The first sentence attracts my attention to Medea by Rosie Hewlett. If you are familiar with the story of Jason and the Argonauts, then you will know who she is. Often, she’s portrayed as the villain of the story. After all, who would kill her own children to spite her husband? Other accounts show her as a person who is scorned and vengeful, and this version of Medea feels more real to me. Perhaps it is because Rosie Hewlett gives it a more modern twist, plus more realistic possibility of Medea’s action as a whole.
If you are unfamiliar with her and Jason’s story, this is still a good read to understand cause and effect/ human psychology/ bloody don’t piss off a woman- as a whole.
A nicer cover image from Amazon
When I was a child, I turned my brother into a pig
Wasn’t this a good way to start a book? We glimpsed her upbringing: King Aeëtes of Colchis, her father, was abusive. Her brother Apsyrtus was just a cruel and tormented her and her sister Chalciope. The author Rosie focused on a story that is consistent across all versions. From her ability coming from Goddess Hecate, her auntie Circe being her mentor, to her adventures with Jason. But why tell the same story all over again?
In this version, Medea was written as a first person point of view. It was easy to see why she would make certain decisions, and how her stubbornness became her downfall.
Story
Throughout her story, we saw her true friends giving sound advice out of kindness; but she shunned them in favour of her own judgement. Her actions were already set in the story, but her reasoning was sound when she made it. And the characters came alive under Rosie. Jason was like one of those slimy charmers your mother would have warned about. His gaslighting skills were masterful, and his blame shifting skill just as exquisite.
Even the event on Aeaea was so gripping, I was hoping for a miracle even though I know how it would end. But I was invested in a happy ending for our heroine. The images the author painted were vivid, and it helped bring me to a magical Greece where magic ruled. Although, it would be nice to know what Medea put into Glauce’s dress…
Verdict
I came for the party, but I stayed for the adventure and revenge. Greek mythology is full of drama, intrigue, and a crazy bunch of people running around bearing swords. It is hard to outdo a classic, but possible to lend a different angle to a well-told story.
I think it is very well done. Worth a read.
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Fantastic review. I love reading different perspectives of their story.