Circe

by Madeline Miller

12 hr. 8 min.

English language

Audible ASIN:: B07944YFPW

(26 reviews)

Circe is a 2018 novel by American writer Madeline Miller. Set during the Greek Heroic Age, it is an adaptation of various Greek myths, most notably the Odyssey, as told from the perspective of the witch Circe. The novel explores Circe's origin story and narrates Circe's encounters with mythological figures such as Hermes, the Minotaur, Jason, and Medea, and ultimately her romance with Odysseus and her son by him, Telegonus.

7 editions

el dang reviewed Circe by Madeline Miller

Wonderful slow read that works much better for me than its source material does

5 stars

I never found this book a page turner, but I loved it from start to finish. Miller's writing is beautiful, and the character she turns Circe into is a wonderfully biting commentator on the affairs of gods and men alike. What she does with this story feels at once very true to the Homeric tradition--in that everything she adds is woven into the mesh of stories that previously existed--and a clearly intentional addressing of the most frustrating things about the old stories. She isn't kind to the macho man heroes of old, but does make them much more interesting, believable characters. In particular the "here's what happened after" she does to the Odyssey deals with everything I find frustrating about that story in a very effective way.

KnitAFett reviewed Circe by Madeline Miller

4.5 rounded down

4 stars

This was a lovely, amazing book with a story that gave me that cozy feeling. I honestly think I would have given it a full 5 stars if I had read this before Song of Achilles, but the story in that one was a little more compelling for me so it dulled this one a little in comparison. Absolutely one that I would love to read again and will be getting a physical copy to hold onto as well.

LizAndra reviewed Circe by Madeline Miller

Stunning!

5 stars

I didn't know quite what to expect when I started this book, but the narrator, Perdita Weeks, drew me into the unfolding story of a nymph who cannot find her place with her divine family. She breaks a rule, and the gods banish her to an island alone. There she must become everything for herself. The story is touching, at times violent, and ultimately heartwarming. Along the way we meet Hermes, Odysseus, Telemachus, and Penelope, as well as others.

Weeks is a masterful narrator, bringing all the vulnerability and power to create complexity and depth in Circe. This is critical as we see the story through Circe's point of view. And what a point of view! She grew up the daughter of Helios, the sun God, whom she reverenced though he barely noticed her. It is only when she is banished that she learns who she is and what she …

PanaX@bookwyrm.social reviewed Circe by Madeline Miller

Review of 'Circe' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Heck yes!

lakelady reviewed Circe by Madeline Miller

Review of 'Circe' on 'Goodreads'

2 stars

I was looking forward to reading this as I'd seen several good reviews from bookstore staff and elsewhere and I enjoy Greek myths. I was greatly disappointed to say the least. It simply did not hold my interest and I put it down repeatedly. The writing is pedestrian and even the story isn't all that interesting. Finally about two-thirds of the way through the story it got somewhat interesting but that's not enough to recommend it. The ending was as lackluster as the beginning.

lovmelovmycats reviewed Circe by Madeline Miller

Review of 'Circe' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Love this book!
FYI, it does not end the same way as The Telegony 😉

jkb reviewed Circe by Madeline Miller

Review of 'Circe' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Great book. If you enjoy greek mythology then you will enjoy this re-telling of some of the Greeks literature and myths from the point of view of a lesser goddess.