Reviews

Circe by Madeline Miller

crystallynnreads's review against another edition

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5.0

This is a book that I will not soon forget. From the first few chapters, it was clear to see that Circe would be unlike any book that I have read this year. I knew that I would be finishing this book with the utmost rapt. When I read this book, I truly feel as though I am reading a story. Circe has so much to it, the yearning to be seen, to belong, to love, and the heartache that comes with these desires. This book now belongs among the short list of books that got me to cry. Circe is a beautiful story and I would highly recommend reading it.

e1ean0rrigby's review against another edition

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5.0

Circe was enthralling. I enjoyed learning about mythology and experiencing the story through the vibrant tone of Miller's writing. The ending gave me actual goosebumps!

ursimae's review against another edition

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Only reason I DNFed the audiobook is bc I immediately had to get a physical copy to own, annotate, and read to my mother ❤
The most positive DNF lol
I wish I could give it 5 starts on this DNF review.

I started listening to the audio book at work and immediately went out and bought my own copy on my way home.
I love this book and can't recommend it enough!

noirheart's review against another edition

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adventurous funny tense 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

4.5

meghanecee's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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beauxberger's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

saralikesbooks_'s review against another edition

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emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

kaitie_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

"I was not surprised by the portrait of myself: the proud witch undone before the hero's sword, kneeling and begging for mercy. Humbling women seems to me a chief pastime of poets. As if there can be no story unless we crawl and weep." 

I really enjoyed the story of Circe in this Greek mythology retelling. I love this trend of taking age-old stories but spinning them to focus on the female heroines who have traditionally been the lesser-known and discussed side characters within the formidable male hero journey. 

We follow Circe as she grows from a curious and lonely child, who is basically cast out by her own family and ignored for being unique. She is not powerful, like her father or a beautiful temptress like her mother. The loneliness in this book hits hard. Circe has a very sad story, and once she is banished, I love her connection to the island Aiaia and her creatures, but her loneliness is still poignant throughout her story. Her desperation for connection or understanding comes through and is clear in each tragic interaction she has. 

Circe's story is told quickly as it spans throughout centuries, but due to the slow nature of life in banishment, it feels like a slow burn. As someone who isn't super familiar with Greek mythology I had a bit of a difficult time with all of the names and connections at first but I found as I read it became easier to make those connections. 

An excellent immersive read.

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halfloaf's review against another edition

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adventurous informative mysterious 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

4.0