Circe

***SPOILERS AHEAD*** On the Facebook reader group, I heard a lot about Circe by Madeline Miller over the last year. Though I was enamored by its beautiful cover and an exotic title, I kept away because I thought it was one of those novels which would be highly demanding, my time and brainpower. I wasn’t ready for that kind of commitment because my daughter was still demanding most of my time. It took a lockdown and a now less dependent child for me to finally pick this book up. And I am glad I did it. Circe follows the story of the Goddess daughter of the Sun God Helios and the nymph Perse over the course of several hundred years before leaving the reader on the verge of a further story. “I will not be like a bird bred in a cage, I thought, too dull to fly even when the door stands open.” Circe had always been different. With her frail human-like voice and yellow eyes, she was the least wanted child of her parents. Despised by everyone in her family of Gods for her distinctness, Circe grows up at her father’s feet in the hopes of receiving his affections at least once. Neglected by him and her mother alike, she finds support and solace in her younger brother, whom she mothers when their own mother didn’t want him. But even he left her when his fate beckoned. Alone again, Circe started to spend most of her time away from everyone. She came face to face with Glaucos, a fisherman with whom she fell in love, on a secluded island she used to spend her time on. Her love for him became so profound that she magics him into a God. Once transformed, he, like others, neglects Circe and instead makes Scylla, a nymph the object of his affections. Enraged, Circe turns Scylla into a monster and finally discovers her powers of witchcraft. Threatened by her newfound powers, Zeus banishes her to the island of Aiaia for the rest of her life. But what an irony it was for her, she was free, yet she was a captive of the boundaries of her land. At Aiaia, Circe began a new life. She honed her skills of witchcraft and made the island her home. Although she was banished, she wasn't denied meeting with people as long as they came to her. Daedalus was amongst the first persons to reach her, on the behest of her sister, to take her away for some time and help with her childbirth. Circe didn't share a hospitable relationship with her sister, but she still went, and what she saw was beyond her imagination. While she mended her sister's deeds, she also had a short affair with Daedalus. He was one of those for whom her heart ached for, even years later. As quickly as she had started from Aiaia, did she return. She had only Hermes, the trickster god, with whom she shared a no strings attached relationship, for her company then. Over the course of her life, Circe had suffered alone. So when the ship came, she was overjoyed to have someone in her house. She didn't know then that mortals were no better than her family of Gods in treating her. Abused, she put her witchcraft to use and saw that no men survived. She was expecting the same ruthless men when Odysseus's ship drew land on her island, but she hadn't known he would be different. A year later, when she bid him goodbye, she held his seed and birthed a boy, Telegonus. She held him close enough to not let Odysseus know that he even existed. But fate had other plans for this tiny mortal. The Goddess of war, Athena seemed to have taken a disliking to him and was hell-bent on killing him. And all of Circe's energies went into protecting her child, the child who grew up to leave her, to travel in search of his father and come back with his wife Penelope, and legitimate child Telemachus. Circe felt cornered on her own land, the land which had been hers for centuries, and only a confrontation would bring her peace. But was she ready for what would come with it? “But perhaps no parent can truly see their child. When we look we see only the mirror of our own faults.” I haven't read anything or know about Greek mythology. So when I picked this book up, I hadn't known what to expect except that it was a fantasy. I wasn't biased to the tales and the characters in any manner and I am glad I read this book this way. Written in simple language, Circe is a masterpiece. However lucid the prose might be, it is extremely beautiful. No, it isn't a poetic beauty, it is something that tugs at the heart with its simplicity. The story brings in many characters, strong ones and weak ones, but none steal Circe's thunder. She shines the brightest. It's admirable that the author doesn't lose her sight and sticks to the plot despite a number of subplots. Circe's hardships shape her course of life, her decisions a reflection of what she has faced, and her actions giving the Gods a run for their money and power. It is a powerhouse of Circe's strengths, a woman of her own making, much like today's times. A woman in this century could have easily been her, in fact, they are here to some extent, facing what she faced, discriminated on her looks, done away with as soon as the men realize that she can be a threat to them and seen as an object of lust and abuse. Much like Circe, the woman would rise, and claim her identity in a no man's land, only if they allowed her that much liberty. Alas! Circe's character arc is superbly written. From a loveless child to a bold young Goddess, from a loving sister to a lonely woman seeking love, from a meek witch living alone to a master of her art welcoming strangers into her house unknowing that they are at her mercy, from a banished nymph to a protecting mother, Miller draws out all her emotions and lays it bare for the readers. One would think that Gods wouldn't have much depth, but then, hey, Circe wasn't called the "Humane Goddess'' for nothing. She felt more human than any of the other characters to me. I kept wondering how the story would end because Gods apparently don't die, and also wanting it not to end. I had no way to physically ascertain how much of the book was left since I was reading an ebook. But when I came to an end, I was overwhelmed, the way the climax reached me was seamless, like all throughout, I had been waiting for it to happen. For Circe to find what she was looking for all this time and letting go of what she never had the use for.

