Bookseller Reviews
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Deserves more than five stars....
This is a first class story with unforgettable characters,beautiful writing and brings Circe to life.
She literally takes your breath away; comes in every ... READ MORE
Breathes life into legend and myth
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book prior to publication in exchange for an honest review.
I had loved The Song of Achilles by this author a... READ MORE
Myth and legend brought to life
This was compulsive reading. This is the story of Circe, Titan, witch, goddess. Her life told beautifully intertwined with all the classic Greek tales, tol... READ MORE
Divinity, humbled
I received a reading copy in advance.
Madeline Miller is well-known for 'The Song of Achilles' and the skill with which she wrote it is in no way diminish... READ MORE
Heartbreakingly beautiful storytelling.
Miller has a true flair for spellbinding storytelling, her knowledge and passion for the ancient worlds as clear as the scenes she so beautifully conjures ... READ MORE
Not just a minor character
Circe appears in Homer’s Odyssey as one of the trials Odysseus must deal with on his way home, here we learn her story as one of the first witches in Weste... READ MORE
Just stunning
Miller's writing is simply beautiful - the depth of character and emotion she conveys with every word is breath-taking.
I adored 'Song of Achilles' so I ... READ MORE
Timeless, humane and beautiful
As an ancient historian, I was thrilled to get a copy of this before publication but a little anxious that the difficult second novel - one from the perspe... READ MORE
Greek mythology bought to life.
I was delighted to receive an advanced reading copy of this beautiful book from Bloomsbury as I had no previous knowledge of the Goddess Circe and had hear... READ MORE
A masterful retelling
Madeline Miller has turned one of the Greek Myths' darkest characters into a heroine for the modern day.
In this would be biography, Miller follows Circe,... READ MORE
I loved this, it'll probably be my favourite read of 2019
I've never studied classics, just always had a vague interest in mythology, so I was only aware of the Circe character from 'The Odyssey' and from the pain... READ MORE
Sun-drenched and magical
Literally the only thing wrong with this book is that I wasn't on a Greek island whilst reading it. If you're familiar with Greek mythology, every page pro... READ MORE
Divine.
This is truly a magical piece of writing. The premise telling the story of the witch / goddess Circe captivates straight away. From her early beginnings in... READ MORE
Mythical magic
Literally the only thing wrong with this book is that I wasn't on a Greek island while reading it. Perfect summer reading with a truly layered, complex, an... READ MORE
Enchanting!
A magically wonderful book worthy of all the plaudits and praise bestowed upon it. Full of richly developed pathos. I indulged in and adored every page.
Fantastic book for lovers of all things Greek Mythology
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book to review and boy am I glad that I was. It was an amazing book. It shows you the Titans and the... READ MORE
Witch, Lover, Mother and Woman
“Humbling women seems to me a chief pastime of poets. As if there can be no story unless we crawl and weep.” - Madeline Miller, Circe
Going into this n... READ MORE
So good!
I really, really enjoyed reading this!
I went into this pretty much completely blind as I know nothing (Jon Snow) about Greek Mythology. The first quarter-... READ MORE
I can't recommend this enough to you!
Miller has created a masterpiece. Beginning in the deep undersea courts of a Titan palace we follow the life of Circe. Heralded in Greek mythology as once ... READ MORE
Truly magical in so many ways
The one that made me feel like a child again.
Do you remember when you were a child reading a book and you would get so immersed in the setting and the wor... READ MORE
Brilliant twist on the tale of Circe
Loved this book and the strong female lead, the story was engaging and I couldn't put it down. Wish it had been longer!
A solid read
I gave this book 3.5 stars as for me, it did not reach the same levels of the song of Achilles. I think I did have very high expectations of Circe, because... READ MORE
Circe the Enchantress
A beautiful and enchanting retelling of a story from Greek Mythology. Circe is one of the most complex characters from Greek Mythology and Madeline Miller ... READ MORE
Beautifully written
Thanks to this amazing book I’m now reading every Greek retelling I can get my hands on.
Captivating, Compelling and just a little bit Magical.
