Book Review: 'Soul Of Stone' by Michele Amitrani

'Soul Of Stone' by Michele Amitrani, is a short and unique twist on the legend of Medusa from Greek mythology.

The story begins with Panacea, a legendary healer summoned to heal an ailing king. As she begins her work on the king, he asks of how she became the 'best healer in the known world'. It's a long story, she tells him. But those are the best, the king answers.

And so she begins the tale . . .

It starts with a young Panacea, seeking vengeance after the disappearance of her brother, travelling to the island of Sarpedon in search of the legendary Medusa, in the hopes of exacting her revenge. But when she gets there, her expectations are upended and everything she previously believed to be true is thrown into question. Instead of finding the evil monster of legend, what she finds is a healer with extraordinary skills, which Panacea experiences first-hand. A healer that despite being cursed by the Gods, and living as a recluse, still believes in doing good for people, and will help out when she is able to. Whilst Panacea heals, the pair become master and apprentice, with Medusa passing on her knowledge to the young Panacea. Until the fateful day when Perseus appears.

There have been many stories told of the mythical Medusa; of her origins, her 'punishment' and her death, but 'Soul Of Stone' takes the bones of these stories and myths and presents one of mythology's legendary figures as more human than supernatural. An impatient but sympathetic mentor rather than the monster we know of from films like 'Clash Of The Titans'.

Even though it's a really short story, only 76 pages, Amitrani still pours in a whole lot of excellent characterization and a decent level of world building that keeps you engaged in the somewhat familiar tale. The focus on Panacea's relationship with Medusa was really enjoyable to read, turning from would-be-killer to student, and blossoming into a friendship that kept me emotionally invested in these two excellent characters. The chapters of an older Panacea, as she treats the king, bookends the main story and connects very well, and the way it tied things up at the end was a surprise. Which I loved!

'Soul Of Stone' is a quick, but excellently written reimagining of the Medusa myth that I would definitely recommend.

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