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The Cyclops: A Love Story
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.
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
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6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 4, 2025
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.
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.
November 15, 2025
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.
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.
November 15, 2025
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.
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.
December 9, 2025
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.
December 4, 2025
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.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews