Circe

This book was hypnotic. I first listened to it on audible then downloaded it on my kindle to actually read it. It’s one of the best written books I’ve read in ages, although I was disappointed in the ending. The ending seemed rushed and fully in line with the character Circe. Overall though, I’ve recommended this to multiple people. I can’t wait to see what the author does next!

I love the personal writing style. Even if you don’t like Greek mythology, you would probably like this. If you’re not familiar with Greek mythology though- I do recommend finding a flow style chart with names to avoid being mixed up.

I love mythology, and this retelling from Circe's point of view is great. Miller keeps me engaged with her lyrical prose and characters who seem more real than most retellings. I find myself asking a lot of questions about the myths that make me think on a different level than in the past.

I absolutely adored Song of Achilles (aka sobbed my eyes out) and was SO excited for this book. It lived up to expectations, and I enjoyed reading Circe's journey from obedient daughter to legendary witch. I love Greek myths, and they were brilliantly woven into Circe's story, from the Minotaur to Odysseus to Scylla. The end was a surprise (a good one), since I was halfway expecting/afraid it would end in tragedy.
It doesn't hold the same emotional depth as SoA, but a good read nonetheless.

Interesting take on Circe and most of Greek mythology, using Circe as an immortal to tie together many disparate tales. Well written but not nearly as interesting as Achilles Song, her previous book, which I much preferred and was the reason I bought this one. This one gets a bit tedious at times.

This tour de force weaves in tales from Greek mythology, the story of Odysseus, and more, told from the point of view of a goddess who is more developed as a character than any individual in these centuries-old tales that you might have read before. Miller's writing is gorgeous and lush and it holds your attention from beginning to heart-stopping end. Along the way, she deals with issues such as an unhappy childhood, envy and sibling rivalry, the beauty of solitude, the importance of being true to yourself, and what real love is. Can't recommend it enough!

Wonderful, Enchanting. Bewitching! Miller weaves an incredible tapestry of words. Her knowledge of myth and legend are ... legendary. An excellent review of the Titans and Olympian god-forms. My only criticism , she dumped the ending far too early.

This book goes over thousands of years following Circe's life as a child in her overbearing sun-god father's halls, up to her exile on her island. Her discovery of witchcraft, her relationships with people from Daedelus to Odysseus are wonderful and keep you wanting more.

This book will keep you engaged and wanting more until after the last page. It's such an amazing literary feat. So well-researched, but very relatable characters.

Great writing style. The pacing of this story is really clean and intuitive—honestly you feel like you been through so much by the time it is over. This is a mythological story, but very much has the feel of historical fiction. If you liked books like “The Red Tent”, you will love Circe.

It does start off a bit slow, but you’ll realize that it is passed with the growth of the character and you will be sucked in soon enough.

Not many books hold me totally captive. This one did. This imaginative re-telling of Homer's Odyssey through the eyes of the nymph Circe, somehow manages to be both comfortably familiar yet surprisingly new.

Excellent!

It’s really more an ultimately uplifting story about how an unloved child finds peace in her adult life. That’s a hard plot to believably weave into a story about gods and goddesses and mythic mariners but she has done it here. I read this one in 3 days, couldn’t put it down.

What a beautiful book, and a triumphant return after the masterpiece that was Song of Achilles. Miller is one of the greatest writers of our generation, and I eagerly await what she decides to grace us mere mortals with next.

Having intensively studied the Ancient Myths, I often don't like others modernization. But this was good. The Gods, both greater and lesser, the magic and the humans made a very convincing story. Well written.

I bought CIrce on a Monday evening. I finished it Tuesday afternoon. It is one of the best books I have ever read. The style and grace of Ms Millers writing is almost poetic.
I’ll wait a few months and reread it. More slowly next time.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed reverting back to my childhood while reading this book. As an adult I thought I had put away my childish things, but enjoyed my journey back. Imagination is always present in this novel. A very visual adventure is there for the reader.

