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A review by bookishjillian
Circe and The Song of Achilles: 2 Books Collection Set by Madeline Miller
5.0
As someone who grew up reading Percy Jackson and playing Age of Mythology on PC, these books definitely rekindled my fascination for Greek mythology.
Miller's style of writing is poetic, pulling readers in by evoking empathy and garnering attachment to her portrayals of the main characters. I followed Patroclus closely throughout his story with Achilles and didn't miss the underlying themes of fear/anxiety he had due to the inevitable Trojan War, the problems that arose due to Achilles' gifts, and the conflict with Achilles' mother.
She molded Circe in such a fashion that made me deeply relate to the goddess through the following circumstances; sometimes not having needs met through family, the overwhelming sense of being left out, the desire to feel emotions deeply. All of which she eventually found these problems resolved through mortals, completely ditching her divinity altogether in the end.
The ending of Circe was satisfying and beautifully executed, whereas the ending of Song of Achilles left me stunned and a crying mess.
This is all to say that I can't wait for Miller to release more of her work in the future. You'll find me inhaling all of the other retellings in the meantime.
Miller's style of writing is poetic, pulling readers in by evoking empathy and garnering attachment to her portrayals of the main characters. I followed Patroclus closely throughout his story with Achilles and didn't miss the underlying themes of fear/anxiety he had due to the inevitable Trojan War, the problems that arose due to Achilles' gifts, and the conflict with Achilles' mother.
She molded Circe in such a fashion that made me deeply relate to the goddess through the following circumstances; sometimes not having needs met through family, the overwhelming sense of being left out, the desire to feel emotions deeply. All of which she eventually found these problems resolved through mortals, completely ditching her divinity altogether in the end.
The ending of Circe was satisfying and beautifully executed, whereas the ending of Song of Achilles left me stunned and a crying mess.
This is all to say that I can't wait for Miller to release more of her work in the future. You'll find me inhaling all of the other retellings in the meantime.