A review by liemannen
Circe by Madeline Miller

challenging dark tense 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

4.25

Madeline Miller is very talented at painting a scene. Her vivid imagery is one of my favorite parts of her works, but if you're sensitive to any descriptions of injury be wary. 

Circe is a fantastic character-driven narrative. It tackles a lot of heavy topics, it's main focus being the treatment of women in ancient greek mythos. The back cover of the book is very misleading - it would have you believe that Circe's story revolves around Odysseus. Thankfully, it does not. He is an important, but breif moment in her immortal life. The truly important things come before and after him.

Circe manages to convey those same gut-wrenchingly tragic moments that The Song of Achillies does, though I would say some of them hit even harder. Circe is a character caught up in tragedies and petty vengences, but what is most vital to her character is her willpower. Highly recommemd giving this a read if you liked Song of Achillies.
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