MEDUSA

Hope Newhouse magically presents this fantasy replete with Greek mythology. Listeners meet brave, endearing Ava, whose encounter with a classmate prompts her parents to send her to a Venetian school founded by mythological gods to teach their descendants how to control their emotions. Newhouse colorfully introduces the prodigious cast, including some faculty bearing pseudo-legendary ties, such as Headmaster Orion and Ava herself, a descendent of Medusa. Another standout character is timid Arnold, who eventually blossoms as a Harpy. The well-rendered feminist slant--exemplified by Ava's questioning why the gods are male and the monsters are female--is surprising and meaningful. In addition to offering effective strategies to confront prejudice and bullying, the unexpected conclusion is intensified by Newhouse's sterling delivery. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2024]