A bold and subversive retelling of the goddess's story, this #1 New York Times bestseller is both epic and intimate in its scope, recasting the most infamous female figure from the Odyssey as a hero in her own right (Alexandra Alter, The New York Times). In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child -- not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power -- the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.With unforgettably vivid characters, mesmerizing language, and page-turning suspense, Circe is a triumph of storytelling, an intoxicating epic of family rivalry, palace intrigue, love and loss, as well as a celebration of indomitable female strength in a man's world. #1 New York Times Bestseller -- named one of the Best Books of the Year by NPR, the Washington Post, People, Time, Amazon, Entertainment Weekly, Bustle, Newsweek, the A.V. Club, Christian Science Monitor, Refinery 29, Buzzfeed, Paste, Audible, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Thrillist, NYPL, Self, Real Simple, Goodreads, Boston Globe, Electric Literature, BookPage, the Guardian, Book Riot, Seattle Times, and Business Insider.
In the realm of Greek mythology, where deities and mortals intertwine, Madeline Miller's "Circe" presents a captivating narrative through the eyes of the captivating sorceress herself. Circe, once a minor goddess relegated to the periphery of Olympus, emerges as a vibrant and complex protagonist in this reimagined tale.
As the daughter of Helios, the sun god, and Perse, a sea goddess, Circe possesses inherent power and an affinity for witchcraft. However, her independent spirit and defiance of societal norms make her an outcast among the gods. Exiled to the remote island of Aiaia, Circe embraces her solitude and delves into the secrets of magic and herbalism.
Circe's life becomes intertwined with a host of iconic figures from Greek mythology. She encounters the cunning hero, Odysseus, whose crew falls prey to her enchantments. She nurtures the wounded Prometheus, a Titan punished by Zeus for his act of defiance. And she bears the son of the sea god, Glaucus, whom she fiercely loves.
Through the lens of Circe's perspective, "Circe" sheds light on the hidden narratives and motivations of these legendary characters. The novel explores themes of feminism, power dynamics, and the complexities of love and relationships. Miller breathes life into these timeless figures, offering a fresh interpretation of their stories and highlighting the strength and resilience of women in a male-dominated world.
With its lyrical prose and vivid imagery, "Circe" immerses readers in the enchanting world of Greek mythology. Miller's storytelling prowess brings to life a compelling tale of transformation, self-discovery, and the enduring power of love. Delve into the pages of "Circe" and uncover the hidden depths of a legendary sorceress who redefines her destiny.
