Circe

Madeline Miller

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Circe is a witch and a nymph. - I can’t write this without hating on the word ‘nymph’ first. The definition of a nymph is severely sexist, portraying women/nymphs as beautiful objects that are ‘useless’. Nymphs are also known for being ‘incapable to escape’, super gross. Anyways -
Circe grows up together with other, more talented nymphs and her siblings in the palace of her father Helios, the sun god. Her mother Perse despises Circe, for she looks like a hawk compared to other goddesses and nymphs, and has no special powers. Circe is unaware of her capabilities and is made to feel useless and ugly by everyone around her. Her family and fellow nymphs are absurdly sadistic and make her immortal life hell.

After a ‘falling out’ with another nymph (to say it lightly), Circe gets exiled to a distant island with no other humans nor immortals. Deemed to be alone forever, Circe looks into nature and herself, and discovers her powers. 

Madeline Miller’s books are cruel and beautiful because of it. Her books run on suffering and despair, that of the characters’ and yours. The true magic is that it all fits in that tiny book. Somehow consistent yet constantly different. She takes you through multiple life times of events, leaving you devastated. You will never be bored. 

Circe came after the book The Song of Achilles, another masterpiece by Madeline. Both books have become the pillars for my introduction into Greek mythology, but I have to say Circe is my favourite. This book is a story of self discovery and full of magic. Circe is the most dear to my heart of all characters in Greek mythology and will probably win you over as well.

Trigger warning: Cruelty and rape.