This is one of the most talked about books at the moment, trending on every social media site possible. I found out about this book on Instagram and decided to give it a shot. I must say that I was not disappointed. Circe by Madeline Miller gives us a peek into the lives of the Titans and Olympians as well as that of man. A beautifully written book, the story is told from Circe's point of view, following her life from birth. In the beginning, the story focuses on the life of the Titans, the pact they have with the Olympians and Circe's yearning to be accepted and understood. She seems to always be apart from the rest of the household, an enigma. As time passes, she starts to discover a latent power, sleeping somewhere within her, the power of witchcraft and magic. She discovers that though she is different from her family, she has her own set of strengths. this is a story of self-discovery and along the way we meet a lot of people who help shape how Circe sees herself. The story is masterfully crafted, introducing us to a number of familiar names at each stage, thus making this story even more enjoyable. It is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching at the same time forcing us to experience the journey with Circe. We are not just reading about her, there are many times when the descriptions are so well done that the reader becomes a part of the story, another character. We meet a whole array of people, most of whom you would have heard before, but who are shown through Circe's eyes in this book, portraying them in a different light. Many incidents and situations are achingly familiar and we do know how it all ends, but we do not know how Circe fits into the sequence and her reactions to it. This book brings out those connections, including a wonderful introduction to Odysseus and the lasting impression he has on Circe's life. The beauty of the plot lies in the simplicity with which the story is written and the complexity of the characters involved. The author passes on to us the message that to love oneself is most important and to understand one's worth. With a lot of emotions involved, the author captures Circe's thoughts very well, giving us vivid descriptions and glimpses into the worlds beyond. This book is about Circe's journey as she searches for love, acceptance and deals with motherhood, the challenges she faces and the joy she finds in small things. I cannot begin to explain how much this book had me hooked, turning page after page just to see where Circe goes and how she deals with her life. I learnt a lot from her, the way she treated people, the way she interacted with them, and in the end, her understanding of her position in the world and in life. In conclusion, I strongly recommend this book to all those who enjoy fiction and fantasy steeped in mythology.

