Circe: A Novel by Madeline Miller
The King’s Academy Book Club + Aperture
Welcome to our first ever book review! We’ve partnered with our very own Book Club to bring you insights into the books we’re reading.
Most recently, we read Circe, a novel by Madeline Miller (published in 2018) that puts a spin on the mythical witch Circe.
WARNING: Mild spoilers ahead!
Andrea: So… I’ve read this book before, when it first came out and the hype was everywhere in the book world (we’re looking at you, Goodreads). I had to read it again before writing this review. Is that a bad thing?
Grace: I guess not. I mean, sometimes you just need to familiarize yourself with the book again.
Andrea: That’s true. The book did come out in 2018, so it’s been a while, but people still really like it.
On to the book review!
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Andrea: I’ve read this book twice: once in 2018, and once right before writing this.
Grace: Actually, I’ve never read it before! I have heard about it, though, and I’ve read some things on Goodreads.
Andrea: Yep, it blew up there. I saw a lot of people talk about how good the cover is, too. What’d you think of it?
Grace: Haha, yes, I’ve seen those reviews as well! I can’t say that much about it yet, since I would like it more if it had a lot of significance to the story.
Andrea: I personally like covers just based on whether they’re unique and match the story, so I like this one, but it’s not my favorite.
Grace: Also, people always say not to judge a book by its cover, but that’s usually how I choose books.
Andrea: Heh… I’m guilty of that as well. Also, at first I didn’t think the cover had much meaning, but now that you’ve brought it up… I’m finding out some more things! For all of you who might read the book in the future: keep the gold color in mind!
Grace: So how should we start off?
Andrea: I’m actually really curious what you think about the book, as someone who hasn’t read it before!
Grace: Okay. Obviously from the title, it’s a reimagining of the story of Circe (from The Odyssey), but it seems to be from a different perspective.
Andrea: Both of those are true! In Greek mythology, Circe is usually known as the witch who turns men into pigs for no reason. But, since she’s the main character here, you sympathize with her a lot more.
Grace: That’s a really interesting take on it!
Andrea: Definitely. Circe’s such a flawed character in the book, too, which makes it that much more interesting to read.
Grace: How about the author’s style of writing then? Is it one of those really rich and lyrical pieces or something completely different?
Andrea: Oh yeah, another cool thing about this book! You know how teachers always tell you to “show, don’t tell”? I think Miller broke that rule in this book, but it worked. You’re in Circe’s head from the beginning, so she points things that she notices out, like “Oh, that god is always so full of himself.” It’s more straightforward than lyrical, but the writing’s still pretty.
Grace: Oh, and it’s hard to write a powerful story in first person, because the reader wants to empathize with the protagonist.
Andrea: But of course, Miller does it! Maybe it’s just me because I don’t read lots of detective novels or anything, but I saw everything through Circe’s eyes. What she found shocking, I found shocking. (It’s so hard to write without giving anything away!)
Grace: That kind of writing is what sticks with you after you’ve finished the book.
Andrea: Well… I did forget a lot of plot points before my reread, but maybe that’s just me. A lot of people love this book, and even though it leaves a big impact after you finish it, it wasn’t my favorite. A solid 4/5 stars!
Grace: Wait, why 4 and not 5?
Andrea: “Personal preference.” I do have my favorite parts of the book, like when she’s finding more about her powers (I seem to like that kind of thing), and also my not-so-favorite parts, like when she’s raising her child (which isn’t that big of a spoiler).
Grace: I get what you mean. Sometimes it’s not about how well the book is written, but about which elements appeal to you more.
Andrea: But all that being said -- you should definitely try the book! Especially if you love Greek mythology (I was raised on Percy Jackson) or enjoy strong female leads, I’m sure you’ll find something about it that you’ll like. Even if it’s just one section.
Grace: I’ll check it out… after I finish the three other books I’m reading at the moment!
Andrea: I relate.
Andrea: And here’s Timothy’s input. He summarizes the book better than I ever could, but beware: MEDIUM SPOILERS AHEAD!
Timothy: Circe is a book about identity. I like how Miller effectively puts the reader into the mind of a god, especially when Circe develops her perception of human nature. At the start of the story, she is weak and submissive to the other gods. Her first impression of humans is filled with curiosity, and she comes to feel sympathy for their mortality. She naively accepts the idea that humans are not dangerous and are kind. Her worldview shifts when divinity corrupts her first mortal friend. Her affection for humans leads to her rebellion and exile from the other gods. Eventually, her view of mortals takes a dark turn after she realizes that they are greedy and evil when they have power. But in the end, she comes to accept the imperfect nature of humans, seeing that the gods are worse. She finally identifies herself more with humans than the gods that she had come from, culminating with her ultimate break from divinity.
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