Circe

By Madeline Miller

Book Overview

This #1 New York Times bestseller is a "bold and subversive retelling of the goddess's story" that brilliantly reimagines the life of Circe, formidable sorceress of The Odyssey (Alexandra Alter, TheNew York Times).

In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child -- not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power -- the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.

Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.

But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.

With unforgettably vivid characters, mesmerizing language, and page-turning suspense, Circe is a triumph of storytelling, an intoxicating epic of family rivalry, palace intrigue, love and loss, as well as a celebration of indomitable female strength in a man's world.

#1 New York Times Bestseller -- named one of the Best Books of the Year by NPR, the Washington Post, People, Time, Amazon, Entertainment Weekly, Bustle, Newsweek, the A.V. Club, Christian Science Monitor, Refinery 29, Buzzfeed, Paste, Audible, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Thrillist, NYPL, Self, Real Simple, Goodreads, Boston Globe, Electric Literature, BookPage, the Guardian, Book Riot, Seattle Times, and Business Insider.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316556343
• ISBN13: 9780316556347
• Release Date: April 2018
• Publisher: Little Brown and Company
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A love story told with a potty mouth.

It helps to know the gods, goddesses, and even the more obscure ones for background. That is as far as it goes, as the names are used to mask a ridiculous love story. The version of “Circe” I listened to is an Audible Audiobook – Unabridged, Madeline Miller (Author), Perdita Weeks (Narrator). Perdita Weeks has a speech impediment (British accent) that distracts from what there is of a story. She also narrates such books as “The Prince's Virgin Lover: Royals of Dubai Series #1.” The writer Madeline Miller tosses in a gratuitous potty mouth that, of course, distracts from the experience. We start the story with a bunch of names thrown, which I suppose is a way of introduction, so one has to hang in there to see that this has nothing to do with anything but a weird person named Circe that just happens to be immortal (no big deal). If you finish the book as I did not you will find that you have to sort the corruption from the real story. If you are a lover of Harlequin-type books, this will be right up your alley.

Epic

You need to read this. It will complete your soul.

Oof

I know this is a good book but I received a cursed upside down misprint labeled under good condition 🥲

She shows and doesn't tell!

This was the first book I ever read from this author. I have read it again every year (3 yrs, so far!) since! I have never loved the writing of an auther as fiercely as I do the storytelling of this writing genius.

Loved! But weird relationship in the end

I love this book, it was pretty hard to put it down. As a mom I loved the description of her journey through motherhood & self discovery. Every single page was phenomenal. The only thing is that at the end it sort of ends with a very weird relationship. The ending overall is beautiful & heartwarming - just with an odd coupling. Still love it overall though!

set some time aside

it's a good book that truly draws you in 'song o muses' this is something i will remember for a long time

Read from start to finish in 2 days..

I have not found a book this rewarding in ages!

Bittersweet with a Punch

A great story masterfully retold, a tale of female empowerment and the ups and downs of love and self discovery.

Thoroughly Entertaining

Perfect for Greek mythology lovers like myself who'd love to know more about Circe. This takes place over the course of 100's of years, yet there wasn't a dull moment. I loved that this is told from Circe's point of view, it really gives interesting insight on being an immortal being amongst mortals.

So good!

Madeleine Miller reimagines Greek mythology through the eyes of Circe. This feminist take on the witch of the Odyssey is hard to put down. It has everything a good story needs; adventure, love, magic, drama. I am eagerly awaiting more books from her.

Beautifully written tale of the sorcessess/witch from the Odyssey with wonderful detail]

I loved this book! The author is so good at painting scenes with words. I have had a fascination with Greek Mythology since I was a little girl. This paints Circe as more that just an afterthought in the Odyssey. I haven't liked an author this much since Marion Zimmer Bradley.

Best Author EVER!!!

The Madeline Miller is an Artist. You can see the amazing development that Circe goes through to become the powerful witch of Aiaia that fought for what she wants to protect those she cares for. There is so much creativity that it feels as though I am reading the very words that Circe herself would write. Thank you, Madeline Miller for creating this beautiful lense that we may see the Ancient Greek World through. <3

Greek Mythology Lovers Rejoice!

If you loved her first novel, "Song of Achilles" or Claire Andrews' "Daughter of Sparta" you will love this one too! Viewed from Circe's eyes as though she is sitting down and telling you the story of her life. Another beautifully done and well written book. This book is linked with "Song of Achilles" in a few ways, so if it left you wanting more this book is a must read!

Buy it!!! You won’t want to return it!!

Madeline Miller kept me completely drawn in with her colorful and vivid detail in Circe. It feels so real. Circe should be the go to book for the modern day feminist.

Madeline Miller is a genius!!!

Don't hesitate to pick up this magnificent novel! The author did a fantastic job bringing the Witch of Aaia, the Great Nymph Circe to life on every page in such vivid detail. From her meek beginings to becoming confident and feared, you live each moment with Circe in her exile and in the tasks she must do. I loved seeing her come into her power and her willingness to do what ever means necessary to ensure the protection of those she loved. The author did an amazing job weaving the affairs Circe had with Hermes, Daedalus & Odysseus into something that read very realistic. I adored this book! It was certainly a 5/5 for me! If you enjoy Mythology, I highly reccomend Circe!!!

Beautifully written modern Greek mythology

Miller's writing style is poetically descriptive and she will suck you right into the world of Greek mythology. The characters are all magical (even the humans in their own ways!) as they are flawed.