Alright, you lovely people, this post is going to be long so brace yourself. This book took a long time to come to me and by then, almost everyone I knew (at least in the bookish world) had already read it. I have to admit that I was so incredibly jealous of the lucky ones who had the opportunity to read it before I did. (I am aware, it shows how mature I am. I don’t care. Much.) I have loved Miller’s The Song of Achilles for a while now, so much so that I voluntarily pick it out to re-read, knowing I would be heartbroken at the end of it. So, that coupled with the fact that Miller was once again using her love of Greek mythology to bring forth Circe’s tale, you can see why I would be so very eager to devour the book as soon as possible. With The Song of Achilles, there was always a steady pattern, the deep knowledge of what was to come, it still undid me, of course but I welcomed it. The Song of Achilles is paced a bit more speedily despite spanning the lives of Patroclus and Achilles. As more and more reviews were pouring in, I realised something important. Circe was not to be considered in the same vein and rightfully so. I read a lot of people saying that the pace was slow, that nothing really happened in Circe’s life and that Odysseus didn’t feature in the story till very late in the plot. All of that concerned me and it almost made me wonder if I would even like the book. Then the book came and as I started reading it, I realised something. The trick to read and appreciate Circe is to let go of Miller’s previous works. To let Circe stand on its own and shine. People were not wrong, the pace is rather slow and not much happens but this is Circe’s life almost documented. Life isn’t always exciting, I wasn’t able to give my best in terms of concentration, too! (Due to very real migraine problems but let’s not think about that right now.) But there came a time when I finally realised something. While I took my time getting invested in Circe’s life, Miller had already woven her spell over me. I loved her writing in this, it was almost serene despite all that happened in Circe’s life. I started to really empathise with her in due time. Circe is not an easy person to like, she too naive at first and too meek, then she tries her hand at things she doesn’t have much idea about. Her too make Gloucos into a divine being, the fallout from that, I almost gave up (this was during the week from hell, aka, the week of migraines) but then Circe was banished and her true story began. I say her story because before she was banished, I don’t think she really lived? That’s just my opinion. I wouldn’t spoil too much of the book but her interactions with Hermes and her experiences on her island made me love her more than her need for Helio’s love did. I guess, in a way, I saw myself in Circe when she still resided in Helio’s palace. The way she learned the her witchcraft and her love for herself and her companions showed that there was more to the girl who wanted to be accepted into the gods’ inner circle. Her actions with Scylla, her later interactions with men showed growth in her by leaps and bounds. Her scene with Medea was absolutely awesome. Of course there are moments in the book that I should have expected but didn’t. There are some triggery scenes and I wasn’t quite prepared for them. At the time, I almost thought to myself, why include this scene? What purpose did it serve other than to shock and horrify us? But almost in the next moment, I realised why it was included. I did think that there should have been a trigger warning of sorts, oh well. Circe and Odysseus talks were one of the better parts of the book, I have always loved Odyssey and though I have conflicting thoughts about Odysseus himself, I love him too. In a way. The way Miller wrote Odysseus made me happy, too. He was such a contrary character, wasn’t he? Always too smart for the people around him and later, when you are done reading The Iliad or even the Odyssey, you don’t really like him. His impressions are almost always of contrary nature. Miller managed that brilliantly. I should mention that I loved Penelope in this one just as I love her anywhere else. (Yeah, she’s a badass character and should be appreciated more in my opinion.) I think I loved many parts of the book thoroughly and some parts not quite but overall, I loved the book and can’t wait to read it again. I think this book could have done with a bit of a pace and maybe some of the scenes weren’t absolutely needed but if we take that away, it’s a great book. The one thing I really loved was the fact that Miller decided to write about Circe, she is never really been the focus of any story. I had kinda made up my mind about Circe when I read the Odyssey for the first time but now, I am glad that I got to change my mind. I am glad that my impression of her as the witch who turns men into goats has changed, made her into something more real. If you love Greek mythology, a retelling of the said myths and tragic, sad stories, this is the book for you. If you love a languid pace, with side characters just as interesting as the main character then this is the book for you. If you love strong but flawed main characters then this is the book for you.

