Rosie Hewlett has written a compelling and enthralling take on the story of Medea – a woman who makes terrible decisions based on love.
Filled with magic, revenge, love and a distinct feminist twist, there is no doubting that Rosie Hewlett has created a captivating take on Medea’s story.
Taking readers from her childhood and discovery of her magical gifts, through to her love affair with Jason and beyond, there is no doubting that while Medea is as flawed as ever through her choices, this is a story that gives more insight into why she acts the way she does – even though that does not fully absolve her of her decisions.
Through her writing, while Hewlett has kept to the style of Ancient Greece there is distinct feminist feel to it as well but in a subtle way that doesn’t diminish from Medea’s story. The main focus is on Medea’s relationship with the men in her life – from the horrific abuse she suffered at the hands of her father King Aeetes and brother Absyrtus to the manipulation and gaslighting she suffers at the hands of Jason there is a lot of pain and anger that lies at the core of Medea’s story that makes a powerful impact on the reader her.
But it is also her relationships with her Aunt Circe and Atlanta that form an important part of her story: Circe teaching her about her power and using it in a positive manner, while Atlanta tries to teach her about using her inner strength and not to be beholden any man. Sadly, as many of us already know there is a darkness and pain in Medea that unfolds to tragic consequences and even though you know the outcome of the story you find yourself hoping for a better ending for her.
Through her writing, Hewlett has provided plenty of drama, passion and fieriness that keeps the reader enthralled from start to finish. You really get a deep understanding for Mead’s though processes and why she thought the actions she carries out were the only choice. This is not a book that seeks to redeem her as a character, but rather to show her story from a different perspective and shows how her lack of understanding of love contributed to her actions – particularly in the climax of the book.
Every chapter has been written with sharpness and insight that it is difficult to put the book down. It is a breathless journey filled with plenty of twists and turns along the way as well as great character development that feels authentic to the original story.
To say much more about how the story unfolds would spoil just how thrilling this book is. The writing is filled with extraordinary detail and it is difficult not to feel emotionally engaged with it. Hewlett manages to convey just how complex Medea as a character is while also questioning is she really the main villain or was she made that way due to her circumstances and who she put her trust in, breaking her spirit and transforming her personality.
As a book, Medea once again highlights just how relevant Greek stories of this kind are -and how much we as humans can take away from them. It is enthralling, smoothly written and compelling to read from start to finish.
By Emma Clarendon
Medea is available to buy now.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