Novel library / English / Fantasy
Circe
By Madeline Miller
Fantasy · United States · 2018
Summary
Circe retells Greek myth through the voice of the daughter of Helios. Considered weak within her divine family, Circe discovers witchcraft, is exiled to Aiaia and encounters figures including Daedalus, Medea and Odysseus. The novel links these myths into a personal history centred on power, isolation, motherhood and the choice between divine immortality and mortal connection.
Book details
- Author: Madeline Miller
- Original language: English
- Genre: Fantasy · Greek mythology retelling and literary fantasy
- Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
- Status: Published
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Themes
Power · Exile · Transformation · Motherhood · Mortality
Reading highlights
- A standalone novel told from Circe’s point of view
- Knowledge of The Odyssey helps but is not required
- The author’s official site provides a detailed mythological cast guide
Main characters
- Circe — Narrator and sorceress
A daughter of Helios who develops witchcraft and constructs an identity outside her divine family.
- Helios — Circe’s father
The sun god and head of the powerful household in which Circe grows up.
- Odysseus — Mortal visitor
The travelling king whose stay on Aiaia connects the novel directly to Homeric myth.
- Telegonus — Circe’s son
A central relationship through which the novel examines protection, risk and mortality.
- Penelope — Queen of Ithaca
A figure from The Odyssey whose later presence expands the novel beyond Odysseus’s visit.
Character notes are limited to names and relationships disclosed by the publisher or author. They avoid unverified fan claims.
About the author
Madeline Miller
Madeline Miller is a novelist and classics teacher whose books reimagine ancient Greek myth. The Song of Achilles won the 2012 Orange Prize for Fiction, and Circe was shortlisted for the 2019 Women’s Prize for Fiction.
Other books
- The Song of Achilles — Mythological novel
Circe adaptation status
The author’s site has described a television adaptation as announced or in development. This guide does not claim that a series has been released; readers should check the author and rights holder for a current production update.
Official editions and reading
- ISBN
- 9780316556347
- Pages
- 400
- Publication date
- 2018-04-10
The Little, Brown 2018 hardcover edition (ISBN 9780316556347) is 400 pages. Paperback and translated editions can have different pagination.
- Little, Brown official book page — Verify publication data and find current authorised formats for Circe.
Content notes
Violence · Sexual assault · Child loss · Abuse
Frequently asked questions
What is Circe about?
After discovering a form of transformative witchcraft, Circe is banished by Zeus to an island. Exile gives her the space to develop her power, but encounters with gods and mortals repeatedly force her to decide what kind of life and identity she wants.
Who wrote Circe?
Circe was written by Madeline Miller. This page links its factual claims to the publisher or author source.
Do I need to read another book first?
This is a standalone work and can be read without another book first.
How many pages is Circe?
The Little, Brown 2018 hardcover edition (ISBN 9780316556347) is 400 pages. Paperback and translated editions can have different pagination.
Is Circe also a film or television series?
The author’s site has described a television adaptation as announced or in development. This guide does not claim that a series has been released; readers should check the author and rights holder for a current production update.
Must I read The Odyssey before Circe?
No. Circe is written as a complete standalone novel. Familiarity with The Odyssey adds context to some figures, but Miller supplies the relationships needed to follow Circe’s own story.
Where can I read or buy Circe legally?
Use the Little, Brown page to see the authorised print, ebook, audiobook or sample options available in your market. NovelRove does not host the book text or unauthorised downloads.
Sources and verification
- Little, Brown official book page — 2026-08-30
- Madeline Miller · official Circe page — 2026-08-30
- Madeline Miller · official cast of characters — 2026-08-30