Before I begin I just need to state that I received this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Circe is a captivating and beautiful ... READ MORE
Circe the Witch.
Circe is an outcast. Unwanted. Belittled. Ignored. When she aids a god and thinks she has powers she may or not possess she is punished by her father to li... READ MORE
Circe was a name I had not heard before; it is now one I certainly will not forget.
This was an immersive and alluring tale, I fell in love with Circe’s story, exploring the highlights of her life, as well as her trials and tribulations; I... READ MORE
Perfect for the grown-up Percy Jackson kids
As should have been expected after reading The Song of Achilles due to the huge amounts of praise that it has received recently, Circe is one of the best b... READ MORE
Story telling at its best
I was very late to reading this and never understood why, I had it on my bookshelf from the moment it came out in paperback as I’d loved Song of Achilles s... READ MORE
My favourite read in 2021
Madeline Miller is undoubtedly one of the best authors of the 21st century and Circe is no exception. It is a beautiful story of femininity, power, and myt... READ MORE
Fear and the Gods
I worried when I picked up this book that I would be overwhelmed and drowning in the endless names of Gods and Nymphs, having no idea who was who. However ... READ MORE
Wow!
I read our Books of the Month regularly but this has been my favourite so far. I know I'm really enjoying a book when I'm thinking about the characters eve... READ MORE
Perfection.
I am so annoyed that i waited so long to read this, it's gone straight into my favourite books of all time.
Read it and relax into fiction of a higher ord... READ MORE
A poignant masterclass in the power of the written word.
A captivating work of art. Miller has made a name for herself for a reason. Her lyrical prose sings from page tto page and earns its place on almost every ... READ MORE
Synopsis
Waterstones Fiction Book of the Month for April 2019
Shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2019
Shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year 2018
When I was born, the name for what I was did not exist.
In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. Yet, in the golden halls of gods and nymphs, Circe stands apart, as something separate, something new. With neither the look nor the voice of divinity, and scorned and rejected by her kin Circe is increasingly isolated. Turning to mortals for companionship, she risks defying her father for love, a path that leads her not to the marriage bed but to a discovery of a power forbidden to the gods: witchcraft.
Banished by Zeus to the remote island of Aiaia, Circe refines her craft, fate entwining her with legends: the messenger god, Hermes. The craftsman, Daedalus. A ship bearing a golden fleece. And wily Odysseus, on his epic voyage home. As her power increases and her knowledge grows, so Circe must make the ultimate choice: to decide whether she belongs with the deities she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.
A source of fascination for ancient writers from Homer to Ovid, Circe is a character whose story is steeped in magic and mystery. Caught up in the story of heroes, she is a figure apart, a player in the lives of heroes and gods but one who has never commanded her own story, until now.
From the imaginative power that summoned Orange Prize-winning global bestseller The Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller returns with an electrifying take on Greek Myth’s most misunderstood deity. From her tale Miller spins a story of antiquity’s wildest rebel girl, a sun-god’s daughter with a human heart. One of Waterstones’ choices for our Best Books to Look Out for in April, booksellers and customers alike have been swept up by this moving, exuberant novel, translating the male-centred fantasies of myth into something startlingly feminine, real and awake.
"Circe has really set the standard for fiction publishing this year, both in terms of Miller’s exquisite writing and Bloomsbury’s beautiful production values. Miller has breathed new life into the Greek myths, putting a welcome feminist spin on old narratives: it is a thoroughly modern and pertinent retelling by a master storyteller." – Bea Carvalho, Waterstones Fiction Buyer
Publisher information
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
- ISBN: 9781408890042
- Number of pages: 352
- Dimensions: 196 x 128 x 34 mm
- Weight: 247g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
View allStunning!
Madeline Miller is a wonderful storyteller and this novel clearly shows her skill. This rich, poetic tapestry is shot through with threads of despair and g... READ MORE
Pearls and Swine
How do you write a convincing novel based on events from Classical Greek mythology? How do you treat gods and magic? Do you play up the comic aspects and i... READ MORE
Stunning
I really enjoyed this book. It’s one of those books that just as interesting on the inside as well as on the outside. Beautifully written and loved Circe a... READ MORE
Stunning !
