Medusa's Sisters
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A vivid and moving reimagining of the myth of Medusa and the sisters who loved her. “A gorgeously crafted retelling of Greek mythology, Medusa’s Sisters is a celebration of the many faces love can wear.” —BookPage (starred review) "Perfect for fans of Circe, this is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. Prepare to be enthralled!”—Stephanie Marie Thornton, USA Today bestselling author of Her Lost Words *A BookPage Best Book of 2023: Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror* The end of the story is only the beginning… Even before they were transformed into Gorgons, Medusa, Stheno, and Euryale were unique among their immortal family. Curious about mortals and their lives, Medusa and her sisters entered the human world in search of a place to belong, yet quickly found themselves at the perilous center of a dangerous Olympian rivalry and learned—too late—that a god's love is a violent one. Forgotten by history and diminished by poets, the other two Gorgons have never been more than horrifying hags, damned and doomed. But they were sisters first, and their journey from lowly sea-born origins to the outskirts of the pantheon is a journey that rests, hidden, underneath their scales. Monsters, but not monstrous, Stheno and Euryale will step into the light for the first time to tell the story of how all three sisters lived and were changed by each other, as they struggle against the inherent conflict between sisterhood and individuality, myth and truth, vengeance and peace.
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Absolutely mesmerising, a debut to watch and follow. Bear creates a compelling interwoven tapestry of sisterhood, familiar tales, differing perspectives and absolute heartache. I have been blown away. The Greek mythology realm has reams of tales about Medusa, and some of my favourite feminist reads showcase the inequality and unfairness between Athena/ Atheni's jealousy and temper to the innocence of Medusa, a mere mortal. Adapting the tale to showcase those affected by the tragedy and destruction opens doorways in so many ways.
Greek Goodness
Greek Mythology remains an enduring favorite in my literary repertoire. Whether it's the allure of its historical underpinnings or the sheer pleasure of indulging in its timeless narratives, I find myself actively seeking out at least a couple of works from this genre every year. Lauren J.A. Bear's “Medusa's Sisters” transports readers into the gripping world of Greek mythology, unveiling the haunting tale of Stheno and Euryale, the sisters of the infamous Medusa. Presented in a stunning hardcover edition, the book meticulously traces their journey from birth to Medusa's tragic end and beyond, offering a visceral narrative that delves into the often overlooked sufferings of women in these ancient tales.
While the story maintains fidelity to the source material, the stark portrayal of female struggles can be unsettling for some, warranting a cautionary check for sensitive readers. Bear's intricate storytelling craftsmanship is undeniable, yet the pacing intermittently falters, causing the narrative to lose momentum, particularly in the first half. A need for tighter editing is apparent to streamline the plot's progression.
One notable critique pertains to the blending of fantastical elements with historical realities, at times rendering the narrative more akin to a young adult fantasy than an authentic portrayal of the sisters' relationships. The historical backdrop, though evoked, lacks substantial depth, contributing to an overall impression of a less mature environment. Despite this minor flaw, “Medusa's Sisters” remains a commendable addition to the canon of Medusa's retellings, offering an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of ancient myth and female resilience.
