Stone Blind: Longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction

I have always loved ancient Greek mythology ever since I was a child. Medusa and the other gorgons were always scary monsters and gods and heroes were to be admired.This book completely turns that notion on its head.The 'monsters' are compassionate and show so much love and care.The gods are petty and squabble continuously and mortals are killed constantly as a result, but they really don't care as long as they get their own way.And the hero, Perseus, well let's just say he has lowered in my opinion after reading this......This was a really good read. It was a book group suggestion and I am so happy that it was recommended. The chapters were fairly short, which meant I could read it in bitesize sections (on the bus, while eating breakfast).The narration is fast-paced -doesn't dwell on tedious description and kept me hooked in. I love the way the author has made me feel really sorry for the monsters, and really angry at the gods.Would genuinely recommend this as a great read.

The author doesn’t mess around but this does sacrifice the attractiveness of the writing. Greek myth often lends itself to a poetic rhythm regardless of theme. That is missing here. The story moves quickly almost like a first draft. It’s funny, moving, and there’s one particularly horrifying scene (not hard to guess which one given the title). Great if you’re interested in Medusa for any reason whatsoever!

Stand up comedian and classicist Haynes is SUCH a superlative writer, with, inevitably, a unique voice. I believe her accounts of the myths of the Hellenic world, and their Pantheon, stands equal to some other giant writers in this field – Mary Renault, Pat Barker, Madeleine Miller. What differentiates her from these others is her ‘stand-up’, comedic persona. Comedy is not really a territory one expects from the bloody, often horrific origins from the stories of those times. Of course, though, she is also in good company with her sources, as those Greek playwrights did use dark humour in their writing, to entertain as well as horrify and instruct.Here, she tells the story of Gorgon Medusa, whose glance could petrify – literally – and the story of how she came to be, how she came to be such a death star. It wasn’t her fault, though, in Haynes’ telling, she was just another victim of a rapacious god. In this case, Poseidon, god of the sea, raped Medusa, but because he did it in Athena’s temple, profaning the goddess of wisdom’s sacred space, who does Athena furiously punish. Why, the victim, of course. So – maybe the Monster wasn’t the monster, and she was just someone different from most of those around her. Here is where Haynes is so powerful. She doesn’t bludgeon her readers with the deeper meanings of her tellings or deconstructions, but she does inevitably make the reader think, not only about the deeper meaning then, but the long lessons coming down through time.And what of the ‘Hero’ here, the Gorgon-slayer Perseus. Haynes very firmly, very quickly, inserts herself as an overview authorial voice, saying ‘he no hero, he just another vicious thug’. I must admit I was shocked, as in my childhood and later readings of the Greek myths, he was, for sure, hero, just as Medusa was the monster. Haynes quite quickly shows how an early event in Perseus’ ‘heroic’ mission where he tricked another group of ‘monsters’, the Graeae, sisters to the Gorgons. The Graeae were decrepit and elderly with only one eye and one tooth between the three of them. Through twenty-first century vision, we might view the teenage Perseus a little differently.Mind you, he also didn’t have the best beginning. He’s a half god, one of Zeus’ many children, conceived by Zeus’ own serial predator, serial rapist actions, where he assumes fake identities and forces himself on unwilling women.The only reason I have dropped a half-star (and then rounded up) is because earlier this year I read Haynes’ A Thousand Ships’ her extraordinary telling of the whole background to the Greco-Trojan War, the history of the House of Atreus and the House of Aegisthus. Of course those jealous, vengeful, oh so like the worst of us gods were at the heart of all of this, but the inhabitation of this prime story of human propensity to conflict and war, and conflicts over land, identity, resources and who is the most powerful is a story still very much with us, right now, so its resonance is sharper. I recommend THAT book, with some urgency. And also this.

Not a patch on Pat Barker. The prose is good enough but not exciting or insighful and the writing carries you along but the edge is lacking. No idea why this would win a prize.

A unique and fascinating perspective into the legend of Medusa, which gives it a long overdue female perspective. Very amusing and insightful, especially with regard to the much overrated Perseus.

I just finished this novel and I feel a little sad. It is well written and the presentation of each woman just draws you in and inspires curiosity.An excellent read, thank you.

Love the book

Never thought I'd find myself feeling sympathy and rooting for the Gorgon. LOvely book, well written.

This story wove in and out in a very intriguing way. I was captivated and loved the way the author brought the gods and goddesses to life. It was amazing. I would highly recommend it.

A fantastic fast-paced, emotional, and thought-provoking read. The Greek Gods and Goddesses tell their stories from their own viewpoint. I see Perseus in a different light and my heart bleeds for Medusa. Her story the most tragic of them all. One of the best reads of the year for me.

gostei do livro

Amazing read!!! Super interesting

Excellent