Stone Blind: A Novel By Natalie Haynes

Stone Blind, the latest work by Natalie Haynes, offers a fresh and perceptive perspective on the myth of Medusa, the original monstered woman. The youngest of the Gorgon sisters, Medusa's mortal existence sets her apart from her divine family, granting her a unique perspective on life's transience.

When the sea god Poseidon violates Medusa in Athene's temple, the enraged goddess takes revenge not on the perpetrator but on the victim. Athene curses Medusa, transforming her into the iconic figure we know—a woman with snakes for hair and a gaze that turns living beings to stone. This curse becomes a lonely and burdensome existence for Medusa, as she grapples with the power to destroy everything she loves with a single look.

Stone Blind delves into the origins of this myth, challenging the traditional narrative that blames, punishes, and monsters a woman for the actions of a powerful man. Natalie Haynes breathes life into Medusa's story, infusing it with empathy and nuance. The novel explores the complexities of Medusa's character, offering a timely retelling that resonates with contemporary issues surrounding power dynamics and the treatment of survivors.

In this masterful work, Haynes combines her classical expertise with fierce wit, revitalizing a legendary tale and providing a thought-provoking commentary on the enduring relevance of Medusa's story in today's world.

Stone Blind invites readers to reconsider and empathize with a character whose narrative has long been overshadowed by mythic stereotypes. 📚❤️