A review by lauraspages
The Machine-Gunners by Robert Westall

Circe is a wonderfully feminist retelling of a classic Greek myth. I was only vaguely familiar with The Odessey to the extent that I knew who the main players were in the story. I didn’t know anything about Circe as a character and, to be honest, I was drawn to this book because it was shortlisted for the women’s prize for fiction. That and the cover art. I knew I would love it. It didn’t disappoint.

From the very first page you can tell what a special book this is: Madeline Miller’s skilful and elegant language is enviable. She masterfully fleshes out a lifetime of story about a character who was no more than a passing lover of Odysseus on his way back to Ithaca.

Circe’s island of Aiaia is vividly described and her experiences are varied despite her banishment. In parts such as her voyage to see her sister and her involvement with the Minotaur the novel is adventurous, whilst in other parts it is a romantic love story. Mostly, though, I think it is a coming of age tale in which Circe turns Helios’ rejection of her on its head - in the end is is she who is strongest and needs no approval from her Titan father.

I will look out for future books from Miller - she’s a stunning writer.