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A review by beriboo
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
3.0
A Promising Concept, but Lacks Focus on Medusa
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes presents an intriguing premise, exploring the story of Medusa from a fresh perspective. While the novel has its merits, it falls short in fully exploring the character of Medusa and fails to maintain a consistent focus throughout.
The idea of retelling the Medusa myth from her perspective is an enticing concept. Haynes attempts to humanise Medusa and shed light on her experiences and motivations, which is commendable. However, the execution leaves something to be desired. The narrative often strays away from Medusa's story, delving into multiple subplots and historical events that detract from the central focus. As a result, Medusa's character development feels incomplete and overshadowed by other elements.
The pacing of the novel is uneven, with certain sections dragging on and others feeling rushed. The lack of a well-defined structure and clear direction hampers the overall flow of the story. It would have been beneficial to have a tighter narrative that maintained a stronger connection to Medusa's perspective, allowing readers to fully empathise with her plight.
While the prose is generally well-written, there are instances where the language becomes overly flowery and convoluted. This occasionally detracts from the readability of the novel, making it feel more cumbersome than it should be. A more straightforward and concise writing style would have enhanced the overall reading experience.
Additionally, the supporting characters in Stone Blind often feel underdeveloped and lack depth. They serve as mere vehicles to move the story forward instead of being fully fleshed-out individuals. This lack of depth extends to the relationships between characters, making it difficult to fully invest in their interactions and emotional journeys.
Despite its flaws, Stone Blind does touch on some thought-provoking themes, such as the power dynamics between gods and mortals and the consequences of unchecked desire. The exploration of Medusa's transformation and her struggle to find her place in a world that has rejected her has potential, but it is not fully realised.
In conclusion, Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes presents an intriguing concept but falls short in its execution. The lack of focus on Medusa, inconsistent pacing, and underdeveloped supporting characters hinder the overall impact of the novel. While it has its moments, the book ultimately fails to fully explore the depth and complexity of its central character. Fans of Greek mythology may find some enjoyment in this retelling, but it may leave them wanting more in terms of character development and narrative cohesion.
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes presents an intriguing premise, exploring the story of Medusa from a fresh perspective. While the novel has its merits, it falls short in fully exploring the character of Medusa and fails to maintain a consistent focus throughout.
The idea of retelling the Medusa myth from her perspective is an enticing concept. Haynes attempts to humanise Medusa and shed light on her experiences and motivations, which is commendable. However, the execution leaves something to be desired. The narrative often strays away from Medusa's story, delving into multiple subplots and historical events that detract from the central focus. As a result, Medusa's character development feels incomplete and overshadowed by other elements.
The pacing of the novel is uneven, with certain sections dragging on and others feeling rushed. The lack of a well-defined structure and clear direction hampers the overall flow of the story. It would have been beneficial to have a tighter narrative that maintained a stronger connection to Medusa's perspective, allowing readers to fully empathise with her plight.
While the prose is generally well-written, there are instances where the language becomes overly flowery and convoluted. This occasionally detracts from the readability of the novel, making it feel more cumbersome than it should be. A more straightforward and concise writing style would have enhanced the overall reading experience.
Additionally, the supporting characters in Stone Blind often feel underdeveloped and lack depth. They serve as mere vehicles to move the story forward instead of being fully fleshed-out individuals. This lack of depth extends to the relationships between characters, making it difficult to fully invest in their interactions and emotional journeys.
Despite its flaws, Stone Blind does touch on some thought-provoking themes, such as the power dynamics between gods and mortals and the consequences of unchecked desire. The exploration of Medusa's transformation and her struggle to find her place in a world that has rejected her has potential, but it is not fully realised.
In conclusion, Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes presents an intriguing concept but falls short in its execution. The lack of focus on Medusa, inconsistent pacing, and underdeveloped supporting characters hinder the overall impact of the novel. While it has its moments, the book ultimately fails to fully explore the depth and complexity of its central character. Fans of Greek mythology may find some enjoyment in this retelling, but it may leave them wanting more in terms of character development and narrative cohesion.