Circe by Madeline Miller

Circe by Madeline Miller Book Summary

BOOK SCORE
4.5
TOTAL RATINGS
3,683
BOOK PRICE
$11.99

This #1 New York Times bestseller is a "bold and subversive retelling of the goddess's story" that brilliantly reimagines the life of Circe, formidable sorceress of The Odyssey (Alexandra Alter, TheNew 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 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.

Circe Book Details

Book Name Circe
Genre Historical
Author Madeline Miller
Published 10 April 2018, Tuesday
Price $11.99
E-Book Size 3.39 MB

Circe by Madeline Miller Book Reviews

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Jjangjas

Beautiful read. Deep narrative and a curious story about a goddess growing into herself. Felt all the feelings with this one!

Hawtt potato

Felt overall slow paced….. I found myself creeping towards the end at a snails pace. However, there are definitely some parts that make this book impossible to put down and memorable. It probably didn’t help that I had stellar expectations after just wrapping up Achilles and then jumping into this one.

Kangaroo Cowboy 25

Exquisite. This was such a beautiful piece of literature to read both in its language and how images were painted for us but in how it made such an epic scope of stories we’ve heard time and time again feel so personal and intimate. Ugh, I already want to read it again and I’m already wishing I can read it for the first time all over again. I hope this one remains a classic and as integral to Circe’s story as the original myths themselves.

KricketWard

Wonderful. Loved this book

Kattthoooo

Just beautiful and well written. I have not read a book that has kept me glued to it for awhile. This book changed that. I could not put it down! I finished it in two days. Please read this!

Macademiacc

Incredible. This book blew my mind. Exceptional

Unclebuz

Thanks. I am wonderfully surprised by Circe! Beautifully written, never boring. My only complaint is that it took me so many years to find it.

Caitas reviews<3

definitely gonna reread it. best book ever

Jenny1927

Circe. Love a twist on the myths of old! Interesting read.

Ooglyboogly04

Exquisite writing, a wonderful read.. I will say, I’m only halfway through the book. However, I keep finding my mind blown every time Circe focuses on a character and you realize who exactly that character is in mythology. The way Miller uses lesser known characters to introduce well known icons is *chef’s kiss* Wish I had read this sooner. Super satisfying read so far. Thank you Miller.

LilyRoseDean

Absolutely perfection I am in awe. Oh my god I am crying oh my god this is beautiful every daughter ever should read this omg my heart

Shelable

Good read. It took me a minute to get into it because it’s not what I typically read but I really enjoyed it! I would definitely recommend.

Ela Moon

Gratitude. A lovely story that i am grateful to have spent time with.

ValdesL

Loved it. Page turner!

KFish87

Worth the read. Miller’s writing makes my heart ache with tenderness. Her characters are true and straight. Circe is beautifully written.

Mikellikestoread

Amazing. Beautifully and accurately written from a women’s perspective!! I will definitely be reading this one again!

Sara suzette

So good!. Loved loved the storyline, and the writing style. It was easy to feel the emotions and relate to them.

Redd628462

Love it. If you love Greek mythology, this is a must read. Well researched and imaginative. It truly felt like reading the autobiography of a goddess.

KiIIerLou

Slow. Uninspiring. It’s written really well and the wording is sweet. There’s great quotes, as well ideas but as far as a story it didn’t grip me, yes I agreed with the narrator about the cruelty but there wasn’t much but to agree? The plot that there was didn’t really entertain me, too many characters being introduced and mentioned. Not bad but I wouldn’t read it again

BrionBuono

Get to know Godess Circe !. I love Greek mythology and this book fleshes out Circe, brings her to life in 3D. Get to know who Circe really was and what she was like!

MrProteinshake

Excellent read. An adventure that tells the story of Circe and other greek mythology characters. An even better way to re-tell what was taught in grade school but in a more “movie-like manner”. Very good read, swallows you right up and never disappoints.

Antiguan Hopeless Romantic

Couldn’t put it down!. Excellent. Pure mythology through eloquent writing.

