Overview
"Circe" by Madeline Miller is a modern retelling of the mythological witch Circe, exploring her origins, powers, relationships, and struggle for identity between the world of gods and mortals. The novel focuses on themes of female empowerment, transformation, and self-discovery amidst ancient Greek legends and palace intrigue.
Plot Summary and Themes
- Circe is the daughter of Helios, god of the sun, but lacks her father's power and her mother's allure.
- She discovers her witchcraft abilities, which allow her to transform her rivals and challenge the gods.
- Zeus banishes Circe to a deserted island, where she refines her magic and tames wild animals.
- Circe encounters figures from Greek mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus, Icarus, Medea, and Odysseus.
- The story highlights Circe's isolation, resilience, and ongoing conflict with both mortals and gods.
- Circe must ultimately decide where she belongs: with the divine family she was born into or the mortal world she has come to love.
- The novel celebrates female strength and independence in a patriarchal and mythic context.
Recognition and Reception
- "Circe" is a #1 New York Times bestseller.
- The book was named one of the Best Books of the Year by NPR, The Washington Post, Time, Goodreads, and many more.
- It was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction in 2019.
Author Background
- Madeline Miller also wrote "The Song of Achilles," another bestselling novel based in Greek mythology.
- Miller holds an MA in Classics from Brown University and has experience in both academic and dramatic adaptation of classical texts.
- She has taught Latin, Greek, and Shakespeare for over a decade.