BarringtonLibrary Reads discussion

What did you think of this book? Leave your comments, thoughts, and first impressions below.

I’m almost halfway through it.

I’m really enjoying the fresh take on the Odyssey. The interpersonal dynamics and politics of the Greek gods is such a fascinating undertaking.

I’m really excited for the rest of the story as the table is clearly set for Circe to really stir the pot and get her revenge for being ostracized for so long.

Fun and easy read with great descriptions throughout!

I have yet to start Circe, so I'm encouraged by your message! I've been wanting to read it for awhile, especially due to the Odyssey aspect.
And welcome to the book group!

Just finished Circe. Absolutely LOVED it!! Took me back to being a 9 year old absorbing as much Greek mythology as I could!
What a fantastic take, really bringing strength to the female voices in those classics without diminishing from what was. Very beautifully done!
This will definitely be on my reread list.
A tapestry woven together from childhood pain and anguish in seeking acceptance from your parents, to the fear of isolation, rebellion for no other purpose than to go against the grain, the journey of discovery and recognizing that being a good and wise person is not mutually exclusive from being broken, and of course, love wins.
Really thrilled with this read and looking forward to next months!

That is a great take on Circe! I loved how the author interwove the classic Greek myths and figures into a refreshing (and somewhat modern) story. It was astonishing how much I remembered from high school and college, and from my reading of The Iliad & the Odyssey. I recalled more than I expected! I also enjoyed how the author incorporated all the lore about Circe, from the gods to Odysseus and Medea.

Circe was beautifully drawn and her psyche and personality were exceptionally detailed. I enjoyed how the author seamlessly blended the years between each story piece, from her time with the gods to Odysseus and her son, Telegonus.

For a story that could've been flat and "we already know all this," Circe was riveting and alive. I now want to pick up her previous book, The Song of Achilles.

Couldn’t agree more. Added her Song of Achilles to my want to read list.

I was somewhat disappointed in Circe. I love Greek mythology, and I love the fantasy genre. But, I didn't really feel like there was much of a plot on Circe beyond what seemed to me like a series of short stories related to the original myth stories embellished a bit. Based on the book description, I I kept waiting for more to happen and it never did. Maybe I will like the sequel better....

Kim wrote: "I was somewhat disappointed in Circe. I love Greek mythology, and I love the fantasy genre. But, I didn't really feel like there was much of a plot on Circe beyond what seemed to me like a series o..."

You make an interesting point. Circe did seem like a series of events, rather than a continuous story. It almost felt biographical with the story being Circe's experiences. I, too, love Greek mythology. Have you read Edith Hamilton's Mythology? It's a great collection of famous myths, including Greek in origin.

I'm not sure if there's a sequel to Circe. The book referenced in an earlier comment, The Song of Achilles, is the author's debut novel. If these two books are any indication, it appears Miller's background has driven the focus of her novels.