Madeline Miller's Circe is a profound and enchanting retelling of ancient myth, bringing to life the story of one of Greek mythology’s most misunderstood figures. Through vivid prose and deep psychological insight, Miller transforms Circe, often remembered simply as the witch who turns men into pigs, into a complex, resilient, and deeply human character.
The novel follows Circe’s journey from her early days in the halls of the gods to her long exile on the island of Aiaia. Born to the sun god Helios and the nymph Perse, Circe is a strange child, neither fully divine nor entirely mortal. Her voice, weaker than that of her divine kin, sets her apart. As she grows, Circe discovers her powers in pharmakeia, the practice of witchcraft, which eventually leads to her banishment.
Circe’s isolation is central to the narrative, and Miller deftly explores themes of loneliness, identity, and transformation. The novel’s first-person perspective allows readers to experience Circe’s world intimately, and her voice is rich with longing and introspection.
Miller’s Circe is not just a powerful sorceress but a woman who endures loss, heartbreak, and betrayal. Her interactions with other figures from mythology—Hermes, Odysseus, and her own family—reveal her growth and the wisdom she gains over centuries. These encounters challenge her understanding of power and immortality, leading her to question the nature of the gods themselves.
Madeline Miller’s Circe is more than a simple retelling of a myth. It’s a deeply feminist exploration of a woman’s struggle for identity, autonomy, and meaning in a world that often seeks to diminish her. Miller’s prose is lyrical and evocative, her characters vividly drawn, and her reinterpretation of the mythological world is both respectful of its origins and boldly original.
For readers who enjoy mythological retellings, feminist literature, or simply a beautifully written novel, Circe is a must-read.
Here are some more quotes to convince you!
“I thought: I cannot bear this world a moment longer. Then, child, make another.
“He showed me his scars, and in return he let me pretend that I had none.”
“I thought once that gods are the opposite of death, but I see now they are more dead than anything, for they are unchanging, and can hold nothing in their hands.”
“I would say, some people are like constellations that only touch the earth for a season.”
“But perhaps no parent can truly see their child. When we look we see only the mirror of our own faults.”
“When I was born, the word for what I was did not exist.”