Medusa is a young adult novel by Jessie Burton, published in 2021. The novel is a reimagining of the Greek myth, focusing on the perspective of Medusa herself.
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Book Blurb
Exiled to a far-flung island after being abused by powerful Gods, Medusa has little company other than the snakes that adorn her head instead of hair.
Haunted by the memories of a life before everything was stolen from her, she has no choice but to make peace with her present: Medusa the Monster.
But when the charmed and beautiful Perseus arrives on the island, her lonely existence is blown apart, unleashing desire, love… and betrayal.
Medusa Book Review
I really enjoyed this book. I don’t read a huge amount of young adult fiction but I’m so glad I made an exception for this one.
It might not be a long read, but it’s packed with emotion. My heart ached for Medusa, who longed for company beyond her sisters. She’s portrayed similarly to how she is in the first half of Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes. She’s not a monster, she’s just an innocent girl unfairly punished for the crimes of others.
Jessie Burton’s writing is beautifully poetic. Medusa’s thoughts are a mix of vulnerability and strength, and her moments with Perseus are both tense and surprisingly tender. It’s definitely a story that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about the myth.
Medusa isn’t just a feminist retelling of the classic story – it’s a reimagining. Therefore the story that has been told so many times gets flipped on it’s head. I don’t want to include any spoilers but I found the ending really satisfying.
Award/Accolades
Medusa by Jessie Burton was shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing and was praised for its imaginative storytelling and powerful reimagining of classical mythology.
Has Jessie Burton written any other novels?
Jessie Burton has written several other novels. I have a complete list of Jessie Burton books in order if you’re interested in finding out more.
What to read next
If you enjoyed Medusa, you may also be interested in other novels by Jessie Burton, such as The Muse and The Confession. If it’s the mythology aspect you’re interested in, Natalie Haynes’ novel, Stone Blind, also offers an alternate perspective of Medusa’s story.
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