Unlike the immortal gods who surround her, Medusa is a mortal with a mortal's fragility. Her vulnerability and mortality lend a sense of urgency to her story that is often overlooked in traditional retellings. Haynes expertly captures this urgency, making Medusa a relatable and sympathetic character from the very first page.

The pivotal event in Medusa's life—the assault by the sea god Poseidon—is handled with sensitivity and rage-inducing realism. Haynes exposes the injustice of a world that blames and punishes the victim while allowing the powerful to escape unscathed. Medusa's transformation into a monster, with writhing snakes in place of her hair and a gaze that turns living creatures to stone, becomes a metaphor for the way society vilifies and isolates survivors of assault.

Haynes' deep dive into the origins of the Medusa myth is a testament to her expertise as a classicist. She weaves together historical research and her own imaginative interpretation to create a narrative that feels both authentic and fresh. Through her retelling, she highlights the timeless relevance of Medusa's story, shedding light on the ongoing struggles faced by women who are blamed and silenced when they speak out against abuse and injustice.

Stone Blind is a book that demands to be read. Haynes' mastery of language and her ability to infuse empathy into the retelling of a myth make this a truly compelling and essential work