Circe in Around the World in 80 Books

Oct 07, 2019 Nancy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks-2019, 2019-read, women, ancient-lit, retelling

I'll get my quibbles out of the way first. There was too much straight-up retelling of Greek myths which is not that compelling when they're familiar; I'd have been happier if in the end Odysseus wasn't the crux (it's always the man); it took too long to wind up; the importance of Circe's ever-youthful appearance was irritating. That said, it was an entertaining, fast-paced read for something approaching epic length and I was interesting in its exploration of the issues of power and one's metier ...more

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Feb 27, 2019 Sera rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own, favorites, literary-fiction, audio, 1st, fantasy-magical-realism-fairytales

What a great book! I was not really big fan of mythology during my high school years. In fact, I used to dread having to learn about all of the different gods, goddesses, Olympians, etc. However, Miller has found a way in which to tell these stories in a way that is captivating, thoughtful and heart-wrenching. She weaves an epic tale filled with intrigue, magic and revenge of which I couldn't get enough. I was disappointed when I finished the story today. I'm thinking that I may need to finally ...more

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Jul 08, 2019 Annie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-2019, favorites

I loved this (although the ending felt... a little rushed, maybe? I can’t put my finger on it). It weaves together the stories I love from The Iliad, The Odyssey, and The Aeneid - and now I want to go back and reread the last few books of The Aeneid. It vindicates my feelings about Odysseus, provides a great perspective of the gods, has a fantastic protagonist, and is beautifully written. I’m sad it’s over.

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Apr 03, 2019 Laura (booksnob) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: literature, world-lit, book-of-the-month, botm, 2019

I love this book. So good.

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Mar 30, 2022 Kathy Jo rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fiction

This is one of the most beautiful and lyrically told stories I have ever read. This story creatively expands on the traditional tales of Odysseus and the mythological Greek gods from the perspective and experience of the witch Circe. The author's choice of words and phrasing is masterful. As is her achievement in portraying the mind and heart of the protagonist, and how she deals with her emotions, punishment, and suffering. Though Circe is born an immortal, her story portrays deep insights on h ...more

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