Reviews with content warning for Injury/Injury detail - Circe

The Setup: Circe by Madeline Miller is a reimagining of the life of the eponymous figure from Greek mythology. This novel provides a richly detailed and empathetic portrayal of Circe, transforming her from a minor character in The Odyssey into a powerful and complex protagonist in her own right.

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.

Content Warnings