Loved the plot of the story. Love the way she tied up the loose ends left opened in the start of the story. If Circe wanted anyone to write her biography s... READ MORE
The Book of a Generation
If 'Song of Achilles' was the book that shaped my teen years, this will be the book to shape my twenties.
In Circe we see the struggle of a woman trying t... READ MORE
Bewitching!
I absolutely adored Madeline Miller's debut, 'The Song of Achilles', and have been eagerly anticipating the publication of 'Circe' ever since. I was lucky ... READ MORE
Stunning
Beautiful story telling, she really makes it seem you can feel the nature and surroundings of the story, you feel as if you are there. The narrative is fla... READ MORE
Fantastic Read from start to finish
Really enjoyed this book. Wanted to know so much about Circe after every page. Such an interesting character from the Gods . Always enjoy reading about myt... READ MORE
Circe by Madeline Miller
With Circe, Madeline Miller makes a very welcome return to the mythology of ancient Greece, which also provides the setting for her award-winning debut nov... READ MORE
Fierce Femme Goddess
I really enjoyed not only the narrative but the strong feminist story line. I was told being familiar with the myths wasn't necessary but I would beg to di... READ MORE
Alexandra Cassley
I loved this book! When I first started reading it I wasn't too sure how it was going to go, but the more I read the more immersed I became.
A brilliant ... READ MORE
Breathes life and character into Circe
I decided to read Madeline Miller's Circe on the recommendation of fans who had read her debut wok The Song Of Achilles. I am avid fan of Mary Renault's w... READ MORE
Interesting tale
Circe is a picked on, looked down upon Demi goddess who will amount to nothing. Or so she thinks. Through failed love, bitterness and learning to stand on ... READ MORE
Beautiful book and story within
I could hardly put this down!
Magical!
It's such an amazing, so beautifully written book! The writing flows and is poetic, and the plot never stalls. Simply an amazing book!
Absolutely incredible!
Utterly beautiful, Miller’s writing effortlessly transports you to a time and place filled with divinity, monsters, tragedy and witchcraft as she breathes ... READ MORE
♡
I have always had a love for Greek Mythology, so I was very excited to read this!
This book gave me cottagecore / witchcore vibes and I loved it! It wa... READ MORE
Definitely the best book I have ever read
I used to absolutely love reading but in the past few years I had fell into a slump of reading a few bad books and giving up, so when I got Circe as a gift... READ MORE
A book to savour
One of those books you never want to end. I found that I was deliberately slowing down my reading in order not to reach the end. A true test of a great boo... READ MORE
A stunning character study
Where Miller's debut, The Song of Achilles, was a more traditional story of adventure, war and romance, Circe is much more of a character study. Given that... READ MORE
This is a beautiful book, full of respect and tenderness. If only more Greek myths retellings were like this one…
‘’Odysseus, son of Laertes, the great traveller, prince of wiles and tricks and a thousand ways. He showed me his scars, and in return he let me pretend th... READ MORE
Not for me
I bought this book based on the 5 star reviews from so many people but it just wasn’t for me. I was hoping to be captured by the story right from the begin... READ MORE
A million star read
As many stars as their are in the sky is how many I'd give to this if I could.
A completely absorbing and brutally beautiful book that will stay with me f... READ MORE
Enchanting
I really enjoyed reading this book and often found it hard to put down! It is so well written and the characters are excellent. I would recommend!
One of my favourites
I could not stop reading this. I love Madeline Millers writing, it’s so immersive and she brings these myths and legends to life. After reading this (which... READ MORE
My favorite book of 2017 has finally been released! Hooray!
My love of Greek mythology is deeply seated in my soul, having devoured stories of the gods and all their trickery since I was young. My Grandmother's hous... READ MORE
Breath taking!
