Circe by Madeline Miller

Summary:

Circe, the daughter of titan Helios and beautiful nymph Perse, is not beautiful or powerful like her parents. Instead, she possesses the power of witchcraft which can transform mortals and threaten the gods. Seeing the danger, Zeus banished her to an island. Still, conflict and strife finds its way to Circes doorstep. Over the years, Circe finds what is most dear to her and what she will do for it. She may even find her true self along the way.

My Thoughts:

This is another beautifully written novel by Madeline Miller about Circe. I didn’t know much about Circe before reading this book but now I feel as if I actually knew who she was.

Something I don’t think I touched on in my review of Song of Achilles is how well the author captured the fickle attitudes and unbending wills of the gods. For a modern telling, her portrayal of the gods was amazing.

I was happy to have gotten the chance to read about Circe’s life through the years and her perspective in some of my favorite myths. 

Circe’s character development was some of the best writing I’ve seen for a character. Who she was towards the end of the book, how she stands up for herself, how she attempts to right her wrongs, and how she faces her fears and desires despite the nature of her ancestry was truly inspiring and made me love her in the realm of Greek mythology. 

This is an amazing book and one I would recommend. However, I hesitate to say it’s one you absolutely need in your life. Madeline Millers books are meant to be savored and not devoured in my opinion. While beautifully written and plenty of myths/adventures are included, it is not a fast paced novel that sucks you in without respite.