Who Would Like This Book:
Madeline Miller's "Circe" is a lush, imaginative retelling of Greek mythology from the perspective of a woman often relegated to the background. Miller brings Circe vividly to life, showing her transformation from outsider to powerful witch and independent woman. If you love character-driven stories, Greek myths with a twist, or tales of female empowerment, you'll find this book hard to put down. Literary fiction fans and mythology buffs alike will appreciate Miller's lyrical prose and fresh, feminist take on the classics.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers have found "Circe" to be slow-paced, especially in the first half, with long stretches of introspection and less action than they expected from a mythological tale. Others weren't fans of Miller’s reinterpretation of certain legendary figures, or felt a distance from the protagonist, not fully connecting with Circe herself. If you prefer fast-moving plots or are hoping for a multi-character epic rather than a singular character study, this one might not sweep you away.
About:
In "Circe" by Madeline Miller, readers are taken on a journey through Greek mythology from the perspective of the enchantress Circe. The book beautifully weaves together mythological cameos, showcasing a transformational arc for Circe as she evolves from a naive nymph to a powerful witch and reluctant mother. Through vivid storytelling, the author reimagines Circe's story, offering a fresh take on a character previously known for turning men into pigs in Homer's Odyssey.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for medium levels of violence, themes of abuse, and examples of misogyny.
From The Publisher:
The international Number One bestseller from the author of The Song of Achilles, shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction
Woman. Witch. Myth. Mortal. Outcast. Lover. Destroyer. Survivor. CIRCE.
In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. Circe is a strange child - not powerful and terrible, like her father, nor gorgeous and mercenary like her mother. Scorned and rejected, Circe grows up in the shadows, at home in neither the world of gods or mortals. But Circe has a dark power of her own: witchcraft. When her gift threatens the gods, she is banished to the island of Aiaia where she hones her occult craft, casting spells, gathering strange herbs and taming wild beasts. Yet a woman who stands alone will never be left in peace for long - and among her island's guests is an unexpected visitor: the mortal Odysseus, for whom Circe will risk everything.
So Circe sets forth her tale, a vivid, mesmerizing epic of family rivalry, love and loss - the defiant, inextinguishable song of woman burning hot and bright through the darkness of a man's world.
THE NUMBER ONE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
CHOSEN AS A BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE GUARDIAN, TELEGRAPH, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, I PAPER, SUNDAY EXPRESS, IRISH TIMES, TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT, AMAZON, AUDIBLE, BUZZFEED, REFINERY 29, WASHINGTON POST, BOSTON GLOBE, SEATTLE TIMES, TIME MAGAZINE, NEWSWEEK, PEOPLE, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY, KIRKUS, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY AND GOODREADS
Ratings (1017)
Incredible (268) | |
Loved It (398) | |
Liked It (203) | |
It Was OK (81) | |
Did Not Like (53) | |
Hated It (14) |
Reader Stats (2038):
Read It (1024) | |
Currently Reading (21) | |
Want To Read (685) | |
Did Not Finish (49) | |
Not Interested (259) |
31 comment(s)
Навіть якщо це не faithful притримання оригінального матеріалу, мені всеодно дуже сподобалось таке переосмислення історії Цирцеї. Мені подобаються книжки такого типу, де нараторка жінка, і через її погляд ми проходимо крізь усе її життя.
Circe was one of those books that felt like falling into another world without even meaning to. Madeline Miller writes with this quiet intensity that sneaks up on you, and before I knew it, I was completely wrapped up in Circe’s life, her loneliness, her stubborn hope, and the strength she has to build for herself piece by piece.
What struck me most was how deeply human Circe feels, despite being a goddess. She’s pushed aside, underestimated, and dismissed by the very family she’s born into. And instead of that breaking her, it shapes her; forces her to learn who she is without anyone else defining it for her. Watching her grow into her power, not through grand battles but through survival, heartbreak, and choosing her own identity, was honestly the most beautiful part of the story.
I loved how Miller rewrites so many familiar myths through Circe’s eyes. The heroes, the monsters, the legends, they’re all different when you see the cost of their stories. It gives the whole world this bittersweet, reflective tone that lingers long after the chapter ends.
And Circe’s island… it feels alive. The solitude, the magic, the quiet rituals, it all becomes this sacred, personal space where she rebuilds herself. By the end, I realized I loved her not because she was powerful, but because she was vulnerable and powerful, all at once.
Overall, Circe felt like a soft, fierce reminder that you can carve out your own life, even if the world keeps trying to write your story for you. It’s myth retelling, but also a meditation on becoming; slowly, painfully, beautifully, the person you choose to be.
The writing felt fan-fictionish and Circe and I would have come to blows a few times, I think I'd win most of them!
A book about a witch who turns men into pigs. Sounds brute, yet the writing is beautiful, poetic and eloquent. The author gives a voice to lesser known characters in Greek mythology, and is somehow able to build complex intertwining stories based on the classics. I appreciated the touches on humanity, femininity and motherhood.
A decently interesting novel. Easy ot get throught and had some interesting moments.
I’ve always liked Greek mythology and this book takes the cake. Circe (in my opinion) isn’t very well known and Miller brings the character to life. The best way to summarize the story is an immortal feeling out of place but finding she was better suited for the mortal life with the right person.
4.75
THE WRITING! OMG THE WRITING! i will read anything this woman ever writes it’s that good
Magical, introspective, and moving. Miller's prose is really beautiful, and while it took its time I was always engaged. I actually weeped a bit at the end and I don't even remember why...it was just really lovely. Made me want to go live on an island and take up herbalism and, idk, learn to turn men into pigs.
Heck yes!
A wonderful retelling of Circe. I cannot fathom living a life on an immortal and navigating the politics of titans and gods. Men are heinous and cruel but men are also loving and kind. I’m glad Circe got what she deserved all along.
What can you read after
Circe?
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