The Cyclops: A Love Story

by Emerson Littlefield

A monster in legend. A man in truth. A love story history never told.

Polyphemus the Cyclops feared in Greek myth was never meant to be a monster. Born different and cast out by the world around him, he grows up in isolation, sustained only by the fierce love of his sea-nymph mother Thoosa, the mischievous devotion of his younger sister Anastasia, and the quiet hope that somewhere, he might belong.

That hope takes form in Galatea, a shepherdess whose warmth and courage awaken Polyphemus’s longing for connection and dignity. But love in the ancient world is fragile, especially for those deemed unworthy of it.

When Odysseus arrives on the island, he is no wandering hero but a calculating raider, driven by greed rather than fate. Their infamous encounter retold countless times through Homer’s lens lasts only two days, yet alters Polyphemus’s life forever. Seen through the Cyclops’s own eyes, the myth transforms into a deeply human reckoning with betrayal, survival, and truth.
Rich with emotional depth and mythological insight, The A Love Story reimagines a familiar legend as an intimate tale of love, loss, and resilience inviting readers to question who history chooses to call a hero.

Perfect for readers who love character-driven myth retellings, ancient settings, and emotionally powerful stories that challenge the past.

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2025

About the author

I’m a retired high school and college English teacher who now writes full time. My books mostly fall into two categories: murder mysteries and re-tellings of ancient myths and legends. The mysteries follow a deputy sheriff named Denise “Midge” Sumpter in a small, rural northern Florida county called Wassahatchka. The re-tellings of ancients myths and legends include novels told in memoir form written by Polyphemus, the Cyclops of legend; Helen of Troy; Asterion, the Minotaur of ancient myth; and a real historical figure, Xanthippe, the wife of Socrates. In a similar vein, I’ve written a comic tale called Igor, which follows the adventures of Igor, the laboratory assistant to Victor Frankenstein. My most recent completed book is called 2062, a future vision.

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cyclops: A Love Story is a beautifully imagined reclamation of one of mythology’s most misunderstood figures. Emerson Littlefield does something astonishing here: he transforms Polyphemus traditionally cast as a brute into a fully realized, emotionally complex narrator whose voice lingers long after the final page.

Told with warmth, humor, and aching vulnerability, Polyphemus’s story becomes one of loneliness, longing, and resilience. His relationships his fierce love for his mother Thoosa, the tender mischief he shares with his little sister Anastasia, and his shy, stumbling devotion to Galatea are drawn with a sensitivity that makes them feel utterly alive. Galatea, in particular, is a delight: grounded, clever, and refreshingly human.

Littlefield also offers a sharp, compelling re-examination of Odysseus. Stripped of heroic varnish, he appears instead as a ruthless opportunist, and this inverted perspective makes Polyphemus’s voice all the more gripping. Those two brief days of encounter become a revelation not of a monster’s savagery, but of how easily a life can be distorted when told by someone else.

The writing is graceful without being overwrought, and the storytelling is both intimate and expansive. What could have been a simple retelling becomes a meditation on how stories are shaped, who gets to be a monster, and who gets to be remembered.

This is a myth retold with heart, intelligence, and unforgettable tenderness. A brilliant, deeply empathetic read.

[Stephen Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Brilliant, Beautifully Human Twist on Greek Myth

The Cyclops: A Love Story is an absolute gem heartfelt, surprising, and wonderfully original. Emerson Littlefield transforms Polyphemus from a “monster” into a deeply human, deeply moving character with a story worth hearing.

Polyphemus’s childhood, his bond with Anastasia, his love for his mother, and his tender, awkward longing for Galatea all make him unforgettable. The emotional depth is stunning, and the fresh retelling turns familiar myth into something richer and truer.

I especially loved the bold reimagining of Odysseus not as a hero, but as a ruthless raider whose actions look very different through Polyphemus’s eyes. It makes the entire story feel new, honest, and gripping.

This is a powerful blend of myth, heart, and humanity. A beautifully written tale of loneliness, love, and triumph. Absolutely deserving of every one of its five stars.

[Adrew Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came for the myth, but I stayed for the man. Littlefield does something I didn't think possible—he makes Polyphemus recognizable. Not sympathetic in a pitying way, but human in a way that forces you to sit with your own assumptions. The isolation he grows up with, the fierce loyalty of his mother Thoosa, the chaos of Anastasia—these aren't just backstory. They're the architecture of a soul. And Galatea? She's not the passive prize of legend; she's got spine. This book made me question every hero I've ever rooted for.

[James Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be honest—I rolled my eyes at the subtitle. "A Love Story"? For the Cyclops? But then I read it. And wept. Not because it's sentimental—it's not. It's raw. The love here is the love of a mother who refuses to abandon her child, a sister who sees only her brother, a woman who dares to look past what the world calls monstrous. And then there's Odysseus. Stripped of his epic gloss, he's just a man with a ship and an appetite for other people's things. The two-day encounter that changed everything is brutal, swift, and unforgettable

[Charles Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite kind of myth retelling—the kind that doesn't just flip the script but tears it up and starts over. Polyphemus narrates with a voice that's both ancient and achingly immediate. You feel his loneliness in your bones. His longing for Galatea isn't desperate or grotesque; it's tender, shy, almost boyish. And Anastasia! She stole every scene she was in. Littlefield clearly loves his characters, and that affection is contagious. I finished this in two sittings and immediately wanted to start over.

[Bryan Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing in this book does a wonderful job of capturing both the mythological atmosphere and the personal struggles of the characters. I appreciated how the author balanced the ancient setting with emotions that feel very modern and relatable. Polyphemus's perspective adds depth to a story that is usually told very differently, and the way his thoughts and experiences unfold throughout the book makes the reader feel closer to him as a character.