Beautifully written, page turner. I am so sad it had to finish. The best part was how much it takes you in to live in that book with all of them. I am glad... READ MORE
Circe, by Madeline Miller
Basically, this is a romp through Greek and Roman mythology, seen from the point of view of Circe, the powerful witch of Aiaia. Circe was the daughter of... READ MORE
Simply Beautiful
I really admire Miller's characterisation with her novels. She takes a story that most of her readers would know (from The Odyssey) and shows it to us from... READ MORE
Stunning retelling of a story I didn’t know
Circe is a stunningly written retelling of a story that I didn’t know; I knew small parts about Circe and her powers from other fiction but not about her s... READ MORE
A good read
Don’t mistake the 3/5 stars for a ‘don’t read’ - personally I love the way MM writes and she’s a wonderful storyteller - Song of Achilles is my fave book o... READ MORE
Gorgeous!!!
I felt that everything about this novel was utterly gorgeous... The writing, the concept, the characters... I really fell into the world; I felt that Mille... READ MORE
Enjoyable book to read
Absolutely love this book
Amazing
Such a good read! Love this modern twist on Greek mythology!
Easy reading, didn’t put it down.
Easy reading Greek mythology. Recommended.
I savoured this book
I'm a late-in-life toe-dipper into Classics, and Madeleine Miller's Song of Achilles was the first of these novels fleshing out and giving backstories to G... READ MORE
Novel set in Ancient Greece - a clever retelling of the Greek myths
This is a good example of a book that I thought might not be for me, but which, I'm glad to say, proved me wrong.
I know little about the Greek myths and ... READ MORE
Loved it!!!
Will definitely be rereading this! Beautiful cover and writing.
I’m not really informed with Greek mythology, but thoroughly enjoyed reading!
Spellbinding.
This is a book I have been wanting to read for some time. This beautifully written story had me hooked from page one to the very last page. If you have an ... READ MORE
Wonderful book
You get lost in it as soon as you pick it up
Phenomenal
What a book! Couldn't put it done.
Gripping
Gripping to begin with, but boring towards the end.
Stunning, beautifully written with a very layered main character
I adored the feminist feel of this book. I know it's mentioned in other reviews, and in a way that influenced me to paying more attention to it but.. the t... READ MORE
Best book of 2019
This was by far the best book I read in 2019. I have bought three copies now to give to friends and family. Highly recommend!
5 stars
I don't why I haven't read this book earlier it has all the ingredients I love. So what took me so long? Honestly I think I was intimidated by it, I love G... READ MORE
Best book I’ve read in ages!
This is a wonderful retelling of the myth of Circe of Aiaia. I’ve only ever heard the same tale as most people, her dealings with Medea and turning Odysseu... READ MORE
Read again
This book is brilliant I love learning about Greek mahology it is so interesting I am only 13 and love to read so I would definitely read this book!?
Beautifully poetic!
Circe is beautifully written book that outlines the hardships of embracing who you are whilst also impacting the lives of others along the way. Miller has ... READ MORE
Absolutely incredible!!
Wow. That’s really all I can say to be honest! Miller’s writing through the character of Circe and the description of the world around her was stunning. I ... READ MORE
Excellent
First book in a long while that I struggled to put down.
brilliant
as a lover of greek mythology i was sceptic how good this would be but this book was brilliant from start to finish, wouldn’t expect anything less from the... READ MORE
Incredible and unforgettable
This is one of those books I wish would never end. I just want to keep reading about Circe forever and ever, and ever. Madeline Miller is an extraordinary ... READ MORE
Great!
Its a lovely book and a nice revisit to greek mythology! I could like together past and previous greek myths I knew about and it made me feel more for the ... READ MORE
Incredible book
Circe is an incredible feminist novel. Circe's story has had a fair few retellings but Miller has stuck relatively close to Homer's version, however some c... READ MORE
a good read
i read this book after loving the song of achilles, and if i’m honest it’s a little overhyped but it was definitely interesting.
