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A review by nataliestorozhenko
Circe by Madeline Miller
4.0
"It is a common saying that women are delicate creatures, flowers, eggs, anything that may be crushed in a moment's carelessness. If I had ever believed it, I no longer did."
Sometimes I come across a book that isn't my usual preference, but I can still admire the author's writing talent and enjoy the read. This is especially true when it comes to Greek mythology. While I find myself drawn to the references and enjoy thinking about them, I also have a love-hate relationship with delving too deeply into the mythology itself.
"I was not surprised by the portrait of myself: the proud witch undone before the hero's sword, kneeling and begging for mercy. Humbling women seems to me a chief pastime of poets. As if there can be no story unless we crawl and weep."
This book highlights the various difficulties that women encounter throughout their lifetime. Even though she is a goddess, Circe is a character that many can relate to, as she goes through sadness, challenges, difficulties, anger, isolation, and bravery to safeguard those she cares for. While it is true that women are capable of carrying themselves, the book also suggests that we thrive with a reliable and trustworthy partner, something that I have always craved for myself.
"It was so simple. If you want it, I will do it. If it would make you happy, I will go with you. Is there a moment that a heart cracks?"
Towards the end of the book, I thought it would be a three-star read for me. However, the last chapter completely changed my mind. It was beautiful. One thing I dislike about Greek mythology is how the gods can be cruel and selfish, often toying with human lives. But Circe's choices throughout the book were a critique of the divine, and the way the last chapter presented her will was a true masterpiece.
"I thought once that gods are the opposite of death, but I see now they are more dead than anything, for they are unchanging, and can hold nothing in their hands."
Sometimes I come across a book that isn't my usual preference, but I can still admire the author's writing talent and enjoy the read. This is especially true when it comes to Greek mythology. While I find myself drawn to the references and enjoy thinking about them, I also have a love-hate relationship with delving too deeply into the mythology itself.
"I was not surprised by the portrait of myself: the proud witch undone before the hero's sword, kneeling and begging for mercy. Humbling women seems to me a chief pastime of poets. As if there can be no story unless we crawl and weep."
This book highlights the various difficulties that women encounter throughout their lifetime. Even though she is a goddess, Circe is a character that many can relate to, as she goes through sadness, challenges, difficulties, anger, isolation, and bravery to safeguard those she cares for. While it is true that women are capable of carrying themselves, the book also suggests that we thrive with a reliable and trustworthy partner, something that I have always craved for myself.
"It was so simple. If you want it, I will do it. If it would make you happy, I will go with you. Is there a moment that a heart cracks?"
Towards the end of the book, I thought it would be a three-star read for me. However, the last chapter completely changed my mind. It was beautiful. One thing I dislike about Greek mythology is how the gods can be cruel and selfish, often toying with human lives. But Circe's choices throughout the book were a critique of the divine, and the way the last chapter presented her will was a true masterpiece.
"I thought once that gods are the opposite of death, but I see now they are more dead than anything, for they are unchanging, and can hold nothing in their hands."