Circe

by Madeline Miller (2018)

8/10

It took a little while for it to gain momentum, seeming in its first quarter more like a perfunctory Who’s Who of Greek Mythology. But the narrative took off once Circe’s exile was ordained, and the rest of the novel was an inventive, compelling, humanistic and even emotionally impactful recounting of this minor mythological character.

I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of the character development, and at the modern treatment of themes of divinity and mortality. Clearly a feminist take on the virulently misogynist Greek myths is more than welcome as well.

But overall it is the originality of Miller’s vision that sets this book apart. Obviously it could come across as gimmicky — “What if The Odyssey… but from Circe’s perspective?” shares an unfortunate resemblance to Maleficent or any of the other modern reimaginings of classic stories. But Miller’s serious approach and heavy scholarship sets her book apart from the whimsy of these others. Warmly recommended, and I will be seeking out The Song of Achilles.