CIRCE Book Summary

In 'CIRCE', Madeline Miller reimagines the tale of Circe, the powerful sorceress from Greek mythology, exploring her journey of self-discovery and empowerment in a world dominated by gods and heroes. Cast out by her family and forced into solitude on the island of Aiaia, Circe learns to harness her magical abilities and confronts the loneliness of immortality. As she encounters iconic figures like Odysseus and Hermes, she navigates love, betrayal, and the struggle for her identity. This lyrical tale challenges the notion of what it means to be a woman in a world that often fears female power. Will Circe break the chains of her past, or will she remain an outcast in a world that misunderstands her?

By Madeline Miller

Published: 2018

"'I am no man’s daughter. I am Circe, and my power is my own.'"

CIRCEBook binding

Start Listening to Book Summary

0:000:00

Book Review of CIRCE

"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

Book Overview of CIRCE

About the Book Author

M

Madeline Miller

Madeline Miller is an acclaimed American author best known for her bestselling novels 'The Song of Achilles' and 'Circe.' With a background in classics, Miller’s writing intricately weaves together mythology and contemporary themes, bringing ancient characters to life with emotional depth and modern relevance. Her works have garnered numerous awards, including the Orange Prize for Fiction, and have been celebrated for their poetic prose and rich storytelling. Through her unique voice, Miller explores themes of love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Madeline Miller
Published
April 2018
Publisher
Little, Brown
ISBN
0316556343
Language
English
Pages
N/A
Genres
Historical FictionFantasyFictionFantasy RomanceLiterary Fiction

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

The Priory of the Orange TreeBook binding

The Priory of the Orange Tree Book Summary

In "The Priory of the Orange Tree," a richly woven tapestry of fantasy unfolds, where a matriarchal society faces an age-old threat from a dragon that once ravaged their lands. Amidst court intrigue and budding alliances, a fierce dragon rider and a reluctant noblewoman must confront their destinies while grappling with their emerging identities. As ancient magical forces stir, secrets long buried begin to surface, challenging their beliefs and allegiances. With a captivating blend of romance, adventure, and empowerment, this epic tale dares to reimagine classic tropes and ignite the flames of courage. Will they unite to save their world, or will the shadows of the past consume them all?

The Priory of the Orange Tree
Samantha Shannon
The 10X RuleBook binding

The 10X Rule Book Summary

In "The 10X Rule," Grant Cardone unleashes a revolutionary philosophy that challenges you to aim ten times higher than your initial goals. He emphasizes that average thinking leads to mediocre results, while embracing massive action can propel you to extraordinary success. Through intense personal anecdotes and hard-hitting strategies, Cardone inspires readers to reject excuses and push boundaries in every aspect of their lives. Are you ready to break free from the status quo and achieve what you once deemed impossible? Dive in and discover how the 10X mindset can transform not just your goals, but your entire life.

The 10X Rule
Grant Cardone
Black Leopard, Red WolfBook binding

Black Leopard, Red Wolf Book Summary

In 'Black Leopard, Red Wolf', Marlon James crafts an epic fantasy woven with African mythology, following the journey of Tracker, a man with a nose for finding lost people. Tasked with locating a missing boy, Tracker faces a rich tapestry of characters, including a shape-shifting leopard and a fierce warrior woman. Each encounter unveils darker truths about loyalty, betrayal, and the origins of myths that haunt him. As ancient powers collide and destinies intertwine, the boundaries between reality and legend blur. This narrative promises an enthralling exploration of identity and the consequences of our past.

Black Leopard, Red Wolf
Marlon James
The Big SleepBook binding

The Big Sleep Book Summary

In 'The Big Sleep', private detective Philip Marlowe is drawn into a tangled web of deception while investigating the blackmail of a wealthy family. As he navigates the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, Marlowe encounters a cast of mysterious characters, each with their own hidden agendas. The plot thickens when he discovers the underlying connections between a gambling syndicate and the family's dark secrets. With sharp wit and relentless determination, Marlowe unravels a chilling murder case that leads him into dangerous territory. In a world where nothing is as it seems, can he solve the mystery before becoming the next victim?

