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boba_nbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Greek mythology retelling? Check. Witches? Check. Female Rage? Check.
Circe is the odd child born of Helios--a mighty Titan and god of the Sun. She doesn't seem to fit in with her siblings or anyone else in Helios' house. After Circe turns to mortals for companionship, she finds out she possesses a rare power: witchcraft. Zeus, of course, finds out about Circe's power, and since he is intimidated by it, he decides to banish her to a deserted to island for the rest of her immortal life. Circe finally feels as though she belongs in a world of her own, and she is able to hone her power even more. Though she is unable to leave the island, people can come to her, and that is how she meets the famous Odysseus. Their relationship takes Circe on a path she would've never thought possible.
This novel is undoubtedly beautiful. It's written in the sort of prose that is almost always moving. Circe in and of herself is such a powerful figure who hasn't been explored in mythology, and it was so interesting to hear her story with her at the center instead of as the side character in others' stories.
I loved the female rage in this book as well as the fact that she stood strong for herself and those she closest to her. Anyone who loves Greek mythology and female empowerment will love Circe.
Graphic: Bullying, Rape, Sexual assault, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, and Violence
Minor: Animal cruelty, Incest, and War
kwthor'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? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Cursing, Death, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Sexual content
lavenderzinnia's review
- 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
mxmorganic'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
5.0
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
Moderate: Misogyny, Slavery, Vomit, and Alcohol
Minor: War
ladyames20203'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: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and War
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Torture, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Gore, Incest, Self harm, and Medical content
icy1'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? It's complicated
4.5
Moderate: Body horror and Sexual assault
Minor: 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
caitlinemccann'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, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Animal death, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Murder, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death and Cannibalism
grayvie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Body horror, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and War
lindyloureads'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
4.25
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Abandonment
Moderate: Torture, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, and Deportation
Minor: Incest, Physical abuse, and Pregnancy