Stone Blind is the story of Medusa, of Gorgon fame. The plot revolves around the various mortals, gods and goddesses that are involved in her ultimate beheading by Perseus. Unlike A Thousand Ships (another book by Natalie Haynes), this one has a fairly irreverent tone. The gods and goddesses are always whining, as are some of the mortals such as Perseus.

I know the conceit the author is going for, as all the beautiful people involved in Perseus’ quest (including himself), are immortalised in myth as heroic and powerful, wise etc. But in this book they are all tiresome, wining, annoying, almost teenager level petulant in every sentence. Much of this is taken out on, you guessed it, Medusa. She’s raped by Poseidon, cursed by Athene, and ultimately murdered by Perseus to stop a king marrying his mother. Perseus is less a hero and more a murdering little weirdo.

On the other hand, the ‘monsters’ such as the Gorgons are seen in a different light. They aren’t monsters, they are beautiful, even if they are different. They are family and they look after each other. In the book’s defence, you really feel for Medusa – even though you know her fate is sealed. I now wish, there’s an alternative myth where she has a better life.

Anyway, I became irritated by all the characters except for the Gorgons. Everyone seemed petty, or stupid, or jealous, or whatever. It was just a bit tiring after awhile. I think it was still a good read, but not one that you actually like the majority of the characters. It was good at turning a heroic tale into a tragedy, but that still means you feel sad at the end.