Part of what also makes me continue to enjoy these retellings from the female perspective is the idea of “silent histories.” Although the story of Perseus is not a story with historical evidence, it can still be viewed through the lens of “history is written by the victors.” In nearly all Graeco-Roman mythology it is focused on the male hero.
I loved how Heywood twisted the classical mythic stories to remove the justification of many of Perseus’ actions. Shadow of Perseus removes the mythical elements that are used to romanticize the epic hero, Perseus. Like many, it is from the point of view of the women in Perseus’ life – his mother, Danae the “monster,” Medusa and his wife, Andromeda. Heywood does something different from other Graeco-Roman retellings. Honestly, I spent years of my life in the Classical academic world, so I do not think I will ever be. I know many people may be just OVER retellings. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.) Retelling (Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. But even as he tries to silence them, the women may find that reclaiming their voices is their only hope for lifting themselves into a better future. But when a forceful young Perseus interferes, Andromeda’s life is set on an entirely new path.Īs Perseus becomes increasingly obsessed with the promise of his own destiny, his heroic journey casts a shadow of violence and destruction across all three women’s lives.
That is, until the day she finds an injured boy named Perseus in the forest.Īndromeda: When a harsh sandstorm threatens to destroy her nomadic desert tribe’s way of life, Andromeda knows that a sacrifice will be required to appease the gods and end the storm. Medusa: As a member of a reclusive band of women who live deep in the woods, known as the Gorgons, Medusa has eschewed all contact with the outside world. It’s a harsh new world for a young woman who grew up as a coddled princess, and forging a new life for herself and for her young son Perseus will be the hardest thing she’s ever done. Summaryĭanae: Banished from her homeland thanks to a prophecy foretelling that her unborn child will one day cause the death of her father, the king of Argos, Danae finds herself stranded, pregnant, and alone in a remote fishing village. Continue reading to see the rest of my review of this new release. It sets itself apart from other retellings in how Heywood breaks down and analyzes the actions of a so-called “hero” from the point of view of the women most impacted by them. Shadow of Perseus by Clare Heywood is an incredibly clever retelling of the stories of Perseus.
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