Madeline Miller’s Circe is a mythical journey into the world of Greek mythology and the surplus of stories that overlap each other. Miller breathes new life into the character of Circe, the enchantress from Homer’s Odyssey, crafting a compelling narrative that makes her more than just a villain in somebody else’s story.
In this retelling, Circe emerges as a complex figure, banished to the remote island of Aiaia for her abilities that differ from conventional gods. As she navigates through centuries of solitude, Circe encounters multiple different legendary figures, including Odysseus, Hermes, and the Minotaur.
Each encounter shapes her understanding of herself and the world around her. What sets Miller’s work apart is her ability to infuse classical mythology in a digestible, relatable way. Through Circe’s struggles and triumphs, Miller explores timeless questions of the life of godhood and provides a narrative from a god who knows nothing of her outside world and slowly gains knowledge.
Madeline Miller, herself a scholar of classic Greek mythology, brings a wealth of knowledge to her storytelling. Her deep understanding of Greek mythology is evident in the meticulous detail with which she reconstructs narratives told time and time again, while still remaining a fresh, new take. Would recommend 10/10.