Who Would Like This Book:
Madeline Miller's "Circe" is a lush, imaginative retelling of Greek mythology from the perspective of a woman often relegated to the background. Miller brings Circe vividly to life, showing her transformation from outsider to powerful witch and independent woman. If you love character-driven stories, Greek myths with a twist, or tales of female empowerment, you'll find this book hard to put down. Literary fiction fans and mythology buffs alike will appreciate Miller's lyrical prose and fresh, feminist take on the classics.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers have found "Circe" to be slow-paced, especially in the first half, with long stretches of introspection and less action than they expected from a mythological tale. Others weren't fans of Miller’s reinterpretation of certain legendary figures, or felt a distance from the protagonist, not fully connecting with Circe herself. If you prefer fast-moving plots or are hoping for a multi-character epic rather than a singular character study, this one might not sweep you away.
About:
In "Circe" by Madeline Miller, readers are taken on a journey through Greek mythology from the perspective of the enchantress Circe. The book beautifully weaves together mythological cameos, showcasing a transformational arc for Circe as she evolves from a naive nymph to a powerful witch and reluctant mother. Through vivid storytelling, the author reimagines Circe's story, offering a fresh take on a character previously known for turning men into pigs in Homer's Odyssey.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for medium levels of violence, themes of abuse, and examples of misogyny.
From The Publisher:
The international Number One bestseller from the author of The Song of Achilles, shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction
Woman. Witch. Myth. Mortal. Outcast. Lover. Destroyer. Survivor. CIRCE.
In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. Circe is a strange child - not powerful and terrible, like her father, nor gorgeous and mercenary like her mother. Scorned and rejected, Circe grows up in the shadows, at home in neither the world of gods or mortals. But Circe has a dark power of her own: witchcraft. When her gift threatens the gods, she is banished to the island of Aiaia where she hones her occult craft, casting spells, gathering strange herbs and taming wild beasts. Yet a woman who stands alone will never be left in peace for long - and among her island's guests is an unexpected visitor: the mortal Odysseus, for whom Circe will risk everything.
So Circe sets forth her tale, a vivid, mesmerizing epic of family rivalry, love and loss - the defiant, inextinguishable song of woman burning hot and bright through the darkness of a man's world.
THE NUMBER ONE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
CHOSEN AS A BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE GUARDIAN, TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, I PAPER, SUNDAY EXPRESS, IRISH TIMES, TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT, AMAZON, AUDIBLE, BUZZFEED, REFINERY 29, WASHINGTON POST, BOSTON GLOBE, SEATTLE TIMES, TIME MAGAZINE, NEWSWEEK, PEOPLE, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY, KIRKUS, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY AND GOODREADS
Ratings (919)
Incredible (241) | |
Loved It (361) | |
Liked It (183) | |
It Was OK (73) | |
Did Not Like (48) | |
Hated It (13) |
Reader Stats (1844):
Read It (926) | |
Currently Reading (18) | |
Want To Read (638) | |
Did Not Finish (41) | |
Not Interested (221) |
28 comment(s)
A book about a witch who turns men into pigs. Sounds brute, yet the writing is beautiful, poetic and eloquent. The author gives a voice to lesser known characters in Greek mythology, and is somehow able to build complex intertwining stories based on the classics. I appreciated the touches on humanity, femininity and motherhood.
A decently interesting novel. Easy ot get throught and had some interesting moments.
I’ve always liked Greek mythology and this book takes the cake. Circe (in my opinion) isn’t very well known and Miller brings the character to life. The best way to summarize the story is an immortal feeling out of place but finding she was better suited for the mortal life with the right person.
4.75
THE WRITING! OMG THE WRITING! i will read anything this woman ever writes it’s that good
Magical, introspective, and moving. Miller's prose is really beautiful, and while it took its time I was always engaged. I actually weeped a bit at the end and I don't even remember why...it was just really lovely. Made me want to go live on an island and take up herbalism and, idk, learn to turn men into pigs.
Heck yes!
A wonderful retelling of Circe. I cannot fathom living a life on an immortal and navigating the politics of titans and gods. Men are heinous and cruel but men are also loving and kind. I’m glad Circe got what she deserved all along.
By the end of it you are ready to live your wildest dream of being a witch in the woods of a faraway island.
got bored with it.
This was a fun and well written update to your typical “Greek Gods and Goddesses” tale. I didn’t love Circe but I liked her and felt for her throughout her bizarre life. I will say I was a little disappointed in the ending being that it diverged from the actual story of Circe. Certainly not enough to diminish my enjoyment. This book brought me back to my childhood days of pouring over D’Aulaires book of Greek myths.
What can you read after
Circe?
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