Circe: The No. 1 Bestseller from the author of The Song of Achilles

What I remembered of the story of Circe is a hazy recollection of her appearing in the Aeneid as one of the trials of Odysseus as he made his way back to Ithaca after the Trojan War - specifically turning his men into pigs.What I got from Madeline Miller's wonderful noveliztion of Circe's life is a luminous fairy tale for grown-ups, and listening to it as an audio book narrated exquisitely by Perdita Weeks was the way that myths and legends are meant to be learned - by word of mouth.Circe, usually portrayed as a emasculating bitch in classical literature is, under Miller's pen, shown to be a feminist heroine from her beginnings as the scorned ugly duckling child of her father, Helios, and her naiad mother to our final look at her as a fully-formed (and perhaps even happy?) woman, Circe is portrayed as resourceful and brave as shwe faces every challenge the gods can throw at her.If you have any kind of passing knowledge of Greek mythology and/or Homer; epic poem, much of the narrative and characters will be familiar to you. However, the author's style and use of language keeps you turning the pages even when you know a lot of the outcomes. I needed a book to take me away from the real world and this one certainly did. Don't miss this one.

The intended audience for this novel are adults; there are few young adult characters in this book.If you’ve read Odysseus, you’ll remember when he and his men arrive at an island and the men are turned into swine by a sorceress. That woman is Circe. This novel is her story. Circe’s father is Helios--the god of the Sun. He rides his chariot across the sky daily. They are not of the Olympians; they are Titans. Circe’s mother is a nymph and, like all gods and those who are with gods, cares only for herself. These are selfish beings that do whatever it takes to get what they want. Circe is different; she isn’t as selfish. She truly wants love. She agrees to raise one of her brothers, thinking he will always love her. When he grows up (in the way of gods), he only cares for himself. Circe is continually treated as a lesser being, unworthy of spending time with gods, and being left out. She eventually discovers her abilities as a witch and confesses to a few bad deeds that causes her to be banished.Circe spends centuries on her island where she cultivates her skills and tames the animals; this is where she becomes a force for gods to take note of. She finds mortals interesting and wants little to nothing to do with the gods. It’s during the time she lives on the island that she encounters the Minotaur, Daedalus, Icarus, Medea, and Odysseus. She has a child and the consequences of the child changes everything for her future. Her story on the island is fascinating as she becomes who she is--she isn’t pathetic anymore but strong and, in many ways, wise to the gods which allows her to make brave decisions.I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this novel.

Brilliantly done! I'll be rereading this one for sure. This tour-de-force fleshes out the character of Circe and puts the reader inside her POV, providing a 180° different perspective from the "classics". Highly recommend!

Having read and loved The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller, and having heard great things about Circe, I got the Audible edition. First of all, kudos to the narrator, Perdita Weeks, who made listening a pleasure. Coupled with a superb story, this book is wonderful. Circe is not a beloved goddess, and the other gods and goddesses can be (and usually are) mean and petty. Although I read some mythology years ago and remember some of the gods, I've forgotten most of their stories. I do remember that humans + gods = trouble. I immersed myself in the story, the tale of Circe who is not quite like most goddesses but learns to embrace who she is. What a lovely and engaging story.

This was a solid novel, but it lags and meanders in several parts- which serve as a detriment to the whole rather than augmenting it. However, there are some great scenes in here (especially involving Odysseus) and there is much to be learnt, appreciated, and respected in this book. A solid effort and a good book nonetheless.3.5 stars!

Radiant, swift, and gripping. Smooth prose and perfect pacing set this grand and subtle myth above us mere mortals. So beautifully wrought, so inevitably realized, it is easy to forget how rare such work really is while under its spell. Worth it for any chapter alone.