Stone Blind

Longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2023.

The Plot

In Stone Blind, Natalie Haynes reimagines the ancient myth of Medusa, a young woman caught in the tumult of divine machinations and personal tragedy. Medusa, the only mortal among her Gorgon sisters, experiences the harsh reality of being both revered and reviled. Her life takes a harrowing turn when Poseidon assaults her in Athena's sacred temple, leading to a cruel twist of fate where the goddess punishes Medusa instead.

Transformed into a creature with snakes for hair and a deadly gaze, Medusa is forced to confront her new identity and the societal perceptions of monstrosity. As she grapples with her curse, the narrative delves into themes of power, victimhood, and the struggle for agency amidst overwhelming circumstances. Haynes deftly explores the complexities of sisterhood and the bonds that tie Medusa to her Gorgon sisters, even as she tries to shield them from the fallout of her own transformation.

Themes

• Identity and Transformation: The journey of self-discovery amid external changes.
• Feminine Strength: The resilience of women in the face of patriarchal oppression.
• Societal Perceptions: The exploration of how society defines and judges individuals.

"A poignant retelling of a classic myth, drawing forth the humanity behind the monstrous."

Readers who appreciate reimagined myths, such as Madeline Miller's Circe or Pat Barker's The Silence of the Girls, will find resonance in Haynes' lyrical prose and profound character exploration in Stone Blind.