The Big Sleep
Raymond Chandler
The System of the WorldBook binding

The System of the World Book Summary

In 'The System of the World,' Neal Stephenson weaves a rich tapestry of 18th-century Enlightenment, where science, politics, and alchemy collide. As a plot unfolds involving war, currency, and the very foundations of capitalism, characters are drawn into a high-stakes battle for power and understanding. With intrigue around every corner, readers are invited into a complex world where intellectual ambition meets the chaos of revolution. Stephenson's intricate narrative challenges the boundaries of history and fiction, posing profound questions about the systems that govern society. This gripping tale promises to captivate minds and ignite curiosity about the forces that shape our world.

The System of the World
Neal Stephenson
SpiceBook binding

Spice Book Summary

In 'Spice', renowned chef Ana Sortun unveils the magic of spices and their transformative power in cooking. Through a vibrant collection of recipes, she takes readers on a culinary adventure that celebrates bold flavors from around the globe. Each dish is a testament to the art of balancing spices, encouraging home cooks to experiment fearlessly in their own kitchens. With captivating anecdotes and expert tips, Sortun invites everyone to rediscover the joy of seasoning their meals. Dive into 'Spice' and awaken your palate with the rich tapestry of tastes that only spices can offer!

Spice
Ana Sortun
Slaughterhouse-FiveBook binding

Slaughterhouse-Five Book Summary

'Slaughterhouse-Five' follows the unconventional journey of Billy Pilgrim, a soldier who becomes 'unstuck in time' and experiences moments from his life out of sequence. As he navigates through the horrors of World War II, including the firebombing of Dresden, the narrative intertwines elements of science fiction and anti-war sentiment. Vonnegut's unique blend of dark humor and poignant commentary challenges the nature of free will and the chaos of war. Will Billy ever come to terms with his fragmented existence and the absurdity of human conflict? Join him on a mind-bending odyssey that questions reality and morality.

Slaughterhouse-Five
Kurt Vonnegut
A Wrinkle in TimeBook binding

A Wrinkle in Time Book Summary

In 'A Wrinkle in Time', a young girl named Meg Murry embarks on an extraordinary interstellar journey to rescue her father, who is trapped by a dark force. Joined by her brother Charles and a mysterious guide named Mrs. Whatsit, they traverse the cosmos using the concept of tesseracts—also known as wrinkles in time. Along the way, they confront the embodiment of evil and discover the power of love and individuality. L'Engle masterfully weaves science fiction with themes of family, bravery, and the struggle against conformity. This imaginative tale challenges readers to ponder the nature of good and evil, making it an unforgettable adventure.

A Wrinkle in Time
Madeleine L'Engle

Showing 8 of 30 similar books

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Similar Book Recommendations →

Fareed Zakaria's Book Recommendations

Fareed Zakaria's Book Recommendations

Fareed Zakaria is an Indian-American journalist, author, and political commentator, best known as the host of CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS. Zakaria is a respected voice in global affairs, providing deep analysis on international relations, economics, and U.S. foreign policy. He has authored several best-selling books, including The Post-American World and In Defense of a Liberal Education. Zakaria is known for his thoughtful, nuanced approach to complex global issues, and his work has been recognized with numerous awards. His insights and perspectives on global politics continue to shape public discourse

PoliticsMedia and Pop CultureSuccess Stories and Life Lessons
Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations

Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations

Lex Fridman is an artificial intelligence researcher, podcaster, and MIT professor, known for his work in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and deep learning. Fridman has gained widespread popularity through his podcast, Lex Fridman Podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers in science, technology, and philosophy, exploring topics like AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity. His academic work focuses on human-centered AI, aiming to create machines that can better understand and interact with humans. Fridman’s ability to distill complex topics into accessible conversations has earned him a large following, and his podcast is known for its thoughtful, in-depth discussions with some of the brightest minds of our time. He is also an advocate for the responsible development of AI, emphasizing the ethical implications of this rapidly advancing technology. Outside of academia and podcasting, Fridman is a practitioner of jiu-jitsu and frequently speaks about the importance of discipline and continuous learning.

