Circe by Maddie Klein
Circe is by Madeline Miller. Circe is the daughter of the Titan sun god Helios and an ocean nymph. Circe is a witch, skilled in potions, herbs and transformational arts. Exiled by her father to a remote island in punishment for her use of sorcery, Circe eventually encounters the mortal Odysseus, who becomes shipwrecked on her island. They become lovers and after Odysseus leaves the island, Circe bears him a son, Telegonus. Telegonus later goes in search of his father, an action that ends up having life altering consequences for Circe.
Mr. Shaw, one the English teachers at Saugatuck High School, enjoyed the novel more the second time because it was fun to rehash the wonderful stories of Greek mythology. He likes Odysseus the most and likes seeing the conversation between Circe and Odysseus in more detail.
A couple of the most important parts to know about the book is it gives Circe’s point of view from childhood to present, and it is retelling a story from an original story. Ms. Lewis, another one of Saugatuck High School’s English teachers, enjoyed it but thought it was a little slow at the beginning. After the first four or five chapters, she was into it.
Maya Vedlt said, “It's a good book that gives a new perspective. I think my favorite character is Hermes. Circe gives a different perspective and doesn't classify her as the enemy in the story. It's important to know that she has three other siblings that are also considered witches.”
“Circe’s narrative is similar to The Iliad and The Odyssey in that all three feature a protagonist who embarks on a long journey and faces multiple obstacles on the way. It’s a modern take on the world of Greek mythology. On the surface, Circe’s journey is full of gods, monsters, and magic, but her real obstacles are heartbreak, bitterness, loneliness, and fear. As the reader, we get to watch Circe transform from a foolish nymph to a fearless witch. Circe gives a voice to women in Greek mythology, Epic tales have been traditionally male (featuring heroes like Achilles and Odysseus), which is why a female's perspective in the genre is so exciting. Circe is a book that is recommended and has won a couple of awards.”
Mr. Shaw, one the English teachers at Saugatuck High School, enjoyed the novel more the second time because it was fun to rehash the wonderful stories of Greek mythology. He likes Odysseus the most and likes seeing the conversation between Circe and Odysseus in more detail.
A couple of the most important parts to know about the book is it gives Circe’s point of view from childhood to present, and it is retelling a story from an original story. Ms. Lewis, another one of Saugatuck High School’s English teachers, enjoyed it but thought it was a little slow at the beginning. After the first four or five chapters, she was into it.
Maya Vedlt said, “It's a good book that gives a new perspective. I think my favorite character is Hermes. Circe gives a different perspective and doesn't classify her as the enemy in the story. It's important to know that she has three other siblings that are also considered witches.”
“Circe’s narrative is similar to The Iliad and The Odyssey in that all three feature a protagonist who embarks on a long journey and faces multiple obstacles on the way. It’s a modern take on the world of Greek mythology. On the surface, Circe’s journey is full of gods, monsters, and magic, but her real obstacles are heartbreak, bitterness, loneliness, and fear. As the reader, we get to watch Circe transform from a foolish nymph to a fearless witch. Circe gives a voice to women in Greek mythology, Epic tales have been traditionally male (featuring heroes like Achilles and Odysseus), which is why a female's perspective in the genre is so exciting. Circe is a book that is recommended and has won a couple of awards.”