Circe: modern writing and ancient history combined into a captivating, lush story that will eat you up alive.
Synopsis:
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.
Review:
What can I say about this book?
It was beautifully written (what else have I expected), it made me want to climb into it and live with Circe on Aiaia as a witch, and I pleaded for a happy end like a maniac. As a big fan of „The Song of Achilles“, I expected to like this book, but it was a statement of Feminism and selflove, understanding and motherhood and I LOVED it.
We all were introduced to greek mythology in our life, one way or another. But never as devastatingly beautiful and enchanting like Madeline Miller does. All begins with the childhood of Circe, how everyone in her life betrayed and shaped her, an how she found her true self – in herself. I don’t want to tell you too much about the story, because you should let yourself get bewitched without my story telling. This book is more about self love and discovering yourself than any “modern” book I’ve read in some time.
But expect nymphs, thunderbolts, Odysseus and the Minotaur to be there – just as you will expect, or not? I thought I knew the story of Circe, of Odysseus and Daedalus, but Madeline Miller reshaped the storylines I knew and weaved them to a fantastical journey of witchdom and hate, love and betrayal, power and beauty and I loved what she did to it. Circe is one of the strongest and most wonderful characters I’ve ever met in a book and has the power to be a role model for all the girls and mothers on earth!
Also spoiler warning: You’ll get to see some glimpses of Achilles again I loved all the characters with their flaws and how self reflective and calm Circe was. Must read – modern writing with an ancient feeling – and one of the best books I’ve ever read. Count me in for the next book !!! (
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