Medousa | Michael F. Butchin | Historical Fiction | Netgalley ARC Book Review

 


Book Info

Name of Book : Medousa
Author :  Michael F. Butchin
Publisher :  Epikoros Publishing
Publication Date :  1 June 2021
No. of Pages :  618
Format :  Ebook

Why did I choose the book?

I have read some Greek Historical Fiction books earlier from Stephen Fry. Medousa by Michael F. Butchin is also a Greek Historical Fiction and the blurb was really interesting. So, could not miss it on Netgalley.

Where to get the book?

The book, Medousa by Michael F. Butchin is available on Amazon : 



Author Introduction

Michael Butchin is a writer currently living in Beijing. A Philadelphia native, he was born to a family of scholars, musicians, actors, and singers, and grew up in South Jersey.

Butchin attended Rutgers University, New Brunswick, from which he graduated with a degree in Chinese Language and Literature. He also attended graduate school, where he read for Early Childhood Education.

After graduation, Butchin lived in Taiwan for several years, where he worked as a kindergarten and Pre-K teacher during the day, and as an ESOL instructor at night. He has also traveled extensively in China.

A survivor of abuse, Butchin took refuge in music and literature. Over the years, he has spent much of his life amongst a fascinating variety of unconventional and bohemian characters.


Blurb

Medousa, a Helot in Sparta faces abuse and humiliation while serving for the royalty. Her only solace was Cynisca whom she loved dearly. Cynisca, daughter of The King was always kind to her. But fate has something else in store for her.

When Medousa ventured to Athens with Cynisca and Helen to become an Athenian Priestess, her pride was torn away by Poseidon. Athena turned Medousa into a Gorgon for defiling her temple. Then starts a lifelong and painful journey for Medousa.

Is she really a monster which people believe? What Goddess Athena has stored for her in future?

My Opinion

Great and Amazing Tale

Medousa by Michael F. Butchin is indeed an amazing tale of Medousa, a Gorgon. The author while narrating the story has portrayed a world where women are considered low in comparison to men. We have always read Greek Historical Fiction stories from a Hero's point of view. But, this book narrates the story from Medousa's point of view. 

I loved the plot and there are some astonishing facts and anachronisms. But, they make the story more and more interesting. Medousa is not only a Greek Tale but an account of women of valor and strength. I would surely give the book 5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me an opportunity to read and review the book.  

Character Portrayal

Each and Every character of Medousa by Michael F. Butchin is a tale in itself. Be it Ajax, Cynisca or Helen, all are renowned names in the history. The characters are marvelously outlined which takes you into Ancient Greece. The most interesting character that you will find will be of Hercules. But, the main focus is on Medousa, who is traced as a Gorgon who loves humanity. She has been defiled, abused, humiliated but her spirit remained strong. I loved her character which strongly depicts the society nowadays. 

Narrative Style

As I have already mentioned, Medousa by Michael F. Butchin, has been narrated from Medousa's POV. The narration is simple and easy to understand. The author has done a commendable job.

Ratings

  • Recommendations ---------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Cover ------------------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Plot ---------------------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Climax ------------------------------ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Characters -------------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Narration --------------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Post a Comment

1 Comments

  1. What an amazingly generous review! Thank you so much. I am happy you enjoyed my book.

    ReplyDelete

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