Author: Madeline Miller
Genre: Retelling / Fantasy
Published in 2018
Rating: ★★★★☆ – 4/5
“He showed me his scars, and in return he let me pretend that I had none.”
– Circe by Madeline Miller
In ‘Circe’, Madeline Miller breathes new life into the myth of the minor goddess and witch, Circe. Born to Helios, the sun god, and Perse, a nymph, Circe is a figure often overlooked in Greek mythology. Yet, Miller places her at the center, tracing her journey from a lonely, underestimated daughter of the Titans to a powerful, self-assured woman who crafts her own destiny. The novel explores Circe’s encounters with iconic figures such as Odysseus, Daedalus, and even the monstrous Scylla, all from her unique perspective.
Circe’s transformation from an outcast among gods to a formidable witch who challenges the Olympians is as mesmerizing as it is empowering. Her struggles with loneliness, love, and her place in the world resonate deeply, offering a fresh and humanizing take on a character who has often been portrayed as merely a footnote in others’ stories.
– My Honest Review –
I’ve always been intrigued by Circe’s story, a figure often overshadowed by the heroes and gods around her. In ‘Circe’, Madeline Miller gives her the spotlight she deserves, portraying her not as a mere sorceress or temptress but as a complex, multifaceted character.
Miller’s writing balances the lyrical style of ancient poetry with modern prose. In other words: it’s as if Homer himself were writing in today’s world.
The novel is rich in atmosphere, making the island of Aiaia come alive with its lush landscapes and the vivid emotions of its inhabitants. The pacing, at times, mirrors the slow, deliberate unfolding of a myth, but it’s this careful build that allows readers to fully immerse themselves in Circe’s world.
If there’s any fault, it’s the ending of the novel which in my opinion is slightly slanted from the overall message the book projects.
Overall, ‘Circe’ is a beautifully crafted novel that reimagines a once-overlooked figure with depth, empathy, and power. It’s a tale of transformation, not just for Circe herself, but for how we view myths and the women who inhabit them.
Happy Reading!
