Medusa has been living with her sisters on a secluded island, ever since her transformation into a snake-tressed girl, when Perseus docks his boat on her shore. Powerful, timely, and utterly inspiring, this is a retelling you won’t soon forget.In this haunting reimagining of the myth of Medusa and Perseus, Burton ( The Confession) positions the pair as teenagers swept up in the capricious gods’ machinations, struggling to defy the destinies thrust upon them. Burton reworks the classic tale to explore the many awful tragedies Medusa suffered, often at the hands of men. Medusa is one of the best mythological retellings I’ve read yet. Yet by the end of the story, Medusa has transformed into an inspiring, powerful woman who is a force to be reckoned with. Far from the monster that turns men to stone, Burton’s Medusa has a tender side with fears and uncertainty that give her character depth and nuance. Though fascinating, Greek Mythology often sidelines women or – especially in the case of Medusa – villainises them, so it was refreshing to revisit this age-old myth from a new perspective. While this is a YA book for mature readers aged 12+, the feminist themes and topics of sexual harassment and gender politics are relevant for adult readers too. Gill blends the fantastic, legendary elements of Greek myth with raw, evocative imagery to create utterly mesmerising illustrations that capture Medusa’s journey. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Something that sets Medusa apart from similar books is the stunning illustrations from Olivia Lomenech Gill, who previously worked on J.K.

With its stunning illustrations, Medusa is a unique addition to this popular sub-genre of YA historical fiction. With authors like Madeleine Miller and her bestselling Song of Achilles, it’s no wonder the genre has become so popular (especially with the help of TikTok). Retellings of Greek Mythology have taken the YA scene by storm recently. Illuminating the girl behind the legend, it brings alive the story of Medusa for a new generation.

But when a charmed, beautiful boy called Perseus arrives on the island, her lonely existence is disrupted with the force of a supernova, unleashing desire, love, and betrayal.įilled with glorious full-colour illustrations by award-winning illustrator Olivia Lomenech Gill, this astonishing retelling of Greek myth is perfect for readers of Circe and The Silence of the Girls.

A dazzling, feminist retelling of Greek myth from the internationally bestselling author of The Miniaturist, stunningly illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill.Įxiled to a far-flung island by the whims of the gods, Medusa has little company except for the snakes that adorn her head instead of hair.

Medusa by jessie burton