Artificial IntelligenceTechnology and FutureMindfulness
Alicia Keys's Book Recommendations

Alicia Keys's Book Recommendations

Alicia Keys, an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist, has made significant contributions to the music industry with her soulful voice and compelling lyrics. She burst onto the scene with her debut album, "Songs in A Minor," which earned her five Grammy Awards. In addition to her musical achievements, Keys is also a celebrated author; her memoir "More Myself: A Journey" provides an intimate look at her life and career. She has used her platform to advocate for social justice, co-founding the Keep a Child Alive organization to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa. Alicia Keys continues to inspire through her artistry and activism, leaving a lasting impact on both music and literature.

Memoirs and BiographiesInspiring ReadsActivist
Jack Edwards's Book Recommendations

Jack Edwards's Book Recommendations

Jack Edwards is a British YouTuber, content creator, and author known for his videos on literature, academia, and productivity. Edwards gained popularity through his educational content, which includes book recommendations, study tips, and insights into university life. He is an advocate for reading and lifelong learning, often encouraging his audience to explore literature and improve their academic skills. Edwards has also written a book, The Uni-Verse, which offers advice to students navigating university life. His work has made him a well-known figure in the educational and literary communities, particularly among young readers and students.

EducationInspiring ReadsProductivity
Oprah Winfrey's Book Recommendations

Oprah Winfrey's Book Recommendations

Oprah Winfrey is a globally renowned media mogul, talk show host, and philanthropist. She gained fame through her groundbreaking talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," which ran for 25 years and became one of the highest-rated programs in television history. Winfrey has significantly impacted literature through her influential book club, Oprah's Book Club, which has propelled numerous books to bestseller status and fostered a love of reading across diverse audiences. She is also the author of several books, including her memoir "The Life You Want," and has contributed to numerous inspirational and self-help publications. Beyond her literary contributions, Winfrey has been a powerful advocate for education and empowerment, founding the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.

Inspiring ReadsMemoirs and BiographiesSelf-ImprovementEducationWomen Who Lead
Diana Kimball's Book Recommendations

Diana Kimball's Book Recommendations

Diana Kimball is an entrepreneur, author, and founder of the mentorship platform Mentor List, which connects people looking for guidance with industry leaders. Kimball is a champion for personal and professional development, emphasizing the power of mentorship to foster growth and build meaningful connections. She has worked in product management and marketing roles at companies like Twitter and Microsoft, bringing her unique insights into tech and community building. Kimball also speaks and writes on topics related to leadership, career development, and the importance of empathy in the workplace. Her work has helped people build stronger networks and pursue their goals with purpose.

Self-ImprovementBusiness and LeadershipWomen Who LeadSuccess Stories and Life Lessons
Elon Musk's Book Recommendations

Elon Musk's Book Recommendations

Elon Musk is an influential entrepreneur and innovator known for founding and leading several groundbreaking companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He has played a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. Musk's vision extends to colonizing Mars and reducing the risk of human extinction through space travel. In addition to his technological contributions, he has co-authored the book "Spacex: Making Commercial Spaceflight a Reality," providing insights into his ambitious projects and vision for the future. Musk's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the trajectory of multiple industries.

Business and LeadershipTechnology and FutureInspiring Reads
Ta-Nehisi Coates's Book Recommendations

Ta-Nehisi Coates's Book Recommendations

Ta-Nehisi Coates is an acclaimed American author and journalist known for his profound explorations of African American culture and history. His seminal work, "Between the World and Me," won the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2015 and has been lauded for its poignant examination of race in America. Coates has also made significant contributions to comic books, notably writing for Marvel's "Black Panther" and "Captain America" series. He has been a national correspondent for The Atlantic, where his essays garnered widespread attention and accolades. Coates continues to influence contemporary thought on race, history, and politics through his powerful and evocative writing.

Memoirs and BiographiesPoliticsActivist

Showing 8 of 16 related collections

'I am no man’s daughter. I am Circe, and my power is my own.'

CIRCE

By Madeline Miller

Frequently Asked Questions