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remmslupin's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
malloryhardesty's review
4.0
"We are not our blood," he answered. "A witch once told me that."
I was not entirely sure what I was expecting when I picked up this book. I knew that it was written by Madeline Miller, and after reading Song of Achilles, I knew that I wanted to read more of her work. However, this book didn't quite meet my perceptions. While this could solely be the fact that I am less familiar with the Odyssey than I am with the Iliad, I think that part of me also wanted this to be a re-imagining instead of a retelling. I found myself wanting more out of Circe. I have always known her as goddess of witches, turning men into pigs. I think I wanted this book to be more of a feminist piece, but there were several times when I found myself wishing that Circe had done more to show her justified anger against the men she came into contact with. However, this story showed amazing character growth on her behalf and showed her actively resisting falling into the same wicked ways that she felt like she was destined to. The character growth over the millennia that Circe was in exile and fighting against the bitterness that she had every right to hold was done so well in this book. I have given it 3.5 stars only because there were times that I felt myself wanting more from Circe. But never once did I feel like I was slogging through this book to finish it. It was beautifully written, and I expect nothing less from Madeline Miller. As always, thank you for listening.
I was not entirely sure what I was expecting when I picked up this book. I knew that it was written by Madeline Miller, and after reading Song of Achilles, I knew that I wanted to read more of her work. However, this book didn't quite meet my perceptions. While this could solely be the fact that I am less familiar with the Odyssey than I am with the Iliad, I think that part of me also wanted this to be a re-imagining instead of a retelling. I found myself wanting more out of Circe. I have always known her as goddess of witches, turning men into pigs. I think I wanted this book to be more of a feminist piece, but there were several times when I found myself wishing that Circe had done more to show her justified anger against the men she came into contact with. However, this story showed amazing character growth on her behalf and showed her actively resisting falling into the same wicked ways that she felt like she was destined to. The character growth over the millennia that Circe was in exile and fighting against the bitterness that she had every right to hold was done so well in this book. I have given it 3.5 stars only because there were times that I felt myself wanting more from Circe. But never once did I feel like I was slogging through this book to finish it. It was beautifully written, and I expect nothing less from Madeline Miller. As always, thank you for listening.
alli_gator's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
batkat31's review
5.0
Now in my top 5 (possibly top 3) favorite books. Beautifully written and uses the Greek Myths brilliantly to tell an intensely moving story about humanity.
Edit: I'm back at the end of the year adding all the books I've forgotten to track, and this remains my favorite read of the year. Would give it 10 stars if I could.
Edit: I'm back at the end of the year adding all the books I've forgotten to track, and this remains my favorite read of the year. Would give it 10 stars if I could.
erikajay's review
5.0
This is easily one of my favorite books!
The writing is beautiful, the story is fascinating, and it actually makes you think.
Circe is an inspiring character. She is treated terribly, yet she still looks for the good in people. She genuinely wants to help others. Even though she’s a goddess, she doesn’t use her powers to show off or hold it over others. She also doesn’t use her powers for the easy way out, instead she works really hard with her own two hands. She feels remorse. She tries to right things she did wrong. She will do anything to protect those she loves, but she also knows when to let them try on their own.
I don’t normally mark quotes while reading (and especially not while listening), but I have an entire list from this book!
The narrator also did an absolutely beautiful job!
The writing is beautiful, the story is fascinating, and it actually makes you think.
Circe is an inspiring character. She is treated terribly, yet she still looks for the good in people. She genuinely wants to help others. Even though she’s a goddess, she doesn’t use her powers to show off or hold it over others. She also doesn’t use her powers for the easy way out, instead she works really hard with her own two hands. She feels remorse. She tries to right things she did wrong. She will do anything to protect those she loves, but she also knows when to let them try on their own.
I don’t normally mark quotes while reading (and especially not while listening), but I have an entire list from this book!
The narrator also did an absolutely beautiful job!
aleckssss's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Good book, sometimes it's a bit slow but you want to keep reading anyway