Diff yfucpj

Beautiful story. I could not put this book down. As someone that has always been interested in greek mythology and the Odyssy, this book brought new wonders and a new voice to these common myths. A powerful message and strong feminist theme this book stands out against all other mythology books. It is beautifully written and focuses a lot on the internal battle within Circe. I loved how it puts a large time span into perspective and had me reflecting on my mortality

Iansray

I love Circe. Sexy witch goes BRRRRR

Allthewaytothefloor

Circe was 🥲🥲🥲. Feels good and bad and everything in between

Dulce M. Ramos

Circe. Me encanto, muy buen libro. Muy bien redactado y divertido.

DREAM-07

Top 5 For Sure. Loved it!

CameronElaine274

Awesome. I read this book after I finished “The Song of Achilles” and I was not disappointed. Another great story written so well. I loved it!!

Mistysprout

Witches Rise. Could not be a more timely book; this is the medicine we need right now as witches return. The revisioning of stories controlled far too long by interests against our own.

Sua from san diego

Beautiful and Relatable. Seeing a classic retold from a female perspective is exciting enough but the way Miller depicts Circes inner thoughts and psychology is thrilling. My new favorite!!

Capitola ca

Long and hard to follow. Long and a bit hard to follow.

Dalia Jennings

Moved me. Absolutely beautiful. Poetic, a work of art. I thoroughly enjoyed this interpretation and would love to read similar stories written in this style of other goddesses.

Morgan&Smokey

Long and drawn out. I wanted to love this like I lived song of Achilles but I did not. The beginning hooked me but then it dragged on far to long some parts of the story felt forced. Not the worst but had to force myself to finish it

Merlot Madame

Circe. A good book, easy to enjoy the Circe and her wonders, grief and cleverness.

Whim1954

5 stars. I rarely give a book five stars but Circe is an exception. Beautifully written in which the gods come to “life”. This book had me looking up all the Greek gods and goddesses with flashbacks to a college humanities course I had mostly forgotten. Highly recommend to both women and men.

Schigle

Circe by Madeline Miller. Through Circe’s eyes we see a marvel of transformation written in accessible prose. I was engaged throughout reading this gripping new perspective of classic mythology where so much of human frailty and power are portrayed. I will read again.

Jazzy_Is_Mad_As_Hell

Loved it!. Great Tale of mythical fictions with life and love intertwined.

Gabriellison

Gorgeous. One of my all-time favorite books

Whitmben

Riveting. I’m so glad I committed to finally reading this book. Why didn’t I do it sooner! Written so perfectly for depicting the historical context. Fascinating, hard to put down.

No one believes this stuff

Page turner. Very different style of book and writing than I am used to, was very wary at first but not far into the initial chapters I couldn’t put it down. Although I felt the ending was abrupt and left her story unfinished, it was a great read.

Readdds4Life

Captivating read. Great novel to breeze through without trying. Some parts got a bit slow, but not for long. Familiar characters spun with a twist.

RoryMadd

Favorite Mythos Author. This was my first book written by Miller and I absolutely adore it. Immediately after finishing it I had to go read her other book The Song of Achilles.

Camdenkoch

Circe. I couldn’t put this down. Eloquent with exceptional inferential comparisons between mortal (as mother) and god in Circe. A joy to read.

Kerstyn16

Brilliant. Brought this amazing story to life from a perspective never seen before. Goes from finding her true power after being the laughing stock of her family to this amazing enchantress that everyone learns to respect and fears.

Easterner1

So many facets. The novel produces and amplifies many dimensions of Circe that fill a most human shell of a goddess. In every chapter a new challenge leads to fresh perspectives on life and immortality, the divine and the profane.

Elise;

Breathtaking metaphors !. Besides being a wonderfully female perspective on a “lower tier” goddess in a patriarchal eternity, the novel was beautifully written. What stood out to me was Miller’s one-of-a-kind metaphors that so perfectly painted the scenes and feelings. I’m no literature nerd, (aspiring future doctor,) but I found myself rereading/highlighting her metaphors to relish in their perfect portrayal of life.

Vanessaroo

Love it in both formats!. Read it once and listened once. Both times transported me. Madeline Miller’s craft at its best. Circe is a must read!

