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A review by abbeyroad1410
Circe by Madeline Miller
adventurous
emotional
reflective
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
4.75
The character of Circe is so compelling that it makes up for a lot of lack of action. Circe herself sees internal growth and changes over the course of the book, keeping her empathy but growing based on life experiences that understandably would harden a woman. One of the most interesting parts of this story is that Circe is an unreliable narrator and realizes that due to her isolation, she is unable to get a full picture of the world around her that would allow her to complete a story.
Additionally, the supporting characters are also well-developed. Despite Telemachus' very short time in the book, he is one of the most complex and likeable male characters I have read.
If I had to give some criticisms of this novel, the large expanse of time makes it drag in places. The drag is needed to show how large this expanse is, but it can be tedious to read. Additionally, because the Greek mythology is so accurate, there are some strange relationships addressed which you kind of have to take as a product of the mythos.
Additionally, the supporting characters are also well-developed. Despite Telemachus' very short time in the book, he is one of the most complex and likeable male characters I have read.
If I had to give some criticisms of this novel, the large expanse of time makes it drag in places. The drag is needed to show how large this expanse is, but it can be tedious to read. Additionally, because the Greek mythology is so accurate, there are some strange relationships addressed which you kind of have to take as a product of the mythos.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Animal death, Sexual assault, Rape, and Death
Minor: Incest and Infidelity