empowering witchcraft
Beautiful written book, I love the description of scenery, action and (my favorite) the way witchcraft is desccribe. The flow of energy and nature surround... READ MORE
Queen Circe
My favourite thus far from Miller. I think this is (hot take) better than anything else Miller has written; the character of Circe is fleshed out so strong... READ MORE
Mythical
I had left this book languishing on a bookshelf for far too long and am so glad I finally got round to reading it. Madeline has artfully retold the story o... READ MORE
beautifully written
I was so in love with this book I read it in about 5
days. So beautifully written and it explores some really deep topics such as morality, motherhood and ... READ MORE
Perfect escapism
A little long in places but overall loved it. Lovely to come to after a stressful day and was so different from fiction I usually read
Helped me get back into reading
Decided to try reading a book after years of wanting to and not finding the motivation/time to and I chose this book recently. I'm so happy I did, Circe is... READ MORE
A let down...
Born to the mightiest of the Titans, but without the looks or the voice of divinity, Circe is rejected and ridiculed by her kin. Turning to mortals for com... READ MORE
Couldn't Resit The Cover!
So ok lets be honest - I just couldn't resist this book cover any longer!
Long listed for the women's prize for fiction in 2019 it would be rude not to hav... READ MORE
Novel set in Ancient Greece – Historical story of Circe, mythological goddess
This is a good example of a book that I thought might not be for me, but which, I’m glad to say, proved me wrong.
I know little about the Greek myths and ... READ MORE
I miss it now it’s finished!
It took me a couple of chapters to get into this as I found the Greek names etc hard to get hold of, but after that I loved it. It’s quietly brilliant and ... READ MORE
One of the best 2019 new books so far
It keeps reader's interest until the very last page. All characters are very well structured and you can have a full idea of their personalities. Circe is ... READ MORE
Easy Read
I loved so many aspects of this book, I'm usually quite intrigued by stories of greek gods. I loved that it was written from circe's point of view and i lo... READ MORE
Novel set in ancient GREECE (Mythology and intrigue)
Circe by Madeline Miller, novel set in ancient Greece, at the court of Helios and the mythological island of Aiaia.
Miller’s version of the story of Circe... READ MORE
Basically a solo act that stole the stage
4.5 stars
I didn’t know if I was going to like a book purely delivering a take on Greek mythology, turns out I loved it. Circe is pretty much the sole act... READ MORE
Absolutely loved it
Moving and beautiful.
Odyssey from the female perspective
Retelling of the Greek myths through a daughter of who was exiled and accused of being a witch,which she was.Being a goddess she never aged and had many pa... READ MORE
Addictingly Stunning
Circe- written by Madeline Miller - is a stunning story about a strong woman through her journey from the halls of Helios, to her witch island. Throughout ... READ MORE
Amazing
Much like her first book the song of achilles, Circe has been so beautifully written, and I cannot recommend it enough
Best book I've ever read
To put it simply, this is by far the best book I have ever read. I read all of this in almost a day and had to take a break because I didn't want it to end... READ MORE
Ticks all the boxes
A throughly enjoyable read - well written and structured, in accessible language and style, with great description and storytelling. 10/10
A really engaging read
This was an absolutely brilliant read. It was so well written while bringing life to greek mythology. A truly amazing read.
A Quietly Devastating Retelling
Miller’s Circe is a beautiful, slow-burn journey through mythology, solitude, and power. The writing is lyrical and immersive, and Circe herself is a deepl... READ MORE
The Primordial Witch
Set apart by history, Circe is a character of profound traits. A woman destined to fight Time and to provoke the Fates. A young deity who learned the human... READ MORE
Stunning
Circe is the daughter of sun god Helios, mightiest of the Titans, everyone thinks she is strange as she is not terrible or powerful like her father nor is ... READ MORE
This is so good I’m going to buy more copies as a gift.
This is a perfect holiday read. I could not put it down and pleasure to have the luxury of time. She beautifully weaves Greek mythology that almost every E... READ MORE
A Story That Found Me The Second Time Around
I felt like I’d truly been on a journey with Circe reading this book and when I’d finished it, it was as though I was saying goodbye to a friend.
Interest... READ MORE
Enchanting! Impossible to put down
Exquisite writing, masterfully weaving the personal story with well-known mythical lore. Had to take a star out for the unnecessary cliche violence against... READ MORE
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