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Stone Blind

Written by: Natalie Haynes
Narrated by: Natalie Haynes
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Publisher's Summary

Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023

"Haynes is master of her trade . . . She succeeds in breathing warm life into some of our oldest stories.”—Telegraph (UK)

The national bestselling author of A Thousand Ships and Pandora's Jar returns with a fresh and stunningly perceptive take on the story of Medusa, the original monstered woman.

They will fear you and flee you and call you a monster.

The only mortal in a family of gods, Medusa is the youngest of the Gorgon sisters. Unlike her siblings, Medusa grows older, experiences change, feels weakness. Her mortal lifespan gives her an urgency that her family will never know.

When the sea god Poseidon assaults Medusa in Athene’s temple, the goddess is enraged. Furious by the violation of her sacred space, Athene takes revenge—on the young woman. Punished for Poseidon’s actions, Medusa is forever transformed. Writhing snakes replace her hair and her gaze will turn any living creature to stone. Cursed with the power to destroy all she loves with one look, Medusa condemns herself to a life of solitude.

Until Perseus embarks upon a fateful quest to fetch the head of a Gorgon . . .

In Stone Blind, classicist and comedian Natalie Haynes turns our understanding of this legendary myth on its head, bringing empathy and nuance to one of the earliest stories in which a woman—injured by a powerful man—is blamed, punished, and monstered for the assault. Delving into the origins of this mythic tale, Haynes revitalizes and reconstructs Medusa’s story with her passion and fierce wit, offering a timely retelling of this classic myth that speaks to us today.

©2023 Natalie Haynes (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about Stone Blind

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incredible

This story was absolutely incredible! I was worried that I'd have a hard time following who's who, but the way it's presented is perfect. The descriptions of the scenes are beautiful, you can't help but envision every character, every detail. What an absolute treat!

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One of the best audio books

Stone Blind by Natalie Hayes

Is monstrously marvelous.

Read by this author it’s absolutely insanely entertaining! She’s so good with the emotion and anger.

I cannot put in words how much I enjoyed this retelling of Medusa. It’s a feminist retelling but honestly it’s very much the only logical editorial of the ancient story.

We remember Medusa being raped, and punished for it. For being raped, not the rapist. If that alone doesn’t upset you, then this novel is not meant for you. If you prefer Perseus as some roaming hero, instead of a bumbling mass murder, then go read the originals. Because here he’s a toxic person. And rightfully so.

I enjoyed the various perspectives and how the ripples of questions and statements play on our actions and view of a situation. And how innocent people are hurt because of larger plans and passing insults.

This book is for anyone who enjoys Greek myth, retelling, feminist retellings, epics, mythology. A trigger warning for rape, and domestic abuse.

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what an excellent eye opening spin of a well known

Wow this makes you really feel for the "monster" Medusa. I love that we can see this myth from her side. She has feelings too and she truly got the short end of the stick in life and death and myth.

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Excellent narration!

This books is narrated by the author, who does a wonderful job at bringing her own characters to life through the audio medium. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!

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Excellent storytelling from multiple perspectives

The story is told from multiple perspectives which I really enjoyed gave life to characters that you hear of in myth but from a different point of view.

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Great Listen

Loved this audiobook, very captivating listen. While the story itself has its flaws, I really enjoyed it! I do agree with some other reviews, Medusa definitely seemed to take a back seat… that being said, still an incredibly interesting story.

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Wonderful take on the Medusa myth

Natalie Haynes crafts a poignant, raw, and deeply moving story in “Stone Blind”.
Her tale takes my favourite character from Greek mythology and gives Medusa, at last, the depth and meaning so many of us have seen in her. There are moments of delightful humour. Perseus is rightly NOT the hero of this book, and the love, connection and grief of Medusa’s story brought me close to tears several times. Each new book by Natalie Haynes takes up permanent residence in the library of my soul.

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This is wonderful

Story of Medusa’s and Perseus adventures with the family in tow. The writing flowed and it was an easy story to follow.

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Natalie Haynes does it again

Just finished this fabulous narration by Natalie Haynes and I could listen all over again immediately. Bliss!

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Loved every moment

Remarkable writing, even better story telling. Didn’t want it to end but the even the ending was perfect

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