(book review)

“You are wise,” he said.
“If it is so,” I said, “it is only because I have been fool enough for a hundred lifetimes.”
― Madeline Miller, Circe

All of you have heard ancient Greek myths at least once. Great stories about bloodthirsty monsters, great gods, and mighty heroes. It’s a classic that never dies.

It would seem rather strange that these stories were created hundreds of years ago, but at the same time, they are still attractive to the whimsical readers of today. Why so? It’s really simple because, from myths and legends, we can learn about the worldview of people who lived in ancient times, their ideas about the structure of the world, and various aspects of human life. A person is always interested in another person.

It is interesting that not only people are endowed with human features in myths, but also the most terrible monsters and powerful gods. Living side by side with humans, the immortal creatures adopted various emotions and mannerisms from humans, and some even took on their likeness.

Allow me to mention today one such personage, namely Circe, an immortal sorceress who fell into the disfavor of the gods and experienced much suffering.

Yes, that’s right, I’m talking about the world bestseller authored by the unsurpassed master of the pen (or should I say keyboard?) Madeline Miller.

And while some of you fondly remember her mesmerizing and exquisite writing style and wipe wet eyes, because of the plots of the books that emerged from the depths of memory, the rest probably have no idea who Molly is? Milena? Ah, no Madeline Miller. So, allow me a few words, It`s my pleasure to explain.

Ms. Miller is a famous American writer. She studied philology for a long time, so since graduating from the university to this day she works as a teacher of Greek and Latin languages ​​in a secondary school. In 2011, her first book ‘The Song of Achilles’ was published, which she wrote for 10 years, drawing inspiration from the works of famous storytellers of antiquity.

The book quickly became popular and gained worldwide publicity, leading to its numerous translations. Madeline Miller even won the Women’s Literary Award for the book, becoming only the fourth person to win it for her debut book.

Seven years later, in 2018, Ms. Miller released a new book — ‘Circe.’

For those who have forgotten or are not up to date: Circe is a powerful sorceress in Greek mythology, the daughter of the titan, Helios, who was feared even by the gods. Also known for her love to turn uninvited men into pigs. Cool lady, in one word.

You`d better not think that her story is also a tearful story about how she sat on her island and waited for a man to marry her. Like Rapunzel, but an ancient Greek version of her with her own island at her disposal.

Because OMG, you`re so-so wrong. This is a story about the most mighty sorceress, an intelligent immortal and a beautiful seductress — Circe in her own person. Already from the first pages, you get attached to the character and experience all the subsequent twists and turns of the plot as if all this happens not with a mythical witch, but with a real person whom you know well.

While reading this book, you will be able to see famous heroes, the entire pantheon of Olympian gods, and some monsters through the eyes of Circe. Get ready for the fact that far from the most pleasant places, sides of them will rise to the surface. However, the conclusions we get in the end are worth such a long and exhausting journey through other people’s closets with skeletons.

‘Circea’ by Madeline Miller is a story primarily about a woman. A lonely woman, from whom the whole world turned away. About how she found herself, broke free from the rigid bonds of imposed fate and was able to wrest a place for herself in the world of men.

Definitely 10 out of 10!