[Sarah Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're tired of myths that glorify the conqueror, read this book. It's a reclamation project in the best sense—taking a figure history reduced to a punchline and giving him back his story. The prose is clean, almost spare in places, which makes the emotional moments land even harder. Galatea is wonderful—grounded, clever, and refreshingly modern in her practicality. She doesn't save Polyphemus; she sees him. There's a difference. And that difference is everything

[Cindy Bouldln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emerson Littlefield delivers a stunning reinterpretation of Polyphemus not as the fearsome monster we all know, but as a fully realized character with heart, humor, and a story worth hearing.

The emotional layers in this book are incredible: the pain of his childhood, the warmth of his bond with Anastasia, and the tender sincerity of his feelings for Galatea all shine beautifully. Every chapter pulls you deeper into his world.

What makes this book truly stand out is its bold reframing of the Odyssey. Odysseus is no legendary hero here, and seeing their encounter from Polyphemus’s perspective is fascinating, gripping, and refreshingly honest.

Thoughtful, imaginative, and deeply moving. The Cyclops: A Love Story is myth reimagined at its finest, a book that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew. A must-read.

[Nina P. Goforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book expecting a simple myth retelling, but what I found was a surprisingly emotional story about loneliness and belonging. The way Polyphemus here makes you see him not as a monster but as someone deeply misunderstood. His relationship with Galatea was tender and meaningful, and the story does a wonderful job showing how easily history can distort the truth about people.

[Hannah Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What impressed me most about this book was how human the characters felt. Polyphemus is often depicted as a terrifying creature in mythology, but there he's written as someone for love and acceptance. The author's perspective made me rethink the traditional narrative and question how stories are shaped by those who tell them.

[Rebecca Davey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The emotional core of the story is what truly makes this novel stand out. Beneath the mythological elements lies a very human story about loneliness, love, and the desire to be understood. The author takes the time to explore Polyphemus's feelings and motivations, which helps readers connect with him in a meaningful way.

[Violetta Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Littlefield delivers a moving, surprising take on a classic myth. Polyphemus’s story is intimate, emotional, and refreshingly honest nothing like the version we think we know. With vivid characters and a fresh perspective on Odysseus, this book is both memorable and deeply satisfying.

[Abigal Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Book offers a unique emotional depth that I wasn't expecting. The author takes a character know for brutality and reveals a softer, more complex side. I especially appreciated the family dynamic with his mother and sister, which added warmth and grounding to the story.

[Amelia Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed how the author turned a familiar myth into something intimate and reflective. Polyphemus's struggle with isolation and his desire to belong felt very real. The love story with Galatea added a gentle but powerful emotional thread throughout the book.

[Jackson William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this felt like rediscovering a myth that has been misunderstood for centuries. The author paints Polyphemus as thoughtful, vulnerable, and deeply human. It's a creative retelling that invites readers to reconsider what they think they know about ancient stories.

[Laurie A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the strengths of this novel is how it explores perspective. We’re used to hearing the heroic version of events, but seeing the story through Polyphemus’s eyes adds emotional weight and complexity. It makes the reader pause and consider how narratives can shape our perception of truth.

[Linda K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the strengths of this novel is how it explores perspective. We’re used to hearing the heroic version of events, but seeing the story through Polyphemus’s eyes adds emotional weight and complexity. It makes the reader pause and consider how narratives can shape our perception of truth.

[Elle McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated how the author built the world around Polyphemus. The island setting, his relationship with his family, and the quiet moments of reflection all made the story feel vivid and alive. It’s a thoughtful reimagining of a well-known myth.

[Isabelle Melo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes a bold approach by shifting the focus away from the traditional hero. Instead, it asks readers to look at the so-called monster and understand his perspective. That alone makes it a compelling and refreshing read.

[Lydia Ashford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, this novel is a moving and reflective retelling that allows Polyphemus to finally tell his side of the story. By focusing on his humanity, relationships, and longing for acceptance, the book transforms a familiar myth into something deeply personal and emotionally meaningful.

[mark james · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author’s approach feels respectful to the original mythology while still bringing something fresh and imaginative to the story. That balance is not always easy to achieve, but it works well here.

[Michael D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself sympathizing with Polyphemus much more than I expected. The author gives him depth, personality, and emotional complexity that is rarely seen in mythological retellings.

[Charles B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storytelling style is calm and reflective, which works perfectly for the themes of the book. It allows the emotional moments to unfold naturally without feeling rushed.

[Mira Calyx · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's interpretation of polyphemus is compassionate and thought provoking. It gives readers a chance to see the myth from a completely different angle

[Harry Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives new life to an ancient legend by focusing on the emotional side of the story. It’s a thoughtful interpretation that invites readers to see the myth in a completely new way.

[Amelie Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate the balance between quite emotional moments and the larger mythological events. The story takes time to explore character development, which makes the dramatic scene more impactful.

[Anne Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Novel also explores how myths evolve over time and how the truth behind them can be shaped by the storyteller. This idea adds an interesting layer to the narrative.

[Adam J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Themes of isolation and hope run throughout the novel and are handled with sensitivity. They add emotional weight to the story and make the character's journeys feel meaningful.

[Priya Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The emotional tone of this book is what stayed with me the most. It’s not just a mythological retelling; it’s a story about being different and struggling to find acceptance. Polyphemus’s longing for connection is portrayed with sensitivity and sincerity.

[Ben Bordofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully reimagined myth told through the Cyclops’s own heart. Emerson Littlefield transforms Polyphemus from a “monster” into a moving, deeply human figure. Rich emotion, vivid storytelling, and a fresh take on Odysseus make this an unforgettable retelling. Stunning work.