Circe by Madeline Miller on April 10, 2018
Genres: Fiction / Classics, Fiction / Historical / Ancient, Fiction / Literary, Fiction / War & Military
Pages: 400
Format: Paperback
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“I thought once that gods are the opposite of death, but I see now they are more dead than anything, for they are unchanging, and can hold nothing in their hands.”
In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child–neither powerful like her father nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power: the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves. Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts, and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus. But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from or with the mortals she has come to love.
Circe herself is a complex and well-developed character. Her transformation and self-discovery are at the core of the narrative, and her journey of empowerment and resilience is both relatable and inspiring. The exploration of themes such as femininity, identity, and power adds depth to the story. However, the pacing of the novel can be uneven, with certain sections feeling slow, while others are filled with action and intrigue. The book’s episodic structure, though it covers a wide span of time, may make you feel disjointed at times. Additionally, the extensive cast of characters, including gods and goddesses, can be a bit overwhelming to keep track of.
Circe is a thought-provoking and beautifully written novel that brings ancient mythology to life through a fresh perspective. While the book has many merits, its uneven pacing and complexity might not appeal to all readers. I would rate it at 3.5 stars for its compelling portrayal of Circe and its imaginative take on Greek mythology.