This book review was written by Eugene Kernes
“I remembered how my father had once told me that on earth there were men called astronomers whose task it was to keep track of his rising and setting. They were held in highest esteem among mortals, kept in palaces as counselors of kings, but sometimes my father lingered over one thing or another and threw their calculations into despair. Then those astronomers were hauled before the kings they served and killed as frauds. My father had smiled when he told me. It was what they deserved, he said. Helios the Sun was bound to no will but his own, and none might say what he would do.” – Madeline Miller, Chapter One, Page 15
“Let me say what sorcery is not: it is not divine power, which comes with a thought and a blink. It must be made and worked, planned and searched out, dug up, dried, chopped and ground, cooked, spoken over, and sung. Even after that, it can fail, as gods do not. If my herbs are not fresh enough, if my attention falters, if my will is weak, the draughts go stale and rancid in my hands.” – Madeline Miller, Chapter Seven, Page 75
“Among the gods there are a few who have the gift of prophecy, the ability to peer into the murk and glimpse what fates will come. Not everything may be foreseen. Most gods and mortals have lives that are tied to nothing; they tangle and wend now here, now there, according to no set plan. But then there are those who wear their destinies like nooses, whose lives run straight as planks, however they try to twist. It is these that our prophets may see.” – Madeline Miller, Chapter Ten, Page 116
Is This An Overview?
The immortals do not fear death, but they do fear power. Among the immortals is a hierarchy defined by power, with Circe wielding none. Sibling or not, many gods find ways to demean Circe. Unlike most gods, Circe is interested in connecting to humans. For such a connection, Circe discovered the power of witchcraft. Power that Circe turned against a sibling as a method of retaliation. Although other gods misused their power, Circe is used as a bargaining tool for those with more power and sent to exile.
An exile that enables Circe to
refine the powers of witchcraft. The
exile has its moments of loneliness, but also company. Circe might not be able to leave the island,
but many come to Circe. From bandits, to
heroes, to gods. Experiences that Circe
learns from. Learns to become someone
with power. Learns that those who need
help, might not be noble after help is received. Learns how to challenge the more powerful
gods. Experiences that Circe will need
to protect Circe’s child from a powerful god who wants to kill the child.
Caveats?
This is a retelling of popular
Greco-Roman myths. Those who know the
myths can have different reactions to this story. Knowledge of the myths would enable a reader
to better understand the politics and social structure of the gods. But there can also be dissidence between what
the reader expects of the myths, and the represented contrast.
