CIRCE (#1 New York Times bestseller)
"A bold and subversive retelling of the goddess's story," this #1 New York Times bestseller is "both epic and intimate in its scope, recasting the most infamous female figure from the Odyssey as a hero in her own right" (Alexandra Alter, The New York Times). With unforgettably vivid characters, mesmerizing language and page-turning suspense, Circe is a triumph of storytelling, an intoxicating epic of family rivalry, palace intrigue, love and loss, as well as a celebration of indomitable female strength in a man's world.
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Community Reviews
no words .. this was so beautiful and had me hooked from the very beginning. the themes of the book were so simply portrayed through circe’s point of view and i loved the way her growth into her own power and understanding of the nature of the divinities and mortals around her developed. madeline miller’s writing never disappoints, it’s pure flowing beauty throughout and i would give anything to read more of her works
Amazing book. I loved the imagery especially of the island. Beautifully written and a great story. Highly recommend.
The story of Circe, as with most women throughout history, has only ever been told by men. It is no surprise then that Circe is primarily known for the macho heroes who bravely faced her magic and the many hapless victims that were turned into pigs seemingly for no other reason than her own dark pleasure. Surely these desperate sailors showing up on the doorstep of a beautiful nymph living alone in a house full of riches and gold would have no reason to do her harm...
"When I was born, the name for what I was did not exist."
It's also no surprise then that women hardly ever appear in the annals of history as more than background scenery, furniture in the rooms where big men make big decisions.
"All my life I had been murk and depth, but I was not a part of that water. I was a creature within it."
In Miller's version, Circe tells her own story: her fall from the heavens, her complicated family relationships, her love and empathy for mortals, her discovery and nurturing of magical powers feared by both gods and men. It is a coming-of-age story told by the most powerful witch the world has ever known.
Yet her power and immortality don't prevent her from falling in love with imperfect, mortal men, or mourning the end of their fragile, short lives.
"... in a solitary life, there are rare moments when another soul dips near yours, as stars once a year brush the earth. Such a constellation was he to me."
Circe is the archetype of femininity, embodying the raw power and vulnerability imbued in an extra-ordinary, woman's life. With shimmering language and poetic beauty, Circe invites us to sit down with gods and graces, witches and sailors, heroes and queens, and have a glass of wine while she weaves her fabulous story.
"When I was born, the name for what I was did not exist."
It's also no surprise then that women hardly ever appear in the annals of history as more than background scenery, furniture in the rooms where big men make big decisions.
"All my life I had been murk and depth, but I was not a part of that water. I was a creature within it."
In Miller's version, Circe tells her own story: her fall from the heavens, her complicated family relationships, her love and empathy for mortals, her discovery and nurturing of magical powers feared by both gods and men. It is a coming-of-age story told by the most powerful witch the world has ever known.
Yet her power and immortality don't prevent her from falling in love with imperfect, mortal men, or mourning the end of their fragile, short lives.
"... in a solitary life, there are rare moments when another soul dips near yours, as stars once a year brush the earth. Such a constellation was he to me."
Circe is the archetype of femininity, embodying the raw power and vulnerability imbued in an extra-ordinary, woman's life. With shimmering language and poetic beauty, Circe invites us to sit down with gods and graces, witches and sailors, heroes and queens, and have a glass of wine while she weaves her fabulous story.
This was a very imaginative retelling and explanation of the myths surrounding Circe. I thoroughly enjoyed Miller’s novelization. She breathes life and strength into this lesser god/Titan in ways that embody bravery, truth and loyalty.
This one was tough to rate. I've settled on 3.5. The story itself was compelling, but having very little Greek God/Goddess knowledge, I probably didn't appreciate it for what it was (I also couldn't keep up with all of the different names & back-stories).
It was oddly fast paced in some places and dragged in others. The last few chapters fell a little bit flat for me too. It felt like it was quickly tied up with a perfect little bow, everything falling into place a bit too perfectly.
3 stars for overall book experience (I just don't enjoy this genre/topic of gods/fantasy apparently)
4 stars for writing style and engaging story
It was oddly fast paced in some places and dragged in others. The last few chapters fell a little bit flat for me too. It felt like it was quickly tied up with a perfect little bow, everything falling into place a bit too perfectly.
3 stars for overall book experience (I just don't enjoy this genre/topic of gods/fantasy apparently)
4 stars for writing style and engaging story
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