About this episode
This episode explores the themes of Greek Mythology and motherhood through a discussion of Madeline Miller's novel 'Circe'.
In this book club chat, we explore Greek Mythology through the story of the witch Circe. Madeline Miller has offered us a beautiful retelling of a character who may have been dismissed as terrible and without feeling. She revives her into a character who draws deep sympathy as she grapples with loneliness and isolation after being cast away to the island of Aiaia. We also discuss how this novel—much like Soldier Sailor —portrays the challenges that can accompany motherhood. Circe unfolds with the energy of an adventure story. For those well-versed in Greek myths, it feels like a return to familiar ground; for others, it reads like an exciting new tale. Either way, the novel is beautifully woven together, much like the tapestries Circe creates at her loom—works of art that symbolize her resilience, her storytelling, and the power of work as a means to create and move through difficulty. Also if you've been waiting for us to choose a book that ends happily, this might be the book for you!
People in this episode
Host: Janelle M Morris
Topics covered
- Greek Mythology
- book club
- motherhood
- loneliness
- isolation
- retelling
- adventure story
Keywords
- Circe
- Madeline Miller
- Greek Mythology
- motherhood
- loneliness
- isolation
- book club
- adventure story
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Circe, Soldier Sailor
Places: Aiaia, Greece
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