A review by e_claire_b
Circe by Madeline Miller

adventurous reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I very much enjoyed Song of Achilles (Miller's previous work) and I enjoyed Circe. Circe as a character is one I wish to explore and learn more about in the original myths. I found her story as an overlooked, neglected, and abused child turning into a powerful witch very poignant. I love the exploration of war and violence, hubris, ambition, gods, and the soft redemptive power of love. The way Miller tells the story of Odysseus is very interesting and at moments uncomfortable (especially in comparison to the songs I've been jamming to on the EPIC soundtrack lol) and it's interesting to compare the themes featured in this book and how it expands on some of the themes explored in Song of Achilles (I love reading multiple books by the same author for this reason)

However, I struggled with this writing. I'm not sure if it's because it's stretched over such a long period of time but despite enjoying the novel I had a hard time finishing it. Particularly on the last 150ish pages. This might be a matter more of personal taste than anything else. Miller does write some very beautiful passages but sometimes I have a hard time following what exactly is going on. This was something I noticed in Song of Achilles, but I think it was more amplified in this novel for some reason. 

Still recommend! I'm glad i read it. Circe was such a personally resonant character to read about. And there are many lines and moments from this work that will stick with me. Just this probably isn't the sort of book I will reread. At least not anytime soon.

(Also loved the little "easter egg" with Medea. God I love the play by Euripedes so much & I love the use of dramatic irony when she meets Circe. What is this a crossover episode???) 


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