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cherie_may16's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Bullying, Confinement, and Abandonment
lavenderzinnia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Sexual content
aksmith92's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The story unfolds across centuries or millennia, mirroring the immortality of Circe and other Greek myths. We are introduced to her early life as the daughter of Helios, the sun god, and Perse, a sea nymph. Her initial sense of isolation and inadequacy among the gods and titans sets the stage for a remarkable journey of self-discovery. We witness Circe's profound transformation, from the awakening of her magical powers to her exile on the island of Aiaia. It is here that Circe truly comes into her own, refining her craft and grappling with her identity and place in the world.
What I Liked: Miller's narrative and prose were both lyrical and accessible, breathing new life into ancient myths. She skillfully weaved in encounters with iconic mythological figures, such as Prometheus, Odysseus, and Madea, adding depth to Circe's character and advancing her growth. What particularly resonated with me was the feminist perspective that Miller brought to Greek mythology, a realm often devoid of such interpretations. Miller portrayed Circe not just as a 'witch', but as a multifaceted woman who experienced love, loss, and profound loneliness. Her journey on Aiaia, especially after she experienced hardship and grief, was particularly engrossing. The novel's exploration of the themes of transformation, power, and the enduring struggle for autonomy and self-realization was also particularly effective.
The most profound aspect of this novel was Miller's imaginative storytelling and humanization of a mythological character often depicted as a villain. Don't get me wrong; Circe was not perfect by any means, but Miller added depth and layers to her life to make her resonate with the readers. I loved that aspect.
What Didn't I Like? I initially gave this 3.5 stars but decided to round it up after thinking about it more. Many readers noted that Miller's prose was beautifully crafted (Miller has a background in classical studies, which is clearly evident here). However, at times, I struggled with the prose and would seem to drift off in my thoughts mid-paragraph. It was almost like Miller was writing to win an award, which I sometimes struggle with. It doesn't mean I don't like it; it just feels like an undertone I can't shake.
Additionally, I struggle with Greek mythology. I read Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, and while I loved the love story, I couldn't have cared less about the war or other characters. I felt similarly here in Circe, except there was a bit more depth to Circe this time. Miller's pacing, which honestly was a bit slow, at least allowed for deep immersion into Circe's world and psyche, and readers were given ample time to connect with her as she transformed from a passive bystander to an assertive and independent figure. However, when all was said and done, I struggled to remember Greek characters in the myths and lost interest - maybe it was because I felt like I was in a high school classroom again.
Regardless, this imaginative storytelling was a great read, and I appreciated a strong take on a relatively diminutive figure. Madeline Miller is undoubtedly exceptionally talented, and I'm looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Sexual content
iluvshelby's review against another edition
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Cannibalism, Murder, Pregnancy, and War
linneak's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Infidelity, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Bullying, Child death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Confinement, Incest, and War
janey_bones's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Blood, and Cannibalism
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Misogyny, Rape, Slavery, Murder, and Pregnancy
vvabecca's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Incest, Infidelity, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Cannibalism, Stalking, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
jhbandcats's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Circe makes a life for herself collecting herbs and plants for witchcraft and weaving on the unusual loom that was a gift from Daedalus. She has few encounters with humans and immortals, and her reputation as a fearsome witch grows. Any who challenge her spend the rest of their days in a sty looking at fellow pigs.
The author is able to craft an interesting character study where there’s little interaction with other people. I was initially put off by the almost juvenile storytelling till I realized that, as she’d just been born, Circe was indeed quite juvenile. As she matured, so did the writing style and so did my appreciation of the talented author. I hope she continues to rewrite Greek myths. She expands on stories I learned in my youth and I want more.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gore, Infidelity, Rape, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
ashfrxns's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Deportation
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Incest, Infidelity, Blood, Murder, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Minor: Emotional abuse
kwichris's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Child death, Incest, Mental illness, Torture, Grief, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Slavery, Toxic relationship, and Classism