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inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Even before I finished this book, I knew it was going to be a 5-star and on my favourites shelf. Madeline Miller is just that good. Time and time again, Circe felt so human. We watch as she sheds her naivety and grows into a self-assured woman.
Love, family and home are major themes in this book. For all of these topics, we learn that it is up to you to discover and choose what they mean to you. Throughout the book, all the themes are presented to us in various forms as we watch Circe create her own definition for each. Love is one that is very prevalent throughout the book, but Circe's story is not solely about romance. Love is observed through Circe's perception of love and how she observes it presented by others. I've seen the topic of the divine vs mortal as another one of the themes, but I think those were the tools to discuss morality and values.
At one point, Circe has a traumatic experience that impacts her mental health. Although the reckless, maladaptive thoughts are sparse, it still felt like Madeline Miller was holding up a mirror to my past, depressed self, to show me what it looks like on the other side. The event itself sets off a chain reaction of how Circe begins to navigate her life as the witch of Aiaia, but it is the few moments where she has such troubling, but relatable (if you've been there) thoughts that really stuck with me, even after Circe was no longer in such a mindset.
Love, family and home are major themes in this book. For all of these topics, we learn that it is up to you to discover and choose what they mean to you. Throughout the book, all the themes are presented to us in various forms as we watch Circe create her own definition for each. Love is one that is very prevalent throughout the book, but Circe's story is not solely about romance. Love is observed through Circe's perception of love and how she observes it presented by others. I've seen the topic of the divine vs mortal as another one of the themes, but I think those were the tools to discuss morality and values.
At one point, Circe has a traumatic experience that impacts her mental health. Although the reckless, maladaptive thoughts are sparse, it still felt like Madeline Miller was holding up a mirror to my past, depressed self, to show me what it looks like on the other side. The event itself sets off a chain reaction of how Circe begins to navigate her life as the witch of Aiaia, but it is the few moments where she has such troubling, but relatable (if you've been there) thoughts that really stuck with me, even after Circe was no longer in such a mindset.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexism
Moderate: Mental illness, Sexual assault
Minor: War