Circe - Madeline Miller

This book is unlike anything I've read before and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Madeline Miller's Circe is based on the Greek myths and focuses specifically on the family of Helios, god of the sun and powerful Titan. When his daughter Circe is born she possesses none of the mighty power of her kin, but she soon discovers that she does have a power for witchcraft, which is scorned by her fellow gods. When she uses her powers to transform a mortal man whom she loves into a god, his 'true form', she is perceived as a threat and exiled by Zeus to the remote island of Aiaia for all eternity.

When boats of humans begin washing up on her island, Circe welcomes them as guests and caters as host, befriending mortals and adopting their ways. Many mortal men attempt to abuse her once they realise she is a woman alone (trigger warning of a pretty brutal rape scene), and she utilises her powers of witchcraft to wreak her revenge upon those who cross her. But she also discovers friendship and even love, in the form of Odysseus, an encounter which leaves her pregnant. Having been ignorant to the story of Odysseus prior to reading this book, I really enjoyed this character and learning about his journey back to Ithaca and toils at Troy, and the birth of their son Telegonus, who lives on the island with Circe once Odysseus departs.

The novel is engaging, and extremely well-written - Miller makes the mythology really accessible to a newbie to Greek myth like me, and the story is so gripping. It incorporates many recognisable tales from the mythology such as the birth of the Minotaur, which Circe experienced first-hand; the tale of Icarus; Daedalus' friendship with Circe; and the legendary monster Scylla whom Circe transformed. A fantastic tool which really helped me grasp the characters in the book is this website: http://madelinemiller.com/circe/circe-characters/.

The character of Circe was portrayed as an incredibly strong and courageous woman, yet also relatable and ultimately a very likeable protagonist. The intertextuality really gave me a flavour to go and read texts such as 'The Odyssey', which has since been purchased! I would recommend this to both fully-fledged Greek mythology experts, as well as those who are new to the stories. A super enjoyable read!