The Rape Trial of Medusa

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Genre:
ISBN13: 978-1734955309

 
Overview

Young and beautiful Medusa was alone in Athena’s Temple at the Acropolis, where she was raped. She did not see her attacker and Athena blamed and punished the young maiden for the rape. She cursed Medusa into the infamous snake-headed monster whose gaze turns any man into stone. After all her years in exile, on her rocky island, Medusa Gorgon will finally have her trial, in New York City. She will be defended by Maggie Harper, the famous defender of women and their rights. The international trial of the century is loaded with politics, moralists, and media of all types, asking the questions: Was Medusa raped? If so, who raped her? And why was she cursed into a monster?

“All truth passes through three stages: First, it is ridiculed;
Second, it is violently opposed; Third, it is accepted as
self-evident.”
—Arthur Schopenhauer

 

Praise

“Concealed behind an enthralling page-turner is Michael Kasenow's abhorrence toward the horrid crimes against women and society's irrational mindset against women. While Medusa represents many women who were punished for their own rape time and again, Maggie Harper comes forward as the image of fortitude in the face of a society that worshipped money and power. Medusa's philosophical banter with one of the side characters, Jack Hardy, was thought- provoking. Zeus as an antagonist provoked hatred and fear with his monstrous and perverse mindset. By including a trial, Michael Kasenow glued readers to the edge of their seats. The Rape Trial of Medusa is an impactful book that forces its readers to look at the ugly side of society. If courtroom drama, social issues, action, and profound conversations intrigue you, then The Rape Trial of Medusa by Michael Kasenow is a perfect book for you. Five stars.”
— Ankita Shukla for Readers’ Favorite

“This clever book does several things at once: Holds a mirror up to societal norms, cultural trends, and historic customs of blaming the victim for her/his attack, and for having certain attitudes toward women (appreciating them for their bodies more than their minds)--in this case, even a Greek goddess named Medusa. It also plays imaginatively with the characters and events from Greek mythology. And it offers entertainment for entertainment's sake. Kasenow is skilled at setting up the characters, events, backstory, and trial. The plot is easy to follow and is engaging from the first pages. I like Kasenow's energetic style, and his tactile, sensorial descriptions. It feels like a real trial--a real media event. Medusa is forced to wear a hijab for the trial and sprays an ambrosia mist on the serpents that are her hair to weaken them, and it's little details like this that make the story come to life in a fun way.

Medusa Gorgon is a sympathetic character. You really begin to care for her and want justice. High- profile attorney Maggie Harper is also an interesting character, who reminded me somewhat of Gloria Allred. “The Rape Trial of Medusa,” by Michael Kasenow, could be the most controversial courtroom drama of the year. 5 stars!”
— Tammy Ruggles for Readers’ Views

“Author Michael Kasenow has crafted an interesting drama that will be sure to intrigue and provoke those who are interested in socio-political themes in modern society, feminism, and women’s rights. I enjoyed the character of Maggie Harper very much, who represents Medusa and speaks from a modern viewpoint on the historical nature of her case, and how it was handled then versus now. The drama itself contains some great dialogue and thought-provoking discussions as the case unfolds, and I felt like all the characters in the story were challenged in some way and learned something new. The themes of the book are difficult and sensitive, but they are explored with a keen mind and given plenty of room for readers to judge too. Overall, The Rape Trial of Medusa is a unique story for those brave enough to take it on. Five stars.”
— K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

“Okay...we are talking the trial of the century here. The historical characters, the present-day characters, the plotlines that show both past and present – all of this is wrapped up into a crime drama, a thriller, a soap opera, and more. You actually, at times, feel like J.R. Ewing should walk into the courtroom in his Stetson at some point – it’s that cool! So was Medusa raped? If so, who really was behind the crime? You have GOT to read this one to find that out, and a whole lot more.

Quill says: Taking history and giving it a spin is one thing; this book takes it and turns it into a merry-go-round that never stops!”
— Amy Lignor for Feathered Quill

“The Rape Trial of Medusa is nothing short of a mirror that reflects the follies and absurdities of our socio-political system. Kasenow’s powerful voice condemns the horrific crimes against women - sexual assaults, rape, objectification of women, child marriage, bride burning, and honor killing. The Olympians in this book stand for the supremacists controlling the world with money and power. The other side represents the oppressed, fighting for their rights in a world deeply skewed against them. Through his characters, Michael Kasenow underscores the importance of taking a stand. Maggie’s indomitable spirit, Crystal and Medusa’s self-acceptance, and Jack’s search for inner beauty demonstrate that there is much more to life than materialistic pleasures. This is a story that might make you uneasy with its grisly details. However, this thought-provoking book will certainly open your eyes to the real horrors lurking close to us. Five stars.”
— Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers’ Favorite