A dazzling, feminist retelling of Greek myth from the internationally bestselling author of The Miniaturist, stunningly illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill.
Exiled 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. 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.
Filled 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. Illuminating the girl behind the legend, it brings alive the story of Medusa for a new generation.
Retellings of Greek Mythology have taken the YA scene by storm recently. 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). With its stunning illustrations, Medusa is a unique addition to this popular sub-genre of YA historical fiction.
Something that sets Medusa apart from similar books is the stunning illustrations from Olivia Lomenech Gill, who previously worked on J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Gill blends the fantastic, legendary elements of Greek myth with raw, evocative imagery to create utterly mesmerising illustrations that capture Medusa’s journey.
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. 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. 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. Yet by the end of the story, Medusa has transformed into an inspiring, powerful woman who is a force to be reckoned with.
Medusa is one of the best mythological retellings I’ve read yet. Burton reworks the classic tale to explore the many awful tragedies Medusa suffered, often at the hands of men. Powerful, timely, and utterly inspiring, this is a retelling you won’t soon forget.
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