The Cyclops: A Love Story

by Emerson Littlefield

The "Cyclops" of Greek myth tells the story of his life, including his famous encounter with Odysseus. He is a man, not the monster of myth, although he is extremely large, very powerful, and has but one good eye. He tells the story of his troubled childhood; his friendship with his little sister, Anastasia; his love for his mother, Thoosa; and his fraught pursuit of the beautiful island shepherdess, Galatea. It is a story of loneliness, banishment, suffering, love, and triumph. You will love Galatea's down-to-earth character and Anastasia's boundless energy and endless tricks.

Just as he is not the monster of myth, neither is Odysseus the great hero. In fact, Odysseus is a piratical raider who plunders cities like the city of the Cicones. He comes to Polyphemus's island not because he is blown off course by unfavorable winds, but because he wishes to steal food and wine for himself and his crew. Although the encounter with Odysseus takes only two days of his life, Polyphemus's take on that encounter is very different from the Homeric version and makes fascinating reading.

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2025

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.

[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.

[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.

[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.