Reflections on Circe

[Kathleen]

Prior to reading Circe, I wasn’t familiar with The Odyssey or Greek mythology in general, so I didn’t have past experience with which to compare the re-telling of the story. I wouldn’t typically have chosen this book to read, as I tend to prefer “real-life” stories, fiction or nonfiction, rather than the fantasy genre.

Nonetheless, Circe was an easy read, although I didn’t take much interest in it until after she was exiled to the island of Aieia. At that point, I enjoyed the way she came alive as she got to know and be herself, without having to fulfill others’ expectations. Her exile became an adventure of looking inward to discover her true being, and it was relatable with respect to my own individual process of self-acceptance and independence.

Throughout the course of reading the book, I imagined what it would be like to be immortal and to watch mortal loved ones come and go. It put the cycle of life into perspective, and I found myself appreciating growing older alongside others, with our shared mortality, and the importance of staying present in these precious fleeting moments.

I particularly enjoyed the evolution of love and compassion between Circe and Penelope, both of whom had loved and borne children to Odysseus. Their bonding was uplifting and brought happiness to my soul, as well as the ending of the story, with Circe at peace in her chosen mortal life.

[Krisha]

The very first Greek mythology book I read prior to Circe was The Song of Achilles and I loved it so much I had to buy another book that was from the same author, Madeline Miller.
Circe did not disappoint. It was an interesting read and a good one.

Reading this book, it taught me how you could never change the things that you are born with BUT can enhance and develop the better version of it for yourself.

Comparing to Circe's exile in Aieia, I realized how being alone is important for our self growth since it is where we can discover our own potential and capabilities without anybody judging us if we ever lose and fail.

And oh the depths of love a mother can give to a son.
It can conquer the deepest part of the ocean, can willingly touch venom, and can even give your life's greatest "Athena" a threat.

I love how Circe became happy in the end. Her life may not be as exciting as others but it is something every one should consider reading. Even though she was somewhat unwanted for her looks and voice in her father's house, it didn't made her powers any less than effective.

Don't let anybody tell you you're not enough or you'll never do much just because of their twisted definition of beauty that is shallow and fleeting.
Like Circe, if we are blessed in the right place and in the right time, we'll bloom like Moly -- a powerful flower mentioned in the book.
We just have to find our own Aieia and discover ourself.

:)

[TomK2]

I had some familiarity with greek mythology, and vaguely remembered Circe from the Odyssey ? So reading this book was a nice reintroduction to Greek mythology with the understanding that it was a unique telling of Greek tales. Some bits of history, some bits of embellishment, and BOOM! You have a stand alone tale. It provided what I wanted: enough classic greek mythology so that if I read or was exposed to more, I could recognize and understand enough of it, while realizing that other variations and interpretations were not just possible, but more than likely. And it was all wrapped up in a pleasing and easy to consume package.

[Grace]

Before reading this novel, the impressions I had of Circe were from her brief cameo in the Odyssey and in the Percy Jackson series (book 2, Sea of Monsters). This story provided a perspective similar to that of Margaret Atwood's the Pelanopiad: it allows readers to learn Greek mythology through the perspective of women, most of whom are merely mentioned or else plot devices in traditional Greek mythology. I loved this retelling, it is fresh, lifelike, and exciting. Being able to see the world through Circe's perspective allows for her to become so much more than a witch. She becomes more than a side character, put in place only for the advancement of men. My favorite aspect of authors retelling myths is for the modern, heartwarming interpretations that said authors can provide. That was probably my favorite part of this book, I couldn't put it down because Circe's resilience and intelligence was truly aspirational and intriguing. This book is easy to understand with basic knowledge of classical Greek mythology and a welcomed refresher for those (like myself) who haven't had the time to indulge in Greek mythology for years.

[Elke]

Grace wrote: "Before reading this novel, the impressions I had of Circe were from her brief cameo in the Odyssey and in the Percy Jackson series (book 2, Sea of Monsters). This story provided a perspective simil..."

I found Circe to be such a refreshing and utterly, yet possible, side of the epic tale of the trials, tribulations and heroisms attributed to males. What a change of view and counter-perspective and tribute to a more female perspective of greek mythology.