Medusa’s Musings is a mix of stream-of-consciousness, philosophical debate, an edgy feminism and a sarky petulance. I have only a sketchy knowledge of Greek and Roman mythology and always thought of Medusa as a witch with snakes in her head who turned men to stone with the flick of her eyelashes. In this book, Medusa puts the record straight although, with all due respect, she should be considered as an unreliable narrator in places!
I do admire the way in which Caroline Hurry has not only deconstructed the myth but used Medusa’s sufferings (and they were many) as a conduit to the modern world. I found it a difficult, disturbing and amusing book but, above all, utterly fascinating. I know I will return to it many times, finding something new to ;muse’ on each time.
JJ Grafton 