A review by pigeonpersona
Circe by Madeline Miller

adventurous emotional reflective relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

In this novel, Madeline Miller manages to create whole new character out of Circe. In Homer's Odyssey, Circe is essentially a vengeful temptress who acts as a conduit to continue Odysseus's journey; and her island is just one of many stopping points. But in this story, she's the focus, she has a deep internal dialogue and a complex emotional journey. And being an ageless goddess, she essentially acts as an anchor as the timeline of Ancient Greek mythology passes her by. I saw myself in her, her loneliness, her joy, and her troubles. No god has felt so human until now.
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