Comparative Review : Athena's Child ( By Hannah Lynn) + Medusa (By Jessie Burton)
Both books follow the tale of the mythological monster Medusa. Interestingly enough I can say that these two are set in slightly different universes. The background of how Medusa and her sisters came to be the monstrous Gorgons was almost parallel involving the sea god Poseidon and the Goddess of war and wisdom Athena. But both authors chose different style of narrations. Athena’s Child by Hannah Lynn was more of a medieval style narration whereas Medusa by Jessie Burton heavily relied on 21st century dialogues. They both depict how Medusa and her sisters were wronged at the hands of gods yet they have their unique perspective. I especially enjoyed the way Athena’s child was described and it aligned more with the whimsy of the Greek gods that I read so much about in the past.
Overall rating: Athena’s child - 3.6, Medusa - 2.9. Eye opening
About the Authors:
Hannah Lynn: Multi award winning UK based author has contributed to the Greek myth fiction in form of Athena’s child, Queens of Themiscyra & A Spartan's Sorrow. She is not limiting herself to this particular genre. She has published multiple other fiction series.
Jessie Burton: As an English author Jessie has written quite a few historical fictions based on London in the 60’s. The Miniaturist, The Muse, etc are some of her popular work. She has also contributed to children’s fiction.
Further Critique:
While the book Medusa shows the protagonist in more of an optimistic light, full of light. Whereas the comparand shows her as someone who is barely surviving unable to embrace death. Both universes have desirable features and trade offs.
Character Analysis:
Significant Characters: Medusa, Eurale & Stheno, Perseus, Athena
Medusa: Gorgeous, wronged. The heroine of both tales. She is a simple girl gifted with good looks and zeal. It naturally follows that she has to face the preying eyes. She can protect herself from the likes of mortal men but will she be able to resist the advances of a god? What is the price she will pay?
Euryale & Stheno: Protective, compassionate/rescentful. Both sisters of Medusa afflicted with a slightly different version of the curse than her. They start out being the loving and protective sisters who are angry with the gods for their abuse of their sister. But their characteristic diverge in both universes once the curse takes hold. In the book Athena’s child they are angry with Medusa for bringing this cruel fate upon them and behave inhumanely towards sailors. But in the latter they are more understanding of their sister’s condition and choose to live a peaceful life with her in a deserted island.
Perseus: Divine blooded, deployed. Perseus the son of Zeus is on a mission to save his mother from having the marry King Polydectes. He figures the only way is for him to present the head of the Gorgon Medusa and turn him into stone. But upon arrival to this island he is encountered by a girl in the shadows instead of a groaning and hissing monster. Each both has their own way of him humanising Medusa and trying to see her side of things. But will it prevent or even delay the inevitable?
Athena: Manipulative, whimsical. A Goddess who has promised her protection to a girl in need and in turn received a loyal priestess who gave great counsel to townsfolk of Athens. When another God defiles Medusa in her supposed sanctuary the Goddess turns her anger towards the mortal instead of the oppressor. Although there were different justifications given in each book shouldn’t a goddess have foresight of things to come? Why would she betray a loyal worshipper?
That’s it for now folks. Let me know what you think in the comment box and see you next time!