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Book Review of Circe

Circe
Circe
Author: Madeline Miller
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover
reviewed on + 1452 more book reviews


I like reading books about gods, goddesses and all the creatures that live with them. However, this one was not as appealing to me as others I have read. Just couldn't get into the story. I felt, too, that the author's writing was not as polished as it could be. It's good that there are a few twists in the flow of this tale that surprise the reader. I enjoyed these. Nevertheless, I felt that there were gaps that left me the reader wondering what was really supposed to be there.

The plot is a good one and I liked the character, Circe. She is known as the goddess of sorcery (pharmakeia). The author emphasizes that her specialty was transformation. Daughter of the powerful Helios, for years she seemed to have no talent and was ridiculed by her parents and siblings. As a result she tries to please those around her or make herself as invisible as she can. This is her story as the author sees it. In this book it took Circe years and years to free herself from what others believed her to be yet these influences come out periodically throughout her life. At the end, Circe has chosen who she wants to be. From that point she can live a happy life.

Still I wonder why GR readers rated this book above the other nominated novels? In my opinion some of those were much better. Because many readers felt differently about the book I suggest that others check it out for themselves.