77 pages • 2 hours read
Circe
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Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Aiaia • Ancient Greece
2018
Adult
18+ years
HL660L
Super Short Summary
Circe by Madeline Miller reimagines the tale of the Greek mythological figure Circe, depicting her as an empathetic and multidimensional character. Struggling to find her place among gods and mortals, Circe is exiled to the island of Aiaia where she hones her witchcraft. Over thousands of years, she encounters legendary figures and faces numerous challenges, ultimately finding strength and meaning in love, motherhood, and self-discovery. The narrative covers themes of isolation, transformation, and empowerment.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Fantastical
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
1,222,624 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Madeline Miller’s Circe is widely praised for its lyrical prose, strong feminist themes, and fresh take on Greek mythology. Readers enjoyed the character development and immersive storytelling. However, some found the pacing slow and desired deeper exploration of certain mythological elements. Overall, it’s a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Circe ?
Readers who enjoy The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller or A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin would relish Circe by Madeline Miller. Fans of mythological retellings, strong female protagonists, and richly detailed world-building will find this novel captivating. The blend of classical mythology and modern narrative is particularly appealing.
1,222,624 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Helios
Helios
The strongest Titan and god of the sun in *Circe*, who sided with Zeus during the great war and maintains a tense peace with the Olympians.
Pasiphaë
Pasiphaë
Circe's sister and queen of Crete in *Circe*, known for her beauty, cruelty, and magic, which includes focusing on poisons and curses.
Aeëtes
Aeëtes
Brother to Circe and former companion in *Circe*, who becomes king of Colchis and a powerful magician.
Daedalus
Daedalus
A genius inventor in *Circe* who serves Pasiphaë and Minos in Crete and becomes a lover of Circe.
Odysseus
Odysseus
A warrior prince famous for his role in the Trojan War in *Circe*, who becomes Circe’s lover on the island of Aiaia.
Telegonus
Telegonus
The charismatic and optimistic child of Circe and Odysseus in *Circe*, who is sheltered from painful truths by his mother.
Telemachus
Telemachus
The son of Odysseus and Penelope in *Circe*, who is straightforward, clever, and skilled in various trades.
400
Novel • Fiction
Aiaia • Ancient Greece
2018
Adult
18+ years
HL660L
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