The Shadow of Perseus cover art

The Shadow of Perseus

A compelling feminist retelling of the myth of Perseus told from the perspectives of the women who knew him best

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The Shadow of Perseus

By: Claire Heywood
Narrated by: Olivia Darnley
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About this listen

The myth of Perseus, told through the story of the three women who knew him best - his mother Danae, his wife Andromeda, and his victim, Medusa.

History remembers him as a hero. But the women who knew him best remember a different man...

Perseus grows up wanting to be a hero, but he cannot become one if his mother Danae still sees him as a boy. When his stepfather Polydektes casts him away on a voyage across the sea, Perseus is determined to fulfil the great destiny of the son of a god and the grandson of a king. But the line between heroism and monstrosity is thin, and when Perseus attempts to seduce first gentle Medusa and then beautiful Andromeda, before finally reuniting with Danae, they each learn of the dangers of resisting a boy prepared to risk it all for greatness...

©2023 Claire Heywood (P)2023 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Ancient Fantasy Fiction Historical Fiction Women's Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant  
What stood out is how she strips off the fantastical elements and makes it into a more realist rendering of what might be the facts behind the myth

Greek myth retelling grounded in realism

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Fell in love with Medusa’s story! What an interesting woman and myth. Onto Stone Blind now.

More Medusa

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I loved the characters and the nuanced take on the myth. Appreciated the different characters' demonstration of bravery, especially surrounding speech and silence.

Original and well-crafted

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I adored this novel such a fascinating retelling of myth with a focus on the female perspective. The theme within the retelling of voice and words was so clever. I really didn't want it to end!

Fabulous

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It was far too real for my expectation but nonetheless a very different spin on the story

Medusa story so melancholy

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Good story but I’m afraid the voice of the narrator was awful and really began to grate on me after a while

The story was good

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Unending parade of female misery. No magic. No hope. No intrigue. Just sadness and lament.

Cannot recommend.

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It was very slow, dark and depressing. Will avoid this author in future. If you like Greek myths avoid.

Worst book I’ve listened too

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