Mrs.Divergent

This is a Beautiful Feminist book. I absolutely loved this book. It took awhile to get hooked but trust me it was worth it. I started this book because I just finished The Song Of Achilles and I was still morning the ending. Overall this is a great book. I love how Odysseus mentioned Patroclus and Achilles a few times (I cried a bit when they were mentioned).

Beklp87

Absolutely beautiful. Such a beautiful and well written story. I could hardly put it down once I started.

Brooklynatx

Don’t Skip This Read. Really enjoyed this read! The empathy you feel for Circe’s plight humanizes her in way you don’t immediately expect. The connection she and Penelope develop and the perspectives of Odysseus they offer adds a layer of connection to the Odyssey while painting him as a fallible and misguided human. Highly recommend this read.

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Tas_770

Epic. Epic! Really enjoyed it

BronwynLea

Loved this book. What a wonderful read. Like laying on a boat and being rocked by the sea on a lovely journey.

The Dennis Markus

Loved it. This book is incredible. You can really feel just how much life Madeline Miller infused into this world, this Aiaia.

Yum1328

Lived Up to the Hype. Amazing Read. Vivid. Loved it even more than Song of Achilles!

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Dgbyy

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Ugdrcvjiyfxcnkllllknfddcv

Epic and poetic. “But in a solitary life, there are rare moments when another soul dips near yours, as stars once a year brush the earth. Such a constellation was he to me.” Circe by Madeline Miller is is unique and empowering. Pronounced, “Sir-See,” the novel tells the tale of an Ancient Greek goddess who lives during the time of the Titans and Olympians. If you’re a fan of Homer’s tales, The Iliad or The Odyssey, you will find yourself being pulled to the pages of this one. The story examines concepts of loyalty, justness, family, power and place in the world. The paragraphs contain poetic gold for those who really love to drink in literature. It is a story that leaves you feeling satisfied at the end, while still craving more.

Campbell Troy

Feels like it has always been. I found it so creative and interesting - i loved it, made me read another book of hers. So well done. If you liked the Odyssey then you will enjoy this. Period.

LLH_reads

An Incredible Story of Realization. This book moved me in ways I didn’t think possible. Mythology is not a subject I’m fond of, and I was intimidated that the complicated cast of famous characters would distract me trying to keep the relationships straight. But, I was proven wrong. Miller weaves her story beautifully and makes it easy to draw connections between the gods, mortals and monsters. Circe is more than a retelling of an age old tale, it’s a coming of age - a story of realizing ones true purpose as a witch, a woman, a daughter and a mother exiled to learn about herself and her relationships through a series of adventures. Relatable in ways I didn’t expect, I highly recommend this.

Kbayham

Circe. I did not want this book to end. It was so beautifully written and the story was wonderful. Made me want to brush up on my Greek mythology, not to mention reading everything this author has written.

Magic042387

Circe. Outstanding book! I couldn’t put it down!

Whitmben

Riveting. I’m so glad I committed to finally reading this book. Why didn’t I do it sooner! Written so perfectly for depicting the historical context. Fascinating, hard to put down.

Sakurane

Circe. Beautifully written!

NannyLeeBee

Excellent Read. Really enjoyed this! The author did a great job of putting this hundreds of thousands of years into perspective and sucking me into a compelling narrative I couldn’t wait to snuggle up with each evening until I finished. We need more!

Lace54

Circe, a most captivating novel!. Lovers of Mythology! Lovers of great stories! Get ready for a thrilling novel that encompasses both! I had forgotten how interesting mythology is. Circe renewed my interest, and my first order of business after reading this book, was to download the first of Madeline Miller’s books about Achilles! I can’t wait to begin! Miller is an extremely talented writer, whose way with words conjures up a scene so vividly in the reader’s imagination that it feels like real time......you are there! Each sense is piqued from her writing....you can smell the herbs and delicate flowers that Circe uses in her witchcraft, you can feel the icy grey-eyed stare from Athena, you can taste the figs and wine and mead, you can envision the six-headed Scylla, viciously ripping sailors from their ships as they sail through her waters, you can hear Helios, the Sun God, as he flies golden across the sky in his golden chariot! That’s just a taste of what lies ahead as you uncover this treasure of a book! I’m jealous! I read this book on a beach trip! A perfect setting, as so much of the book is set on islands and on or near the sea. 5 Stars from me!

