Rating: 4/5 Stars
Madeline Miller tells the story of “Circe” who is the daughter of Helios, a titan in ancient times. Circe is different from the other gods and struggles to find her place among them. When she first encounters humans, things begin to change. She learns about herself, her powers and the world’s delicate balance between men and the gods.
I loved this book! I appreciated the author’s different approach to the gods and titans. This is mythology written in a way that is accessible and captivating. Madeline Miller takes the historical heaviness of bloodlines and genealogy away to reveal a story that is crisp and enchanting. However, this simplification does not negatively impact the story but rather it enhances the details the author skillfully includes. It flows effortlessly and makes for easy reading.
Miller writes the story from the point of view of Circe which is interesting. The reader truly understands the mindset of the goddess and her transformation through her thoughts and actions. Throughout the tale, Circe encounters several famed characters from greek mythology including goddess Athena, Odysseus and creatures like the minotaur.
The entire book was enjoyable, however, I absolutely loved the second half of the book. The relationship between Circe and her son Telegonus pulled every single one my heart strings. As a parent, I connected with the goddess and how she felt about her son. This strong love jumped off the pages and left a large impression on my heart that will remain. “Circe” by Madeline Miller weaves the timeless tale of gods and goddesses but it also expertly bridges the gap between the olympic world and our own mortal one.
Recommendations: “Circe” is a must read for those who enjoy greek mythology or women’s literature.
Literature & Lattes 