I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. I am not a typical reader of novelized mythology, but the writing was so compelling, this has been one of my favorite books read this past year. Brilliant storytelling.

Beautiful characterization takes us right there, knocking down centuries like bowling pins. When Circe steps onto a hillside we can smell the grasses. This is the first book of Miller’s I’ve read, but won’t be the last.

I really enjoyed revisiting the stories form the Odyssey and plunging deep into Circes character which was fascinating. I give it 5 stars because I can’t think of any reason to go lower than that. It’s longer than I like but still kept me interested and turning the page. Circe the witch is very likable indeed.

No one writes Greek mythology the way Miller does! What a treat to be alive at the same time she is-- her books are unparalleled. If you like lyrical prose, you'll love this book (and Song of Achilles)

The book arrived pretty beat up and the cover was torn in places. It was disappointing because I purchased it new. Besides that, I’m excited to read the book. I have two coworkers who have read it and love it.

Circe is a footnote on Odysseus' famous journey. But who was she? Why was she stranded on that island? And how does a witch with a cursed past and nowhere to go take charge of her life? A fascinating story that takes the reader on a fresh, new odyssey of the mind and heart.

Beautiful characterization takes us right there, knocking down centuries like bowling pins. When Circe steps onto a hillside we can smell the grasses. This is the first book of Miller’s I’ve read, but won’t be the last.

I really enjoyed revisiting the stories form the Odyssey and plunging deep into Circes character which was fascinating. I give it 5 stars because I can’t think of any reason to go lower than that. It’s longer than I like but still kept me interested and turning the page. Circe the witch is very likable indeed.

No one writes Greek mythology the way Miller does! What a treat to be alive at the same time she is-- her books are unparalleled. If you like lyrical prose, you'll love this book (and Song of Achilles)

The book arrived pretty beat up and the cover was torn in places. It was disappointing because I purchased it new. Besides that, I’m excited to read the book. I have two coworkers who have read it and love it.

It is the charm and enchantment of the magical books of childhood. A book for all ages. I loved Circe. So much wisdom. So funny. And beautiful. Again please Madeline. We will delight in the spell of all you write.

I was immediately drawn in to this well written work of fiction. The lively detail, mythological accuracy, and character development assures quick reading. In all honesty, I devoured this book. If you enjoy classical Greek literature, this is sure to satisfy you momentarily. I must say I'm going through withdrawals. I am hopeful, Ms. Miller will grace us with another tale soon!

Crazy about this story. Wasnt sure I could buy into the mythic qualities but I lapped it up like candy. From the very first line I was hooked and I wish it had never ended. I was so delighted by everything about Circe that I planted a redbud tree in my yard!

A wonderful read filled with gods, nymphs, mortals, and half mortals. It takes you away from today and puts you into a mythical world of Greek mythology and imagines what happened to all the characters.

I absolutely loved this story. I could not put it down. Miller wove together mythological stories into a cohesive storyline intertwining realism and the fantastic in a very believable way. She made the "Gods and Godesses" and their motivations humanly relatable.

Absolutely fantastic. Song of Achilles was good, like 4.5/5 but Circe surpasses that to 5/5. Circe is a underrated character in Odysseus' journey in the Odyssey and it is a beautiful glimpse at the lives of a lesser goddess sea nymph. Her writing is captivating and the story is so rich I literally couldn't put it down. A rarely satisfying ending that didn't feel like it was pandering to the audience yet stayed true to the characters. SO so good, and all the mythology interwoven was awesome.

This is an amazing book. While the story of Circe and Ulysses is not new, Miller does something wonderous with this classsic tale. Her language is so beautiful and the way she weaves together the famous mythis in which these characters played a part is magical.

Madeline Miller's books, Song of Achilles and Circe, are two of the best books I've read this year. She is a very talented writer whose luscious prose brings great breadth and depth to these ancient stories. I eagerly await her next book!