This beautiful and authentic retelling of the story of Medusa has been expertly crafted.
For her novel I, Medusa, Ayana Gray has written such a colourful and thoughtful portrayal of the story of Medusa, highlighting the cruelty and unpredictability of the Olympian Gods – and the power and strength of rage that can change the course of a life.
The reader is introduced to Meddy, who lives on an island with her strict parents who are both minor gods and her immortal sisters. Soon she catches the attention of Athena who offers her the opportunity to become a priestess at her temple in Athens and flourishes as first acolyte and training as priestess, helping her to get a sense of purpose and power. However, things soon change when she is noticed by another God by the name of Poseidon – leading to terrible consequences that leave her with a terrible curse.
From start to finish, the author has crafted a sympathetic and humane portrayal of Medusa, highlighting her struggles to find herself and channel her anger at the actions of violent people towards those who are fragile and less able to help themselves. There is a real passion and vividness to the way in which Gray unfolds the story, making it an impossible read to put down.
Descriptively, it feels with every moment you are wondering the ancient world with Meddy, there has been real care with the way in which not a single word is wasted. Of course, there is some devastating themes that are covered in terms of sexual abuse and violence towards women but these are handled with great sensitivity as is themes of racism . Is it always comfortable to read? No but it is it packs a powerful punch nevertheless and has a great sense of purpose about it.
Despite the otherworldliness sense of many of the characters, there is something very human about them all whether a God, immortal or mortal that leaves you with plenty to think about in terms of abuse of power and standing up for what is right no matter what the personal cost is.
There is a wonderful fluidity to the way in which Gray has written, she has created a world that is easy to want to engage in to see what happens next – even if you are aware how it ends. She is able to ensure with great confidence that while the story might be set in an ancient world, the story has very much a modern day relevancy in regards to everything that is happening in the world at the moment.
Overall, I, Medusa is a compelling read offering a fresh and mainly sympathetic version of a character who has been villainised and made out to be a monster. Here, you ask yourself who is the real monster?
By Emma Clarendon
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I, Medusa is available to buy now.