Welcome to Quill Quotes Book Club, Circe Discussion #1! We hope you are enjoying the book so far. Please keep in mind this discussion is only for the first half (Chapters 1-12). If you read ahead or finished the book, please keep any spoilers or thoughts on later parts for the next discussion. See Circe Book Club Summary Page for the reading schedule and other discussions.
Brooke’s Thoughts
So far I have been really liking the book! I’m still not quite sure what direction it’s going but I find it very entertaining. I have always enjoyed Mythology and learning about the Greek Gods and their shenanigans. I like that they are immortals and can get away with things that defy logic. Their hierarchy based on power has always intrigued me too.
Favorite Quote
“What could make a god afraid? I knew that answer too. A power greater than their own.”
– Madeline Miller, Circe
Kevin’s Thoughts
I’m not really sure what to say about this book so far. It’s not my favorite book but it’s hard to say what exactly I’m not liking. Maybe I just don’t know enough of the details from Greek mythology but the book feels like a lot of loosely related myths just thrown together to me. Hopefully the story comes together more in the second half because right now I’m not very engaged by Circe’s character.
Favorite Quote
“A golden cage is still a cage.”
– Madeline Miller, Circe
Circe Discussion #1 Prompts/Questions
Feel free to comment whatever thoughts and questions you have! But if you aren’t sure where to start, consider some of the prompts/questions below:
- Who is your favorite Greek God?
- Do you have a favorite mythological creature or story?
- Do you think Circe will be forever alone?
- How do you feel about Scylla and what Circe did to her?
- Share a favorite quote!
Commenting
We can’t wait to hear from you in the comments! Be aware, some comments may be held for our review to reduce spam and won’t appear on the site right away, but we’ll do our best to review quickly. If you have any trouble commenting, please let us know on social media or via email to hello@quillquotes.com so we can try to help.
If you’d like to keep track of the discussion or replies to your comment via email, be sure to change the dropdown above the Post Comment button. You can also use the checkbox to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us if you haven’t already! You should receive an email to confirm, so please check your junk/spam folder and add hello@quillquotes.com to your safe-sender list if you don’t receive anything.
We hope you enjoy this discussion and join us again in 2 weeks for the final discussion over the whole book! Check out the Circe Book Club Summary Page for more details.
This is my second book from Madelin Miller (the first one being the iconic Song of Achilles), and I am not disappointed. Just like the above-mentioned book, this is emotional and full of tragedy, Much as most of Greek Mythology. I am really engaged with Circe as of now because she has been scorned away and belittled by everyone in some form or another. What I am now waiting for is for her to find her true self and her true power and find real true love. All she wants is to be loved. The reason I love Greek Mythology is every single character is flawed and different. Which engages me in their journey to a better version of themselves or at least to redemption. In my opinion what makes us as the audience root for Circe is her humanity, something that every other character lacks and something that Circe is looked upon as weak for. I am hoping she never loses it and remains humble.
Great thoughts! Circe is the only god who displays any humanity or compassion (besides Prometheus) but it hasn’t seemed to help her much, either with the other gods or with mortals. Her time with Daedalus seemed to be her happiest but they both knew it was only a matter of time until she was sent back to her island. Sadly, with how the story’s gone so far, I can’t see it ending happily for Circe. If she holds on to her humanity and remains different from the other gods, her compassion for mortals will likely land her with a similar punishment to Prometheus. On the other hand, if she continues to be treated poorly by everyone, she seems likely to lash out and use her powers selfishly. There have been a lot of twists so far though, so Circe may still discover more about herself and her powers that open up new options for her!
I haven’t read anything else by Madeline Miller yet but Song of Achillies is definitely on my list now!
I am also interested to see what her true self really is. I kind of agree with Kevin and think she may explode with power when pushed to the limit.
Also agree that the flaws make the characters more interesting and relatable even though they are gods and can do things that we can’t.
Your last 2 sentences are very well said, I couldn’t agree more!
