I have to say that I really did enjoy this book. It was kinda messed up but at the same time I really liked it. As my friend said, "Ancient Greece is f*cked up!" Yes, it is, and after I finished the book I immediately drew a diagram in order to figure out what the heck was happening with all the almost-incest. 
My friend also said, “how high was the author when they wrote this?!” I think that’s a question for Homer.
But seriously, Madeline Miller's writing style is so beautiful. It really helps to set an old, whimsical theme. But, like, it also isn't hard to understand either like old books are (probably because this book isn't old). But it just gives off good vibes, I guess. And Madeline Miller’s last-paragraphs-of-the-book are always so emotional.
I really liked how many different stories from Greek mythology were included in this book. Like, every few chapters I was like "wow! I know this story!" and I just found it so cool that Circe was connected to so many famous stories. Like, I'm not sure it it's actually like that in the actual original version, but still. I think this is going to start another Greek Mythology Phase.
The feminist themes in Circe were also really good. I’m trying not to give spoilers, so I will just say that nothing has changed. Ugh. It was so sad to see women lose trust in all men and automatically assume they were bad, just to survive, because that still happens today.
The other thing that was really sad and eye-opening (kinda) was how much it would suck to be immortal. Obviously, I don’t know of any immortal beings/gods. Except those jellyfish. But wow, being immortal would be very very painful. I actually started writing a poem kinda about that for English class, I dunno if I’ll continue it though.
This is random but I was super happy with the connections to The Song of Achilles in this book. I think it’s kinda cool how the two stories are so closely connected. I guess it makes sense since both stories are based on the work of the same guy. But I was both sad and satisfied to read about Achilles and Patroclus again. I guess all the connections were like little hidden gems for the people who had read The Song of Achilles before Circe. That was nice.
And the cover of this book was so pretty. I feel like I always say this, but it’s one of the most beautiful books I have ever owned. It was very shiny too. Unfortunately I damaged it a bit, but honestly I’m not surprised. I smuggled this book to social gatherings and slapped people with it.
So, yeah. I thought I had more to say than this but I guess I just forgot it all. I would definitely recommend this book, although it’s definitely not for everyone. Watch me go through another Greek Mythology Phase.
Circe by Madeline Miller, 14+* ★★★★.5
*This age recommendation is only my opinion. Some younger people might feel comfortable reading this book, and some older people might not. That's fine, either way. Warning for swearing, weird kissing stuff, sexual references and themes, sexual assault, low-level violence and some pretty strange and disturbing stuff.
Comments
Post a Comment