Dear Medusa by Olivia Cole

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cole, O. A. (2023). Dear Medusa. Labyrinth Road. ISBN 9780593485736

PLOT SUMMARY

In this young adult novel in verse, Olivia Cole writes a powerful story about sixteen-year-old Alicia Rivers. Ever since Alicia was sexually assaulted, it completely changed her into a person she does not recognize. Alicia was kicked down, and filled with anger and trying to cope with her raging emotions of what life has thrown at her.  

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Cole writes this novel in verse depicting Alicia Rivers’ anger, rage, and resentment that she lives with every day. After Alicia was sexually assaulted, she gained a bad reputation. Which led to her being harassed by everyone around her day in and day out in school. Unfortunately, it slowly transformed her into a completely different person that her friends and family did not recognize. Cole does an excellent job of describing Alicia’s pain, rage, paranoia, and eventually empowerment. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

"This novel focuses less on re-examining the Medusa myth and more on channeling the archetypal energies of Medusa’s story, exploring how victims are commonly cast out and what it takes for them to reclaim their power. Dear Medusa is a heavy read, but a necessary one.” 

—The New York Times

"Emotionally raw verse critically portrays one teenager’s experience dealing with the aftermath of assault, and provides a sharp look into cultures built on oppressing survivors’ voices....both vulnerable and fierce, Cole boldly examines agency, bodily autonomy, and internalized misogyny."

—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Cole’s prose is beautiful, thought-provoking, and filled with emotion....This novel is one that readers won’t put down willingly." 

—School Library Journal, starred review

"Dazzling with clarity, blistering with anger....In shimmering verse, Cole breathes life into each young woman....This book is as wide in scope as it is economical in its language. Illuminating."

—Kirkus Reviews

CONNECTIONS

“This is a collection of poetry that tells the story of a young woman in high school who is seen as the school "whore" because she sleeps with basically any guy who will ask her out, though it becomes clear through the text as we read, that this is tied to her trauma. The poetry is often explained to us as her actual writing. As often as she is narrating, she explains that she enjoys writing poetry to express herself.”

– Review by Ashley on Amazon

“Medusa is such a fascinating character, with this story being told through prose as the character processes the trauma of sexual assault through unhealthy outlets. We see as she comes back from all of this to claim her own voice and stand her ground that she’ll won’t be a tool in someone else’s narrative. It’s a wonderful link between the original myth, the MeToo movement, and the never ending struggles that come with being born female in a predatory world.”

– Review by Misty on Amazon