A review by streetwrites
Circe by Madeline Miller

5.0

Once I finished Song of Achilles, I knew I had to get to get to this one pronto, and I’m glad I did. It almost felt like a sequel of sorts, especially seeing Odysseus as a major part of the narrative after the events of the first book. This book was gorgeously written, with beautifully drawn characters and episodic writing that felt primed for a TV series. This is the kind of story that makes mythology and history come alive in ways that feel concrete and impactful. If you’re looking for bloody battles and action pieces galore, you won’t find it here. This is a much more nuanced, introspective story, about a woman finding her power in the face of exclusion, cruelty, and derision. It’s about how she learned to survive, then thrive, in a world not made for her. The big themes here are universal to the women of today as well, particularly those concerning stepping into one’s power.

Character (4.5/5)
Plot & Pacing (4/5)
Setting & Surroundings (4/5)
Dialogue & Diction (5/5)
Craft & Voice (5/5)
Reading Experience (4.5/5)

Final Rating:
4.5/5