“A bold and subversive retelling of the goddess’s story,” this #1 New York Times bestseller is “both epic and intimate in its scope, recasting the most infamous female figure from the Odyssey as a hero in her own right” (Alexandra Alter, The New York Times). In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child — not powerful, like … strange child — not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power — the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.
Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.
But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.
With unforgettably vivid characters, mesmerizing language, and page-turning suspense, Circe is a triumph of storytelling, an intoxicating epic of family rivalry, palace intrigue, love and loss, as well as a celebration of indomitable female strength in a man’s world.
#1 New York Times Bestseller — named one of the Best Books of the Year by NPR, the Washington Post, People, Time, Amazon, Entertainment Weekly, Bustle, Newsweek, the A.V. Club, Christian Science Monitor, Refinery 29, Buzzfeed, Paste, Audible, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Thrillist, NYPL, Self, Real Simple, Goodreads, Boston Globe, Electric Literature, BookPage, the Guardian, Book Riot, Seattle Times, and Business Insider.
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Fantastic! What an adventure.
I waited almost 6 months to check Circe out from my online library and my only regret is that I didn’t buy it when I first saw it instead of waiting to loan it. Although there are lots of different angles to Circe’s story, the book is simplistic as a whole. “Simple” may not be something most authors aspire to but in this case the overwhelming beauty of Circe IS its simplicity. Circe is a beautiful, refreshing, and well written. I was sad when I finished it and will absolutely be adding it to my library (as I should have from the beginning).
Loved the contemporary language of this old story.
This luminous novel transports the reader to mythological ancient Greece. Reading this book, I felt as if I was inside the story rather than outside looking in. I highly recommend it.
I read Circe last Fall and I couldn’t put it down. I’m familiar with the Odyssey and various other Greek myths and stories, and thisnis a perspective I’ve always wanted. For me, it’s a beautiful and constant journey about reclaiming your power when you feel someone has taken it or you yourself have lost it. I nearly shed a tear many times for our heroine Circe. Along with the other Greek stories, myths, and history it’s a perfect read.
I listened to Circe and was enthralled by the narrator as well as Madeline Miller’s depiction of the classic tale. In short, I loved it.
This book reminds us that women have faced many of the same challenges for millenia. It is an absorbing read and a great way to bone up on Greek mythology.
As you can probably imagine, I’m pretty picky about my Greek Myth retellings, so I was nervous about reading Circe, but this book not only persuaded me of the rightness of every choice the author made, but left me inspired to get back to my own writing. I feel like I can offer no higher praise than that!
One of the very few books I couldn’t finish.
Book 2 of a must-read author and a must read book
This was a great take on Circes’ part in the Ddyssey. It makes her come to life in front of your eyes! Defining her as a living being, and not just some embittered witch who turns men into pigs randomly. A read that will satisfy anyone who loves new takes on legends.
Thought provoking.
To my disappointment, being transported to the mythical world of gods and chariots, goddesses and witches, was not that magical for me. I expected to be captivated and enchanted, but the prose did not breathe enough life into the tale for me. I initially enjoyed Circe and her unfortunate upbringing, and anticipated the story just getting better as she was exiled to an island for using forbidden witchcraft and began practicing her magical abilities on mortals. Unfortunately, the plot fizzled and became less colorful after that. The writing was excellent but the gods did not speak to me through the dialogue. In fact, the gods and goddesses that I imagined would be larger than life did not impress me.
One of the best books I’ve ever read. Such a talented author. The story is riveting The character building is so well done and the writing is impeccable.
I wasn’t sure I would enjoy it, because I’ve never been a fan of Homere, but I’m glad I didn’t pass on this one. It was pure delight.
I absolutely adored this book. So lyrical; the prose is just gorgeous. The story will pull you in.
Although many parts of this classical tale is well known, this fictional retelling of the story will draw you in. Beautifully written with characters that come to life. It is definitely not the same old stories of greek mythology.
If you like greek mythology, you will fall in love with this book. Nicely written
Brilliant.
I typically love all books that pull from mythology and this was no exception. Circe was one of my favorite characters and following her journey throughout the book was both inspiring and tough at times. Seeing events through Circe’s eyes changed my perception of events in a truly imaginative way. Definitely recommend Circe to anyone looking for strong female protagonists and a well scripted, engaging piece of fiction.
If you like stories based on mythology, then this is a must read.