Circe

I recommend you read The Song of Achilles before reading Circe. I did not. By reading Achilles, knowledge of Odysseus’s prior life gives a much broader understanding of just who he was and what kind of man he was, far beyond and up to the day he meets Circe. I had to immediately reread Circe and gained more from the story the second time around.This book is about the trials and tribulations of females, especially lower Goddesses in a patriarchal society and what Circe thinks of those rules. After a harrowing childhood, complete with a rather brutal ruling from Zeus, she learns to set her own limitations and does not allow mere man or Gods to completely dictate her destiny. She is an herbalist, but also a Goddess and witch. Every thing she desires to learn, she puts all of herself into learning and doing. This is about the time you admire her tenacity, and her rather wicked sense of humor.When she loves someone, she will protect this person however she needs to, even if it costs her a great deal. She is loyal, and she is strong. She is also someone the lesser gods don’t typically like having to deal with either.I am stalking the Madeline Miller, the author, wondering who is her next mortal, God, or Goddess to have their story written. I can’t wait for it, but don’t let me stop you from grabbing this book for your next great read.

It arrived early and mostly in good conditions. Part of the front cover arrived torn, if it were a used book I wouldn’t mind much but it is new. I fixed it with some tape and it did the job. Just hope it was only mine.Super intrigued by the summary. As soon as I finish the one I’m currently reading this one will be next! And I know it’ll be good, because I love Madeline Miller books so far.

I was expecting a book that was only loosely based on mythology but I was wrong to think so. This actually sticks pretty closely to the stories we know about Circe- and jsut adds a whole lot of meaning to it all. Which I personally think is an incredible way to write a book. The stories are all familiar, but yet I got so much more out of them than I ever have before. The odyssey is one of my favorites and yet this made me almost despise it (no spoilers) because it just felt so different through someone else’s eyes.I feel like this book is a great feminist book as well as one that doesn’t try to force things to be a certain way- it falls naturally as the main character grows and it is like a love story to feminism in the best possible way. Completely unforced.I really really enjoyed this book- though I would have liked some more at the end.

Amazing book! The shiny part cover does get scratched easily but all in all amazing book especially if you like greek mythology! An easy read and I thought I knew mythology but I still have so many stories to find. Love the twists the author adds to the myths too.

The story presents an inspiring and fresh perspective on Circe, skillfully intertwining various characters from Greek mythology. This not only enriches our understanding of her actions but also amplifies our appreciation for her remarkable ability to love and learn. As Circe embarks on her journey of self-discovery and transformation, she demonstrates that we all hold the power to change, adapt, forgive, and rectify our mistakes. The narrative reminds us that being mortal is a gift, emphasizing the significance of personal growth and redemption.

I don't remember what compelled me to buy this book, other than I was already familiar with the author (I've read Song of Achilles and loved that) and a sudden, strong emotional pull towards it that I can't really explain. But anyway, I came away not loving Circe as much as I thought I would. Maybe I had too many cliche, feminist "I am woman and here me roar" expectations that I usually harbor: I figured I was getting a story about a witch powerful in her own right, unafraid, bullish and maybe even menacing with her magic. A witch who never cowed before men, who ruled like a blazing star... A witch like Pasiphae, Circe's sister and not Circe herself.Sigh.I found myself instead really quite befuddled at Circe's reticence, her almost wallflower personality in the beginning: why did she dote on her father Helios so much? Hanging on his every word given how bad he treated her as a child? Why did she allow her mother to talk to her that way, without rebelling? Why did she let those nymphs and Aeetes and Pasiphae to use her and mock her? Why was she so gullible? She was young and naive, I get it but I felt that submissive behavior carried on throughout the entire book, even after the horrendous sailors, Odysseus, helping her admittedly vile sister with the Minator, etc. Circe was not the braveheart witch I expected, but more like someone flailing maiden desperately pining for love in all the wrong places.I won't be too harsh because she certainly did mature out of that wallflower, shy maiden and into a strong minded woman-witch who could hold her own... I just wish she had gotten there quicker and with less pain for herself.And even though I was glad that Miller stayed true to Circe's lore, I was annoyed with the Telegonus arc of the story. There's already so many tales of women only finding their strength through motherhood: I was hoping Circe would be different but alas, no. Was she strong before her son? Sure. But not insurmountably so, not until she became "mom". As I'm not one myself many might say I am biased and that I cannot judge because I've never experienced how parenthood changes a person - but why must the creation of new life be the only impetus for change? Is already existing life not enough? Idk I'm just over the idea of heroic motherhood.And I wasn't thrilled with how it ended: on a cliffhanger basically, because does she gain her humanity that she craves? I hope so buts it's all a guess. I am glad I read this book even if it didn't meet my expectations; Circe is a Greek myth worthy of her own story and I am glad she got it. Well done Mrs. Miller.

I'd never heard of Circe before reading this book, but her story is fantastic, yet sad. As powerful as the Olympus gods are described, Circe overcame her challenges and flaws thus proving her family and everyone wrong about her having a place among them. She learned how to survive among others who hated her and still flourished on her own. That is something to admire.