Circe by Madeline Miller

In this tale based on Greek mythology we follow the extraordinary journey of Circe as she navigates the complexities of love, betrayal, and redemption.

Get the audiobook for free here

In the beginning, Circe, who is the daughter of Helios, the mighty sun god, lives all by herself on Aiaia island. Despite her divine heritage, among her fellow immortals, Circe is underestimated and overlooked. She didn't choose to live there; she was sent away as a punishment. Circe feels very alone and sad because she's away from her family and the other gods. But as she spends time on the island, she discovers something amazing – she has special powers, magic powers! These powers help her feel strong and happy. Even though she's alone, she can make her island a beautiful and safe place with her magic. So, even though she's sad about being in exile, she finds a way to be happy by using her powers to create a home for herself. As time goes by she starts to understand her magic powers better. At first, she doesn't know what she can do, but she tries different things and learns. With her magic, she changes the island into a beautiful and safe place. She makes flowers bloom, creates animals, and even makes her own home. Circe feels happy and proud of what she can do. Her powers help her feel strong, like she can do anything. Even though she's still lonely sometimes, her magic makes her feel like she has a purpose and a home on the island.

Circe's life on Aiaia island changes when she meets different gods and heroes. First, she meets Hermes, the messenger of the gods. He visits her on the island and they talk. As Circe’s story unfolds, we are transported to a world where gods and mortals collide in epic battles for power and dominance. Later, a man named Odysseus comes to Aiaia. He's a famous hero known for his cleverness. Circe and Odysseus talk and spend time together. They become friends, and Circe learns about the world outside her island from him. Another hero, Achilles, also visits Circe. He's known for being a great warrior. Circe helps him with something important, and they have an interesting conversation. All of them left a mark on her life and Circe’s fate becomes intertwined with theirs, shaping her destiny in various ways. Miller masterfully weaves together these familiar tales with Circe’s own narrative, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that is both timeless and captivating.

Afterwards Circe faces many challenges that test her courage and strength. Circe cared for Odysseus deeply, felt hurt when he left her island to continue his journey.

Later, Circe's trust is betrayed by someone she thought was a friend. This betrayal hurts her, but she learns from it and becomes wiser.

At its core, “Circe” is a story of empowerment and resilience. Despite facing countless challenges and betrayals, Circe learns to embrace her identity as a witch and a woman, discovering strength and courage she never knew she possessed. Her journey is one of self-discovery and transformation, as she navigates the complexities of love, loss, and betrayal, and ultimately finds redemption.

Miller delves into universal themes such as power, agency, and the nature of humanity. Transporting readers to a world of ancient Greece where magic and mythology reign supreme, readers are confronted with questions about the limits of power and the price of freedom.

Get the audiobook for free here

In conclusion, “Circe” is a captivating novel that will enchant and inspire readers of all ages. “Circe” is not just a retelling — it’s a revelation that will resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page.

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. We may get a commission at no additional cost to you.