Ericagbooks

Very well written. Picked up this book for the beautiful language but continued reading for the gem character that is Circe! I was surprised that her story collided with many famous Odyssey characters. Miller makes Circe’s exiled life as an immortal goddess very intriguing. I also highly recommended The Song of Achilles!!

HarwardA

A beautiful, wonderful story. This book is beautifully written. Read it now!

Laniercl

Circe. Loved this story. Great read.

Blakewt

Magnificent. An incredible story about the Witch of Aiaia. It has become a member of what I would consider my required reading list.

Plottin561

Amazing read. 10/10 would recommend to anyone who is searching for an encapsulating reading experience

Rokinrev

Not your parents’ Odyssey. “...Something about you Odysseus said about you once... That he had never met a god who enjoyed their divinity less.” Circe the titan, daughter of Helios and the nymph Perse. Banished to Aiaia forever for defying her father and becoming a witch, she’s simply a scene in the story of the great Odysseus, King of Ithaca, allowing he and his men respite as they return to Ithaca, aiding them to get there with some safety. However, Madeline Miller has given Circe life. From her childhood obsession with her father, through her acceptance of her banishment through her idyll with Odysseus and beyond, we find a true “witch”, a wise woman who uses her own knowledge and nature to shape her world and those who she touches. When I first read reviews of this book I was intrigued. The Odyssey of Homer is my favorite book and *most* stories using it as a basis have interested me over decades. And this is no different. In fact, that Circe has been brought to life from the Greek footnote Homer gives her, reflects how women have evolved in and as a part of history and mythology. This book more than deserves the accolades it has garnered and I hope to soon read Miller’s first book:The Song of Achilles”which I actually own. Highly Recommended 5/5 [disclaimer: I received this book from my library system and chose to read and review it]

Farfromkix

Singular. I have never read a novel quite like it. I’m not an avid reader of mythology so was surprised by how quickly I became immersed in this deep tale and its themes that go beyond the anticipated. Vivid, beautifully crafted language and storytelling — truly gorgeous — and twists and turns so compelling. It captivated me and resonated on levels completely unexpected. Did not want this book to end!!

Bhytrfghji

Circe. Good Book if you like Mythology

Cameron Sutherland

Beautifully written!. So many great quotes in this book! I found myself hi-lighting all kinds of things! Also, wonderful story telling, and I would recommend to anyone who has an interest in Greek mythology!

Volunteer Listener

Wonderful. and so much better than Achilles, more wisdom and insights, especially beginning with Chapter 16. Great satisfying ending. Well done

Kerstyn16

Brilliant. Brought this amazing story to life from a perspective never seen before. Goes from finding her true power after being the laughing stock of her family to this amazing enchantress that everyone learns to respect and fears.

Katjschn

Loved it!!!. One of the best books I have read in a long time. I have always loved mythology, the stories of petty gods and striving heroes. Circe is a fierce character and I loved every moment of her story. Miller has created a wonderful story and I highly recommend it!!!

Madeline Miller - Circe Comments

5 Books like Circe (Madeline Miller)

About Author "Madeline Miller"

Madeline Miller (born July 24, 1978) is an American novelist, author of The Song of Achilles (2011) and Circe (2018). Miller spent ten years writing The Song of Achilles while she worked as a teacher of Latin and Greek. The novel tells the story of the love between the mythological figures Achilles and Patroclus; it won the Orange Prize for Fiction, making Miller the fourth debut novelist to win the prize. She is a 2019 recipient of the Alex Awards. Biography Miller was born on July 24, 1978, in Boston and grew up in New York City and Philadelphia. Miller attended Brown University, completing both a bachelor's and master's degree in Classics (2000 and 2001, respectively). She started writing her first novel, The Song of Achilles, during the final year of her bachelors after co-directing a production of Troilus and Cressida. She has said that the scene in the play which shows Patroclus' death sparked her interest in telling his story and pushed her to start writing. Prior to this m....

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