Okay I am half way through it, bought it for Kindle and reading on an iPad.
I felt captured at the beginning, in a way I never was with Song of Achilles, I found the entire first chapter so beautifully lyrical yet gritty with details. I was absolutely shocked by the difference between the two novels: Achilles is a bit flat and dull and Circe is so amazingly fully formed. I love her portrayal of the Titans and the linked yet completely discrete characterization of each one.
I went into this not refreshing my memory about the rule she played in the Odyssey. (The last time I read this I was learning Doric and it was twelve years ago, and my attention was on the text as a work to translate into English vs reading and enjoying it as literature.) Anyway, this is to say I was pretty far into the novel before I realized exactly what part of the Odyssey connected to what I was reading. I mean for as trite a descriptor I would have to say this is rather a lush and evocative tale, from her point of view.
I can’t wait to see what happens next, after dinner. I have to say, you all were 1000% correct about this novel! Thanks!
by crankygerbil