monsters are…
Thoughts: Loved this from the moment I picked it up. I mean, I’m a fan of Greek mythology and of retellings but this one hit all the right notes and really made me think. I feel like I know the story back to front but suddenly considering Medusa as a character rather than an evil for someone to destroy has made me reevaluate everything I thought about it. An instant classic and a story I will reread again and again. It’s written so well and so engagingly even with all the interweaving stories and complicated names. I thought all the different points of views and voices throughout gave it such depth and humanity.
Recommend this whole-heartedly!!

Stone Blind is the story of the Gorgon Medusa, loved by her sisters but wronged by the Gods and branded a monster by the mortals. There are several POVs in this book, but Haynes manages to keep them distinct enough that it isn't hard to follow. The mythology is weaved through masterful storytelling to give a familiar story a new edge. Plus, that cover is stunning!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 23%

I was really excited for this one, I enjoy mythology but I have barely read about Medusa!

I might be in the minority here as many poeple have enjoyed it or loved it. Unfortunately, not all books are for all readers.

This book focuses on too many people and little about Medusa. Having so many POV doesn't make the story easier or interesting, on the contrary. It is a mess. Once you are into someone's story, it suddenly changes to another character and you lose track.

There are a few trigger warnings so please do your research accordingly.

Thank you for my arc in exchange for an honest review.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this eArc!

My all-time favourite genre of books to read is mythology, and so I just had to read this one too! There are many iterations of Medusa’s myth, and this was a great one. I highly recommend this to anyone with an interest in Greek mythology!

A stunning and evocative read, a perfect addition to the recent trend of retellings. A new favourite for sure