Circe

I didn't get into this book as much as I expected–my book club was raving about it. I think the second half I had finally gotten used to the prose and style of language from Circe's point of view in the book, and I was able to push through to the end in a couple of evenings after that. It was an interesting retelling. I'll probably try Achilles as well, which came recommended from my daughter.

4.5/5 really, really enjoyed this!!! It felt like a fast paced read and I only got slightly bored a few times. If I wasn't interested in Greek mythology I don't know that I would have enjoyed it as much - especially with all the heavy/ graphic parts.

6/10

I don't know why I bother returning to this myth genre. I never enjoy it. It's probably a good book, just not for me.

It feels like the good parts of the story are glossed over and done in a few pages, while the uninteresting parts draw on and on.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up - enjoyable but i think i kept comparing it to song of achilles & it just doesn't do it for me like that one did. there was also a handful of dialogue throughout that pulled me out of it, felt very jarringly modern compared to the rest of the writing style & dialogue but overall rly nice read !

Miller's prose is simply beautiful. I highlighted loads in this book, and I consider this an excellent welcome into the world of Greek Mythology. Circe is an inspiring, novel about a woman coming into herself. Going into this with no knowledge of any Greek mythology made every turn a twist for me! The atmosphere the author creates is immersive, and I felt as though I was by Circe's side the whole way through.

Lowkey had a hard time getting into this and then stuff happened and forgot about the book lol

Absolutely stunning though

4.5

What the fuck was Hermes' problem?

I didn't realize how much I needed to read something like this. It was storytelling in a very true form. It's not like the story was unknown to me, but I felt like I was reading everything fresh.

Review EN/FR

"Circe" by Madeline Miller is a masterful reimagining of the mythological figure, giving her a powerful and captivating voice. I loved the idea of delving into the "true" story behind the enchantress, a character often overshadowed in traditional myths.

Miller's portrayal of Circe is richly detailed and deeply human, transforming her from a peripheral figure into a complex and relatable protagonist. The narrative explores her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment, weaving in elements of Greek mythology with fresh insights and perspectives.

Learning about Circe's background, motivations, and relationships with other mythic characters was fascinating. The author's lyrical prose and vivid storytelling made the ancient world come alive, providing a new understanding and appreciation of Circe's story.

"Circe" is a beautifully written and thoughtfully crafted novel that breathes new life into ancient myths, offering a compelling and immersive reading experience. It's a must-read for anyone interested in mythology, history, or simply a great story of transformation and strength.

"Circé" de Madeline Miller est une réinvention magistrale de la figure mythologique, lui donnant une voix puissante et captivante. J'ai adoré l'idée de plonger dans la "véritable" histoire de l'enchanteresse, un personnage souvent éclipsé dans les mythes traditionnels.

La représentation de Circé par Miller est richement détaillée et profondément humaine, la transformant d'une figure périphérique en une protagoniste complexe et relatable. Le récit explore son parcours de découverte de soi, de résilience et d'émancipation, mêlant des éléments de la mythologie grecque avec de nouvelles perspectives et idées.

Découvrir les antécédents de Circé, ses motivations et ses relations avec d'autres personnages mythiques a été fascinant. La prose lyrique de l'auteure et son récit vivant ont fait revivre le monde ancien, offrant une nouvelle compréhension et appréciation de l'histoire de Circé.

"Circé" est un roman magnifiquement écrit et soigneusement élaboré qui insuffle une nouvelle vie aux mythes anciens, offrant une expérience de lecture captivante et immersive. C'est un incontournable pour quiconque s'intéresse à la mythologie, à l'histoire ou simplement à une grande histoire de transformation et de force.

This story feels like a gift.

I am a sucker for a good women's perspective retelling. This one does not disappoint.

I feel like I've heard almost nothing but praise for this and Song of Achilles over the last few years. Song of Achilles has been on my list for a good while, but I happened on this in a little free library so I read it first.

Once I began approaching this as a series of short stories, rather than a single novel, I started having a better time. I think the chapter layout of this robs it a little, because while there are threads that weave throughout, big chunks of the book have nothing to do with the others. It felt like 3-4 short stories.

It probably sounds bad, but I feel like the novel didn't really hit its stride until just before Odysseus appeared. Perhaps that is because the mythology of Odysseus's interaction with Circe provides a firmer scaffolding. Perhaps I'm just too attached to the Odyssey. Who's to say?

Certainly, the back half (and more particularly the final third) is the best part of the book. The first third felt very slow, very boring. Hearing of the gods and titans is fun, but I found Circe kind of annoying, and not very interesting. That said, we definitely get a lot of character growth out of Circe throughout. The Circe at the end is not the Circe at the beginning and this is one of the better character developments I have seen written. Perhaps I enjoyed the final third so much because of all the things set down in the first 2/3rds that I found only passing.

I will probably read Song of Achilles when I can find some time. Once I got through the first third, the book came into its own.