Thanks for joining us, can’t wait to finish the book and discuss more!
Well, I guess I might be in the minority here, but I LOVE this book so far. I somehow relate to Circe’s character and how she’s matured from a naive doormat to a powerful woman of integrity. My familiarity with Greek mythology has probably helped me stay engaged in the action, although I do agree that so far it’s somewhat disconnected. I do hope the author weaves these threads together during the second half.
I would argue that Circe isn’t really alone. The first part of her life, constantly scorned by her mother, her siblings (even Aeetes), Glaucos, and her father, was lonelier. Her “second life,” one may say, has Hermes, whom she doesn’t love, but who treats her with the respect of an equal and actually wants to see her. The rest of her time, then, is spent honing her craft.
I suspect that in the remainder of the story, her power will become threatening to the gods. Her formative experience of meeting Prometheus in her first life may foreshadow that.
This was my favorite quote: “I had a wild thought there, beneath that sky. I will eat these herbs. Then whatever is truly in me, let it be out, at last. I brought them to my mouth. But my courage failed. What was I truly? In the end, I could not bear to know.” Lacking the courage to show one’s true face is a relatable literary motif.
Can’t wait to keep reading!
Circe still seems pretty naive even halfway through but does seem to finally be starting to understand the gods’ motivations. I do agree she’s less alone now than when she was growing up around more people but who didn’t respect her. Her talks with Hermes and her sister often get to her but I think are also crucial to her recognizing her true self.
I’m not sure if it will specifically be her power but I think Circe will be involved in starting a clash between the Olympians and Titans somehow. The meeting with Prometheus was interesting (since it’s one of the myths I’m more familiar with) but I’m not sure what it foreshadows for Circe. Her interest in mortals is clear but I’m not sure what she has to offer them? Perhaps she finds some way to share the power of witchcraft or foresight with the mortals which would parallel Prometheus closely and certainly piss off Zeus.
I also really liked that quote! It’s probably also foreshadowing what’s to come since I think Circe is becoming more and more comfortable with herself and won’t just “stay in her place” so easily as the story goes on.
I’m glad you are LOVING it! I can’t wait to see what happens to Circe, I think this is just the beginning of her character arc. I think I will like her even more in the second half.
This book is really making me want to brush up on my Greek mythology and read more like it!
She does seem happier with her lion and animal friends. It doesn’t seem like a true exile since Hermes or anyone could meet her if they want.
I find Hermes and Circe’s relationship very interesting. I expected her to become more attached to him but she seems fine with and without him.
I definitely agree, she’s only going to get stronger and there will eventually be a clash or something where she will have to use them.
I LOVE that quote too! I highlighted the last two sentences in my reading. I don’t know if I would have the courage to do it either.
I don’t know a lot about mythology so this book is confusing to me. I did get the paperback version so it’s easier to check the cast of characters when I don’t remember names. I find it hard to read to quickly because of weird names and maybe style of writing. I am excited to find out what happens with Circe, I hope she finds companionship soon besides her animals. I keep thinking she has created the Garden of Eden and her and a companion start a new species that will change the course of the Gods.
“Bold action and bold manner are not the same”, was one of my favorite quotes.
Yeah, I only remember the more known gods of mythology so the names can get confusing. I feel like I’m not picking up on all the references either.
Miller does have a very unique writing style but I can’t put my finger on what is different. It might make me read a little slower too but I think I am absorbing more.
I think the second half of the book will pick up a lot and I’m excited to see what happens.
Agree, that’s a very nice quote!
Same for me with only knowing the more common gods. Any parts with the Olympians have been more enjoyable for me as I’m even less familiar with the Titans. I hope Zeus is more involved in the second half since I know more about him and think his lust for power would help drive the story more. I’m also a fan of Hermes, Apollo, Poseidon, and Athena as the Greek gods I remember best.
The slow read also seems to be a common theme as I’ve struggled with it too. Definitely wouldn’t be a book I could sit down and read for long periods like I typically do.