In January 2013, I read the book “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller. I don’t remember why I picked it up, probably because I heard about Miller winning the Orange Prize for Fiction for the book, or maybe because it got rave reviews.
Either way, I read it and I loved it. When I heard Miller would be releasing a new book this year, this time about the goddess Circe, I was so excited. And it did not disappoint. It was my first selection for Book of the Month club, and the perfect way to kick-off my subscription.
Circe is a goddess, one with magical abilities who was banished by her father, Helios, god of the sun, to a desert island. It is on that island she learns more about her magic, and crosses paths with legends in Greek mythology: the Minotaur, Daedalus and his son Icarus, Hermes, and Odysseus. Eventually she finds herself fighting against Athena to protect what she most loves.
“I would say, some people are like constellations
that only touch the earth for a season.” – Madeline Miller
This book is beautiful, gripping, exciting, and heartbreaking. Circe is a complex character, so fully realized I felt as if she could be someone who walks this earth. She’s strong and stubborn and brave and vengeful and Miller gives her more agency than I’m sure Homer did in his original telling.
If you love novels that are vibrantly written, thrilling and character-driven, epic in scope but still hold quiet, beautiful moments, this is a book for you.
This book made me want to learn more about Greek mythology and these characters that Miller brought to life. It also made me yearn for more of Miller’s writing; I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
Five out of five stars.
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