A wonderful reimagining of Circe’s story. Circe, who was tortured as a child for not being beautiful enough, for not being powerful enough. Circe, who was exiled for being kind. Circe, who was naïve and tried to find the best in others. Circe, who used her powers to turn men into pigs when they tried to harm her. Circe, who finally learnt to live with herself. Circe, who is not Goddess enough, and not human enough. I felt compassion for her character, who finally found peace in who she was, even though she had done some cruel and evil acts. A morally grey character, and many many relationships - some bad, some good, some heartbreaking. What else does a story need? (for anyone looking to read a Greek mythology retelling, this might not be your cup of tea - this has little of everything else that goes on in the world of Greek Gods, this is purely Circe’s story).

Love it, love it, love it. Such a great book and read. I really liked where this author came from to write a story about Circe. What a powerful, brave and strong woman. Can't wait to read more books from Madeline Miller!

I've loved Greek mythology since as long as I can remember. I'm ashamed to admit, this probably started with the adventures of Hercules which led me down a long weird pop culture rabbit hole until I finally arrived at the Iliad and then the Odyssey. This book made me feel like I was experiencing all of that for the first time. It felt so true to the source that it seemed like this version of Circe's story was carved from the marble of the original tales. I think that's the best way to describe how reading this felt... So many adaptations of these myths add, change, and update things to make them more palatable to their audience. This one managed to make so much of the cultural weirdness of Greek myth just work as is, while also telling a wholly original story that managed to tie it all together into a cohesive compelling page turner. I'd never thought much of Circe before reading this but I'm stunned at what Madeline Miller pulled out of her. Joy, awe, devastation... if you haven't already, please read this book.

Fantastic read. Going in I was a bit hesitant because I’ve never been one to keep mythological God’s names straight, however Madeline gives each God (and Nymph) their our personality, traits, and contextual relevant story that it fleshes them out into breathing characters that I am able to individualize.

If you’re going in blind to these ancient stories, Miller does a great job keeping it self contained. Overall Circe is a relatable feminist heroine who has made some mistakes in her past, learns from them, and attempts to correct them.

Some spots seem to drag a bit, which throws off the books pacing, but overall I enjoy the way Miller describes the world surrounding Circe. There’s always an air of naive curiosity to it.

Overall - 8.5/10
Plot - 8/10 Characters - 9/10 Prose - 9/10 Theme - 10/10 Narration - 8/10 Enjoyment - 8/10

I mildly enjoyed the intermittent trials and almost-adventures sprinkled throughout Circe. The plot lines that I expected to blossom ended up leaving me with that feeling you get after eating a veggie burger when you were craving a real one. Miller's beautiful prose could not save the overarching blandness of the story.

Disclaimer: I do recognize that I set myself up for failure by falling head over heels for The Song of Achilles, which is a much better work by MM.

I quite literally stayed up until 1 am to finish this book because Madeline millers writing style is ADDICTING
I love love love this idea of retelling mythology with a modern voice in a way? Especially characters who were poorly represented in the past!! Circe is beautiful and emotional and has so many complex themes and ideas and I just ATE THAT SHIT UP !!!! Gorgeous beautiful stunning amazing

Spellbinding tale of womanhood and agency and the complexities of finding herself. One of the most beautiful writing styles I've ever read. I cry when I finish it because I felt heartbroken to part ways with Circe.

Circe had strong sections and weak sections. The beginning started out fairly strong then proceeded to be a little boring until the last third of the book.

I do believe that the more retellings I read the better the payout. This is my second one which I enjoyed more than the first because of the crossovers to what I had read in the first (“Ithaca” by Claire North).

There was a plethora of characters that interwove into the story with multiple short sections making up the full novel which I enjoyed. The writing was fairly good and straightforward which helped me understand the story. I will be reading more of the author's other retellings at some point!

This was my second read of Circe by my favorite author, Madeline Miller and I believe it not only is better the second time but you also understand and relate significantly more as your grow. Circe is a complex character and it is beautiful to read of her story and watch her mature through thousands of years in time. The last few pages wrap up everything flawlessly. Miller's words are poetry to me. I cannot wait to read what is next.

Had I reviewed this at 30%, I would have given it 5 stars. Being completely unaware of Circe and her mythology, it seemed as if it was sopping with potential. I was hoping for intense witchery and defiance of the gods. I got some of this.

Had I reviewed it at 60%, I would have given it 3 stars. I grew frustrated waiting for more action and adventure. Though I couldn't deny my enjoyment of Circe as a character and how well Miller conjured the story.

However, the ending pulled it together for me, landing at 4. All in all, a magically crafted story about love, healing, and defying the gods.

If you enjoy Greek mythology you will enjoy Circe!

Circe feels like an intricately written poem and character study, and it truly feels like you are reading from the perspective of a goddess versus a mortal. The way she thinks about things, how she feels and endures; it isn’t how a mortal would think and feel but rather those of being that’s more.

The writing was truly poetic and while some parts were a little slow for me, I appreciated them by the end. From a character-study perspective, the loneliness during her time alone on the island added immensely to how we as the reader see her character as a whole.

Loved the weaving together of many Greek stories and characters into one that is totally different while also keeping the integrity of each character alive.

This was a bit of a different read for me but was immensely enjoyable. Miller’s writing has that classic feel mixed with something new to intrigue the reader and keep us wondering how the story will pan out.