It is a common saying that women are delicate creatures, flowers, Eggs, anything that may be crushed in the moments carelessness. If I had ever believed it, I no longer did. In the house of Helios, God of the sun, mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. Circe is strange – Not powerful and terrible, like her father, nor gorgeous and mercenary like her mother. But she has a dark power of her own; witchcraft. When Circe’s 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 cannot live in peace for long – and among her island’s guests is an unexpected visitor: the mortal Odysseus, for whom Circe will risk everything. Circe’s tale is a vivid epic of family rivalry, love and loss – the inextinguishable song of a woman burning hot and bright in the darkness of a man’s world. Where do I even begin? Circe is so much more than anything I’ll ever be able to say about it. It’s a whole different experience than anything I’ve ever read before. I’m actually at a loss of words while I write this. Circe is a book that speaks for itself from the first page. Circe’s story is one that begins with tragedies and how she finds joys within those. Born of a mighty god, she is never truly one of them. She’s not even truly a mortal, because mortals die and she will live for eternity. She is painted with human flaws regardless of her being a god. She’s looked down upon and is always despised for her “mortal” like voice among the gods. Seeing her grow into her own self over the course of several thousand generations is quite fascinating. Circe, in the beginning is the ‘obidient’ daughter of Helios, but as she is discovered as a witch and is exiled, we get to see her change. First into her own woman, a witch and then into a mother. Simultaneously Circe also learns about the dynamics of the world of gods and mortals, of how in a man’s world, a daughter is punished and a son is not. Circe is strong all along, in her own ways. Her character has been portrayed in a modern and realistic light. The author writes Circe’s emotions, feelings and actions in a very distinct style, one that makes you want to know more. Even though we get to see all the other characters from Circe’s perspective, they’re not flat at all. Every character’s motives and emotions fit into the narrative one way or the other. I usually don’t do well with first person perspectives, but Circe was an exception. I honestly forgot I was reading most of the time. For a certainly short read- Circe has a lot to offer. Every page is packed up with strong emotions, unexpected twists and turns (if you’re not familiar with Greek mythology already), love, grief and triumph. Circe is a book that is going to be imprinted of my mind forever. Love and grief- that come hand in hand for Circe -are presented very realistically in the book, as if we were no stranger to the pain that Circe went through. The writing style is lyrical, almost musical if I make sense lol. I didn’t even realise when it ended. There is so much more I want to say, but I’m afraid my words wouldn’t do justice even after I write hundreds and hundreds of pages about it. So I’ll only recommend everyone to read this once in their lives, whenever they want to. It’s not going to disappoint.

Circe is a fascinating tale of gods and mortals that draws you deep into Greek mythology. Told from Circe’s perspective, the story beautifully explores power, loneliness, transformation, and self-discovery. Rich in detail and emotion, the book makes ancient myths feel intimate and alive, leaving you thoughtful about the world of gods and the strength of a misunderstood immortal. A truly immersive and memorable read.

The book was good just not for me I don't think I am a great mythology person but if you are trying to get into this genre you should for sure pic up

Madeline Miller’s Circe is a remarkable feat of storytelling that turns a minor character from Greek mythology into the heart of an unforgettable novel. Through elegant and lyrical prose, Miller brings Circe—the daughter of the sun god Helios and the nymph Perse—to life as a woman of depth, strength, and vulnerability. Banished to the remote island of Aiaia, Circe finds power in witchcraft and the natural world, slowly transforming her exile into a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, she crosses paths with legendary figures: Odysseus, whose cunning and charm leave a lasting mark; Daedalus, the gentle craftsman haunted by his own burdens; the trickster Hermes; the fierce goddess Athena; and even Medea, Circe’s formidable niece. Each encounter deepens our understanding of Circe and the ancient world she inhabits. What makes Circe truly captivating is its emotional honesty. Miller deftly explores timeless themes: the struggle for identity, the cost of defiance, and the loneliness of standing apart. Circe is neither hero nor villain but something more human—a woman seeking her place in a world ruled by gods and men. Richly atmospheric and deeply moving, Circe is both a celebration of female strength and a meditation on freedom and fate. Miller’s writing is immersive without being dense, making mythology feel both accessible and relevant. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommended for anyone drawn to myth retellings, character-driven fiction, and beautifully crafted prose.

circe by madeline miller is a retelling of the witch goddess who is best known for turning men to swine in Homer's Odyssey. in the last how many decades the yarn of circe's mythology graced the spools of many writers. but i think this one by Madeline is going to stick with me the longest. she lit a candle of empathy and shone a light on circe's strengths, weaknesses, loves, heartbreaks, and feminist stance. Through her eyes, we get to experience God's love, discontent, hate, and rage, and how she stood in front of all that with a ramrod straight back to take what was hers. this book kept me on my toes. i can't count how many times i was awestruck by this book. before reading this, i had read TSOA and i can confidently say Miller is a master of lyrical prose. while reading, it felt like the story flowed right into me. the characters emotions were so vivid that it felt like i was alive and experiencing them. if you love mythology, you'll love and devour this book in one sitting. another thing that grabbed and held my attention is the family dynamics. there are some such cruel acts that pass between families that i have to take a breath and remind myself that they're gods. gods are cunning, easy to anger, downright cruel, and rareky kind. my heart broke for circe. i enjoyed this book a lot. it was first paced, filled with magic, mysticism, traitory, love, and heartbreak. there are some boring patches, but you have to bear them for the satisfying end. but overall, circe is an extremely powerful feministic and entertaining retelling of an important greek mythos written in a coming-of-age format. It's captivating and enjoyable. I'm simply in awe 🏹

