Stone Blind

A Novel

By: Natalie Haynes

Narrated by: Natalie Haynes

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’s Better than an Audiobook performed by the Author?

nothing! Natalie Haines is a masterful writer and I could listen to her reading a phone book. So far she is my favorite author of reimagined classics!!!!

The author’s performance elevates an already entrancing tale

Greek mythology is fascinating to begin with once I get a grip on some of those difficult to pronounce names. The narrators command of those quickly erases that barrier. And then there is the wit in her writing and delivery. I have saved this as a favorite to listen to again when I need a lift out of the ordinary. Once I get past the “list of names”, it’s a joy ride into an ancient world I thought I knew. Haynes has re-fashioned it into something even more playful and engaging.

FANTASTIC!!

The narration by the author of this book is everything to me! Conversations between Athena and Hermes as well as the crow and olive tree OMG!!!!

Please write more Natalie!

I’m a big fan of the author and really enjoyed the weaving of this perspective in the Medusa myth. She has me considering all the the females in the myths (and other legends) from their perspective. Thank you for giving them an entertaining, witty, insightful voice. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book.

fabulous!!!

I only knew about the origin of Medusa from her book, Padora's Jar, which was also fantastic, but here she really hones her storytelling prowess. engaging from start to end, cannot wait to recommend this book and for her next one to come out!

Fun, funny, and touching

Performance of this book was top notch. A retelling of the Medusa myth which both humanizes the Olympians and elevates the mortals. 10/10

Heart wrenchingly beautiful

I don't know if I have the words. I am in awe of this book. Challenging the idea of the "hero", the "monster", and the role of women in history and historical fiction is absolutely perfection. I actually gasped out loud when she is describing how the presence of Medusa changed her sisters as they were raising her. As a mother myself, this hit very close to home. Natalie, please never stop!

Pleasant

The book was enjoyable. I did not find myself engrossed in a story. There were many snippets which did come together, but still felt choppy.

Natalie Haynes for the win again!

I love her books and her reading of them. Humanizing Greek mythology is a skill she expertly shares with us all.

Medusa’s side of the story

Narrator was excellent. A different look at Medusa, and what lead to her legendary story.