Circe by Madeline Miller

Description

“Circe” is a novel written by Madeline Miller, and it was published in 2018. The book is a work of historical fiction and a retelling of Greek mythology, with a particular focus on the character Circe, who is a figure from Greek mythology best known for her appearance in Homer’s “The Odyssey.”

The novel offers a fresh perspective on Circe, a lesser-known character in Greek mythology, and provides her with a rich and complex narrative. In the original myths, Circe is a sorceress and a goddess, and she is often portrayed as a wicked enchantress who turns Odysseus’s men into pigs. Madeline Miller’s “Circe” gives voice to this character and explores her backstory, her motivations, and her experiences in a more empathetic and humanizing way.

The novel delves into Circe’s early life, her struggles for identity and independence, her encounters with various gods and mythical creatures, and her transformation from a powerless nymph to a formidable witch. It also explores themes of power, love, transformation, and the consequences of defying the gods.

“Circe” received critical acclaim for its lyrical prose, character development, and its feminist and humanizing approach to reimagining ancient myths. It has been praised for its ability to breathe new life into a character often relegated to the background of Greek mythology and to provide a compelling and engaging narrative that weaves together mythology and storytelling.