Stone Blind is a novel by Natalie Haynes, published in 2022. Natalie Haynes is a British author and classicist known for her Greek mythology retellings.
I’m a big fan of books about Ancient Greece and I’ve read a few of Natalie Haynes previous novels, including The Children of Jocasta and A Thousand Ships.
I was therefore excited to read Stone Blind, especially when I saw it had been longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. I knew the tale of Medusa but I was interested to see the spin Natalie Haynes would put on it.
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Plot
Stone Blinds tells the story of Medusa, the only mortal among her family of gods, the Gorgon sisters. Unlike her immortal siblings, Medusa ages, experiences change, and feels weakness.
When the sea god Poseidon assaults Medusa in the temple of the goddess Athene. Athene, angered by the violation, seeks revenge against Medusa instead of Poseidon. As a result, Medusa is cursed and transformed. Her hair turns into writhing snakes, and her gaze can turn any living creature to stone.
With the power to destroy with a single look, Medusa lives a solitary life. However, her fate changes when Perseus embarks on a quest to obtain the head of a Gorgon.
Stone Blind Book Review
I really enjoyed this book. I’d definitely say it’s my favourite of all the Natalie Haynes books I have read.
I always enjoy how Natalie Haynes combines a classic tale with a modern voice. That voice was so powerful in Stone Blind and the feminist rage and biting wit was so compelling to read. I loved how the author reduced Perseus to an inept, cowardly fool while bringing nuance and humanity to Medusa and The Gorgons.
As with so many classic tales, the female victim is blamed and punished for the actions of a man. I felt the rage was so entirely justified. I loved the descriptions of Perseus and how he became a figure to ridicule not admire.
The story had Hayne’s trademark wit and sarcasm and the switch from humour to sadness was expertly done. It was heartbreakingly unjust to read how the innocent Medusa was villainised while the man who killed her (in the most cowardly fashion) was deemed a hero. Not to mention the actions of Poseidon and Athene. It perfectly highlighted that it wasn’t Medusa who was the monster after all.
It’s worth noting this isn’t Medusa’s story alone. There is a lot of changes in perspectives and the story focuses heavily on the interactions of the gods. I would perhaps have preferred a bit more Medusa however these seemingly external factors did all influence her fate.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was witty and compelling and I loved the modern feminist voice. It’s easy to see why it was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023. It was definitely my favourite Natalie Haynes book.
What should I read after Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes?
I’d definitely recommend reading more of Natalie Haynes other books, especially The Children of Jocasta and A Thousand Ships.
If you’re interested in other Greek mythology retellings I’d recommend The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller and The Silence of the Girl by Pat Barker.
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