A review by allygator
Circe by Madeline Miller

emotional inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • 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

5.0

 This novel is exceptional. It is a masterclass in creating a beautifully atmospheric read without detracting from the plot or character development. Madeline Miller constantly blows me away with how much care and detail she puts into every character and scene. It reads like myth, which it is. But that myth, that scale? Never detracts from everything else a book should have. The timeline of Circe's story is massive. This book spans centuries. Yet somehow it never felt like it was dragging on or going too slow. It's slow-paced, yes. But never boring. Honestly, I could have read 300 more pages of this and still not have tired of it.
Is this better than Song of Achilles? I don't know. I don't think I could ever possibly compare them. They're two incredibly different books. I saw someone describe the difference between them like this: The Song of Achilles is about the worst pain ever imaginable, pain that happens once in a lifetime; Circe is about the little pains you endure throughout your whole life, and how they build up in a person. It's perfect, and I couldn't say it any better if I tried.
I won't stand up here and say that if you love Song of Achilles you'll love Circe (even though I absolutely adore both). I will stand up here and say, though, that if you aren't giving Circe a chance, you're missing out on a story like no other. 
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