“They may call you what they like but that does not make you who you are.”
Nataly Gruender’s debut novel, Medusa, breathes new life into the myth of Medusa, transforming her from a mere monster into a complex, resilient character. This retelling remains true to the core elements of the myth while providing a fresh, and slightly feminist perspective.
The story begins with Medusa as the only mortal among the Gorgon sisters, destined by a prophecy to become a monster. The sisters’ journey from their secluded house on the beach to Athens marks the start of Medusa’s transformation. In the city, as a priestess of Athena, Medusa finds her true calling, but her life takes a tragic turn when Poseidon rapes her at Athena’s altar. And, unable to punish the god, Athena turns Medusa into a monster. Gruender skillfully navigates Medusa’s journey as she learns to live with her new form, finding companionship with Dionysus, a naiad, Echidna (and Cerberus), and eventually reconnecting with her sisters.
Gruender’s portrayal of Medusa as a tragic yet resilient character is both engaging and thought-provoking. The novel delves into Medusa’s inner world, exploring her motivations and the choices she makes with the prophecies she’s been given in mind. This depth of character adds a new dimension to the well-known myth, making Medusa more relatable and human.
The novel strikes a delicate balance between staying true to the myth and introducing new elements—like her friendship with Dionysus or the bond she shares with the naiad. Furthermore, Gruender’s interpretation of Athena as a pragmatic figure who makes decisions based on logic rather than empathy is particularly compelling and offers a more nuanced view of her actions.
While the prose is generally vivid and engaging, there are moments where it becomes lengthy, and certain aspects of the story could have been expanded upon. For instance, the romance between Medusa and the water nymph Naidah felt slightly underdeveloped and somewhat flat. Additionally, on some occasions, the dialogue also felt too modern and out of place compared to the narration style.
All in all, despite these minor flaws, Medusa is a compelling retelling of a classic myth. It’s a tender and inspiring exploration of what it means to be a monster and the power of resilience. It is a must-read for fans of Greek mythology authors like Madeline Miller, Jennifer Saint, and Natalie Haynes, and those looking for a refreshing tale of feminine rage, acceptance, and the complexities of power and ethics.
Medusa is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book retailers, like your local bookstore.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
An intimate look into the life of a legendary mythical villain who has so often been stripped of her voice and humanity in this debut novel, perfect for fans of Madeline Miller’s Circe and the works of Jennifer Saint.
You know how Medusa’s story ends, but you’ve never heard her tell her own story… until now.
The only mortal daughter of two sea gods, and a priestess of Athena, Medusa was a woman who thought she had found her place in the world. But when Medusa suffers a horrific violation at the hands of Poseidon, Athena is outraged over the desecration of her name and sends a message by transforming Medusa into the snake-haired monster of legend. With one look, any who meet her gaze is turned to stone. Word of her monstrosity travels fast, igniting a king’s fear so greatly that he commands the boy-hero Perseus to bring him her head. With a power that will spare no one, Medusa begins to wonder if this is a blessing or a curse. Medusa only knows that she must leave the city she has come to call home before she harms another soul.
Searching for a haven free from mortals, anger buoying her every step, Medusa journeys across ancient Greece. Her eyes are hidden beneath a blindfold, with nothing but the snakes for company. Through her travels, Medusa discovers solace and understanding in the mythical figures she stumbles upon: A debaucherous wine god, an alluring nymph, and a three-headed dog. But one cannot escape fate forever. As Perseus closes in, Medusa faces a choice: become the monster everyone expects her to be, or cling to the last piece of her humanity.
