Ayana Gray is best known for her young adult fantasy series, Beast of Prey, and I, Medusa is her debut adult novel.
I, Medusa is a tragic villain origin story that reimagines the Greco-Roman mythological mortal Medusa caught between two ruthless immortal gods. Gray’s retelling sticks closely to Ovid’s interpretation of Medusa in Metamorphosis as a victim, not a villain.
My son was a mythology enthusiast and as a young reader, he devoured the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. We rewatched the movie Percy Jackson & the Olympians: Lightning Thief over and over again, so in my mind’s eye, Medusa looked like Uma Thurman.
Gray’s Medusa is black and known for her beautiful locs. She catches Poseidon’s eye and is used by him and her family to further their own goals. Her beauty will be used against her as punishment when her locs are turned into hissing snakes.
This is a feminist retelling. Medusa’s story is full of rage, the brutal treatment of women, including sexual violence, and victim-blaming. Medusa will reclaim her power and seek vengeance on the men and gods who wronged her.
“I’m grateful now to know the truth, that the only person who can give me purpose is myself. As the world fades, I find myself wondering if perhaps purpose is not a single thing one finds, but rather a thing one finds over and over again.” -Medusa
If you like a mythological retelling to be dark, I, Medusa, is the book for you. Check out Circe by Madeline Miller, too.
Look for books at Knox County Online Library or your local independent bookstore each week.
Linda Sullivan is an avid reader and wants to inspire you to become one, too. For more recommendations or to talk books, reach out to her at thebookwhisperertn@gmail.com. She can also be found @thebookwhisperertn on Instagram.
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