Those who are aware of Madeline Miller’s previous works will know what to expect from Circe. This novel is the second book following The Song of Achilles. Even though the first book was quite praised, I couldn’t make it past the first few chapters. Thus having gone through the experience of reading a similar novel, based on Greek mythology, I had an idea that I wouldn’t like this one either if I ‘read’ read it. So this time, I decided to give the audio book a shot.
Circe follows the story of a nymph/ witch from Greek mythology, about whom I had never heard. However, the initial chapters, even before the main plot began, caught my attention with the vivid descriptions of the world of the Gods. I’m not someone well versed with Greek mythology, however, I’m quite familiar with names such as Zeus, Apollo, Athena, etc.
The entire book is a contemporary take at the lives of the Gods. Not that the Gods are modernized, but this story throws light upon the follies of being immortal. And I believe that is why Circe’s story is different.
The Audible narration is praise worthy. Perdita Weeks is the closest any narrator has ever come to my imagination of how the character would have spoken a dialogue.
Overall, if you have that extra Audible credit lying around and want to spend it on an audio book that must be ten times better than reading the book yourself, Circe is an option worth considering. It is a novel based in the world of fantasy,. And as we have grown up knowing these Gods for their power and glory, reading the ‘behind the scenes’ story makes it an intriguing experience.
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