Circe by Madeline Miller: Review

Synopsis

In Circe, by Madeline Miller, we are taken from her birth and time with the gods, to her life beyond Odysseus on her isle. We learn of her time with the Olympians, her encounters with various mythological creatures, her strength and life among the mortals, and her survival against numerous threats.

Review

This book is beautiful. Miller created a very believable character, as we start with her origin as Helios’ daughter. As with many character driven books, our protagonist grows. We follow her character development as she is isolated from her siblings for not possessing the same qualities they had from both their father and mother. Though, later becoming a powerful being who creates a life of her own by dipping into two different worlds: Gods and mortals.

The writing is fast paced, detailed, and emotional. Miller creates a believable character whose internal dialogue develops as Circe matures from immature reactions to reflective decisions. At first, there is a deep sense of rejection and identity confusion as she is born with features that separated her from the Gods. Miller often hints towards Circe’s involvement with mortals through her characterisation. Not only is she given a human voice, but also she takes a deep interest in the human’s and falls in love.

By choosing for Circe to fall in love with a mortal, Miller begins Circe’s downfall. She not only turns a mortal immortal (and finds out she is a witch), but out of jealousy continues to use this power to create a monster from a God. Perhaps, Miller chose to do this as a way to exile her to the beautiful island that she turned into a home. I found it interesting that Miller chose these qualities whilst she was in the Court of Helios, her father, alongside her rejection by the other Gods. Ultimately, she is both isolated surrounded by Gods, and isolated later on her isle.

However, there were birthing scenes that were very graphic, as well as hints towards bestiality, as well as many triggering instances that readers may need to be aware of. I do not believe this is something to be read by young teenagers.

Spoiler warning!

A scene that caught my attention was Circe’s postpartum experience. I thought Miller captivated the struggles that some women go through very well, and it was written in a sense that you could feel how exhausted Circe was. This is not something I had ever encountered in a book, not in this detail. It gave way to the possibility of post-partum depression. It had me thinking, wow even Gods could struggle with the new born period. I thought this was very effective.

Overall, the book was a brilliant read and I would like to read it again. Circe provides a female voice, even a feminist stance, over the Greek mythology The Odyssey. It provides feminine power through adversities, beauty, independence, and motherhood. Brilliant read, and highly recommended.

I haven’t read any other books by Miller, have you?