I, Medusa
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🐍 Greek Mythology 🔮 Fantasy 📖 Retelling
⏳ Coming of Age💧Emotional
Synopsis
We are introduced to a young child, Meddy (Medusa), who is the youngest of three sisters and acutely aware that she is the least desirable. She experiences all of the classic sensations that come with being the baby of the family, and is petrified of being left alone once her sisters marry. Never would she have expected to be the first to leave home; nor is she prepared for the reality and tragedies of the outside world. See the world in Medusa’s eyes, before she became the villainous monster we all know too well.
“There was a time when I might have believed that, the idea that someone else can give you purpose. I’m grateful now to know the truth, that the only person who can give me purpose is myself.”
Favorites
The first few pages include a glossary of names and places that are relevant to the story - making it sooo easy to go back and reference if I were uncertain of something that was mentioned. On top of this feature, Ayana did such an amazing job in describing each of the Gods and Goddesses, their powers, positions, and hierarchy, as well as the major cities. Not once, did I feel lost or confused as to what was going on or who was being described.
One thing I loved about this story was how relatable and emotional it was, despite all of the fantasy and mythical elements. Each feeling of anger, fear, anxiety, and desperation were all so well portrayed; it felt as though they were my own. I couldn't have imagined a well-known character like Medusa, who is recognized as such a villainous monster, to be depicted as such a defenseless and helpless young girl. It truly goes to show every coin has two sides.
One of the more heartbreaking pieces of her story is how considerate and giving she was. Without knowledge of her life experiences, one may expect the snake-headed Medusa to have been born rotten and evil at heart. This book proves quite the opposite - demonstrating just how cruel the world can be to a pure soul.
“I will never be helpless again. I will never be poiwerless again. I take up that new vow, armoring myself with it, as I start towards my sisters and my victims, my yellow eyes ablaze.”
ICKS
The only thing I was disappointed by was how rushed the end seemed to be. Once Meddy became a young adult, it seemed to flash forward through her experiences, causing her "change" to feel very sudden. We saw a glimpse of her love life and her visit back home, but these were quite brief in comparison to the rest. The book gave an amazing depiction of how Medusa came to be, though I almost wish we saw more of her evolution from kind child to vengeful adult.
“For the last few weeks in Athens, I have felt smart, strong, capable. In a matter of seconds, my father has made me feel small again.”
Final Thoughts
As one of the first Greek mythology retellings I've read, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Ayana Gray did an amazing job in making such a dark and hated character seem so loveable. I felt that I learned a lot from this book, not just about the mythology, but about myself, the way others may perceive me, and how independence can be so important. I adored this entire novel and am looking forward to more Greek mythology because of it! A HUGE thank you to Net Galley and Ayana Gray for this advanced reader copy!!
