Greek mythology with a pro-woman slant? Hallelujah, Natalie Haynes!

Stone Blind, Natalie Haynes

373 pages, Feburary 7, 2023

Harper

Behold Medusa. Does this look like the face of an evil monster? I'd declare she looks annoyed and not so much evil. And she should be annoyed - some punk just cut off her head after she was punished for no fault of her own by a Greek goddess, another female annoyed and rather disgusted at the patriarchy. Natalie Haynes' Stone Blind is a fresh take on this story, examining Medusa's plight in Greek mythology from a different, and incredibly enjoyable perspective. Greek mythology is graphic and very violent towards women and though Haynes remains true to the original myths, the female perspective is shared, done with humor to boot, and a much more sympathetic angle is assigned to Medusa. She is an abandoned daughter, raised by beloved sisters who fall in love with the sweet girl who is content living along the side of the sea. We fall in love with her, too.

I picked up this novel after very much judging its cover (in a good way!) at Posman Books in Boston's Back Bay. On a side note, this was a delightful bookstore and looks independent though it is part of a family-run (small) chain. I loved the interior, how the books were displayed and being able to easily stroll around for new stories. It was colorful, quirky, and neatly lined with excellent books. They even partake in the "blind date" trend where the book is wrapped up with just a quick summary on the outside. I love those because it's a bonus adventure and you find books you may not otherwise have found. I also picked up a fun magnet that says "Persist" and I find it fitting that I grabbed that and this novel on the same shopping trip.

The story is told in varying perspectives - the only male voice really being that of Perseus. The men in all aspects of this novel are portrayed as merely tolerated by the women and driven only by what satisfies them both in ego and below the belt. This wasn't a beat-up-the-guys session, but seeing as though the male gods and characters in Greek Mythology dominate the narrative, it was pretty great to peek into the ladies' thoughts in these stories. Even Hera is given more of a voice, where she has always been, for me, overshadowed by her all-powerful husband Zeus. Hera is cast as downright diabolical in the myths that feature her; but here, Haynes gives her more credit and shows her inteligence as well as her influence over Mount Olympus.

Even the snakes adorning Medusa's crown, which were very painful coming out to begin with, are given the observer and protector role, a help to Medusa who has already been so wronged when Athena punishes her for Poseidon's horrible behavior. What is viewed as monster is redefined and more understood - a clearer landscape provided as Haynes brushes away the fog that has veiled the strength of the female voice underneath. Even Perseus' sole reasoning for committing this murder is to protect his mother. Women do in fact rule the day and are displayed as absolutely central to Greek life, both in the land of mortals and in the presence of the Gods.

This was my first novel by Natalie Haynes and I will definitely be looking for other titles by her. She made me laugh and giggle throughout the entire novel, especially in examining the ways in which Perseus is wholly inadequate to undergo this absurd quest to begin with. He is woefully underprepared for it and needs the assistance of a Goddess and the Fairies - all women - to ever have a chance. Athena, to her credit, does the best she can both with Perseus but also with the environment in which she lives. But it's worth noting that Zeus, to whom Perseus is actually seeking assistance, sends a woman to do the work for him. Naturally, she gets it done.

My only gripe with this novel is that there's not enough time spent with Medusa or her head - Haynes made me love Medusa much like her sisters did and I wished to hear more from her voice and her struggle with what had become of her. But perhaps that is the point - she was gone too soon and had so much more to give before men weaponized her.

I'm hoping for more novels to continue the Athenian perspective from Natalie Haynes and will seek her work out for light, go-to reading. I added A Thousand Ships to my wish list, another foray into sticking a bullhorn on the female side of things, this time the Trojan War. I know it will be great and entertaining as hell - I'm smiling already in anticipation at the barbs Haynes will throw over men ridiciulous enough to wage war over superficial needs.

To Read or Not to Read: READ