{My Thoughts} What Worked For Me A Classic Tale Reimagined – Taking a classic story and reinventing it with a modern twist is nothing new. We see it time after time, but the usual reimagining places the characters and plot in a contemporary setting as the story plays out. With Circe, Madeline Miller kept the characters and the setting, and instead shifted the focus, placing it solely on Circe. Those of you with a background in mythology will see many, many elements from classic Greek mythology (especially The Odyssey) popping up in this book. However, if you’ve lived under a rock and never even knew there was such a thing as mythology it won’t matter. Miller gives you everything you need to know and she does it seamlessly. A Woman with Attitude – If you’re anything like me, you will come to adore Circe, the book and the woman. Born into one of the two most powerful families of gods, Circe adored her father, Helios, but never quite measured up. Where her siblings were gorgeous and powerful from an early age, Circe was plain and seemingly powerless. Tormented by her own family, Circe grew more and more fascinated with mortals. Falling in love with one, brought out her previously unknown powers of witchcraft. “I was too wild to feel shame. It was true. I would not just uproot the world, but tear it, burn it, do any evil I could to keep Glaucos by my side. But what stayed most in my mind was the look on my grandmother’s face when I’d said that word, pharmaka. It was not a look I know well among the gods.” This girl had gumption and she used her new power to punish her rival, creating a monster all came to feared. But, she paid a price for going too far. Circe was banished to the small island of Aiaia for eternity. This is where the book Circe really took off for me. On the island, I found it impossible not to admire and root for this woman who year after year, century after century, faced her fears, honed her powers, and learned to stand up for herself. “She was gone. But I said it anyway, to that great empty room and my son’s dreaming ears: “You do not know what I can do.” Soap Opera of the Gods – You might think a story of a woman alone on an island could get dull, but you would be wrong. Circe lived a lonely life, but was not without the occasional visitor, many bringing adventure and challenges to her life. Hermes flitted in and out with news and gossip from the worlds of gods and mortals. Her sister, Pasiphae, granted Circe temporary exile to help deal with her little Minotaur problem. Shipwrecked sailors soon discovered the wrath of Circe. And then came Odysseus, perhaps her most well known visitor, bringing to Circe a lasting love she was willing to die for. The level of drama never failed! That House – I really can’t say any more, but for those who have read Circe: I want that house! What Didn’t Absolutely EVERYTHING worked for me in Circe! {The Final Assessment} Madeline Miller is definitely a writer to admire. Reinventing the life of a minor goddess into a remarkable woman while remaining faithful to the original mythology can be no small feat. Miller did it in the best way possible, by knowing her star character and sticking to her story. From start to finish Circe was all about Circe, no long tangents, no veering off into some other god’s story. Just Circe: her life, her feelings, her mistakes, her heart, her choices. I haven’t yet read Millers’s debut, Song of Achilles, but I will. I’m already looking forward to that next trip to ancient Greece. If it’s anything like Circe, I’m sure to find the journey immersive, entertaining, exciting, everything! Just incase I haven’t been clear, I loved Circe. She will be one of my top ten books this year. Grade: A

The anniversary edition of Madeline Miller's *Circe* is visually striking and intellectually enriching. The exquisite design and presentation elevate the reading experience, while the inclusion of a new foreword provides valuable context and insight into the author's creative process. This edition serves as a testament to the enduring power and timeless appeal of Miller's masterful storytelling.

A great story but a slow buildup

The print is tiny. The one star is not for the content. The print is too tiny to read comfortably, even with reading glasses. I bought the gold paperback version.

What a precious story. Best read of the year for me.