Samar El’s Reviews > Circe > Status Update

I’m way more than 70% through this book but that’s neither here or there.

I forgot to mention how much of a badass Circe has become. Seeing her grow not only from being with her abusive family but from when she first arrived on the island.

Penelope and Telemachus arrived at Aiaia and…. Odysseus is dead. That grand, witty and mighty Odysseus got pricked by a tail and went down. It’s obviously more than that but considering he’s been a horrible king, husband and father…I don’t feel bad.

Poor Telegonus though, when he got back to the island he’s just a ball of tears. Made me so sad he’s just a baby compared to everyone.

Circe and Telegonus. Witch mother, demigod son, hunted by Athena for reasons unknown and known…

Reading these mother and son moments got me feeling a range of emotions. Circe hasn’t had a moments rest because he’s a mortal baby. Telegonus is an annoying baby.

Athena threatens to kill him, offering Circe a favour from the goddess herself yet Circe stands by her baby. Respect.

Circe got into a habit of just turning any traveler to her island into pigs. Fair enough, considering how their demeanour changes straight away learning she’s alone.

I love the way Madeline writes the storyline, including moments that are relevant and forcing me to read carefully.

Odysseus left his mark with Circe, I liked what they did for eachother and how Madeline wrote their time together.

Damn this chapter hurt.
Her lioness died, as did I reading that passage.
Aiaia is now a recreation island for disobedient daughters….
Men took advantage of Circes hospitality and is most definitely the reason why she likes to turn any men into pigs.

What a ride.

I really couldn’t put that book down. Circe is only ever interested in either Mortals or Olympian Gods, and she gets them.

Leaving her island, facing Scylla and her sister, showing off her new transformed self. Pun intended. Circe, the way that you’re approaching life, before the lecture from your sister, is admirable.

Recognising mortals as people and rejecting their praise to you. Respect.

Yessss Circe, you’re growing into the Witch your brother has been waiting for. I like the way Madeline Miller describes how Circe came to her powers. The trial and error, the learning and feeling for what speaks to her.

Hermes’ and Circe are together for a bit? Not bad, happy Circe is getting some while she’s in Exile. Also, a pet lion is so fun.

Circe, you’re naive, weak minded and a little stupid for confessing. However, I see why you confessed, I see why you changed that buffoon into a god, I see why you can’t stand up for yourself.

I’m ready for your training arc on that island you’re banished to. Turn you into that strong witch I know you can be.

I’m proud of myself for being able to understand the timeline of Circes story with the events of other titans and gods around.

Going into this fully blind to the pre Odysseus moments of Circe. I’m enjoying her heartbreaking upbringing, scared to read on because I know she’s been betrayed and loved before.