Join Rebecca and Sarah as they discuss Madeline Miller’s book, “Circe.” A Goodreads Choice 2018 winner, this is a must read book that is the story of the heroine, Circe, journey in the world of the Olympian gods.
You won’t want to miss this one!
S1 E14: Circe
The Book Dialogue 
I’m looking forward to reading Circe and returning with comments. You two always express much insight, and your love of reading and curiosity about the world resonates with me. Modern retelling of myths through the eyes of female characters is becoming, understandably, more popular. Thank you for this marvelous introduction to Miller’s Circe. Her first two books in this series are on my TBR. Here are two recommendations for you in this genre you’re exploring this year: Margaret Atwood’s 2006 The Penelopiad and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s 2019 The Forest of Enchantments. I enjoyed the latter immensely, knowing absolutely nothing about Indian mythology. Thank you for sharing your book talk, the best talk!
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I have just found and downloaded āThe Forest of Enchantments!ā – this looks like an absolutely wonderful book. I confess that I never read Margaret Atwood. Not certain why but I have a feeling that I should. My problem is that Iām not really interested in her stories, which are rather depressing to me. Sarah and Frances just read Circe, so there is another podcast coming up soon. Sending many many hugs!
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I have not read Margaret Atwood for exactly the same reason. I don’t want to read stories about a reversal of all women’s hard won rights and a return to the dark ages of suppression.
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There are so many books to read that sometimes I need to rely on other people to read the books for me. I find dystopian books very difficult to read, beginning with 1984 and Brave New World. Margaret Atwoodās The Handmaidās Tale has wonderful thoughts, but they are, like you said, depressing. ā Better never means better for everyone…It always means worse, for some.ā So for now, Iām enjoying āSheā thanks to your recommendation and I just downloaded āThe Forest of Enchantments.ā Hereās to a great reading year – 2021.
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I loved She, Rebecca. Haggard’s descriptions of Africa are exquisite and its worth reading just for those. I enjoyed 1984 and found a lot of parallels in the thinking between 1984 and A Gentleman in Moscow. Of course, the second book approaches the subject matter in a much softer way but the concepts are the same. Nothing every changes for the working classes. Ambitious middle class leaders manipulate them to gain power and oust the existing ruling class so the only winners are always within the same two class structures. I will expand on this when I write my review.
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I was assigned Margaret Atwood’s novel Surfacing when I was an undergrad in the early ’80s. I remember absolutely hating it, but darned if I can remember why. Perhaps I should try her work again.
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Let me know your thoughts if you do, Liz. There are so many other books that I have on my TBR list that I am looking forward to reading!
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I know just what you mean. Too many books, too little time!
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I enjoyed your discussion with Sarah about this book, Rebecca. I read a lot of books about mythology in my youth, but I haven’t revisited them lately. I have revisited fairy tales especially Hans Christian Anderson and the Brothers Grimm.
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I think you will enjoy Circe, Robbie. It is a retelling of mythology, with a interesting twist. I listened to the audio through my Audible account and found that the narrator was excellent. I am now reading The Song of Achilles by the same author which is all about the Trojan War. I wanted to say a BIG thanks for introducing me to She by H Rider Haggard. I just started and am fascinated by the writing style. Sending many thanks along with hugs!
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My pleasure, Rebecca. I was telling my mother just yesterday that the movie of She terrorised me for years. You will see why at the end and imagine an 8 year old girl with an over active imagination watching those scenes. I also told her that my Grade 7 teacher gave me A modest proposal by Jonathan Swift to read when I was 12. I have never forgotten his suggestion that suggests that the impoverished Irish might ease their economic troubles by selling their children as food to rich gentlemen and ladies.
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The discussion of Circe reminded me of a talk given by Gregory Mcguire a couple of years ago at a writing conference I attended. He was making a very strong case for why adults need fairy tales, in all their guises, now more than ever.
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I agree wholeheartedly with that thought!!
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