I read TSoA last year and I finished it very disappointed. I have read the Iliad and the Odyssey prior but I typically separate them from the retelling because I know changes will be made and I try to keep an open mind. Even so, I just did not like the portrayal of Patroclus and Achilles in it at all. With Circe, I felt as though the book works so well BECAUSE of the mythological interpretations, where as TSOA /might/ have worked DESPITE it?? Maybe if it were its own Greek tragic love story outside of the established characters— I’m not entirely sure, just both Achilles and Patroclus felt insufferable to me. It felt all the worse when compared with the portrayals of the women in that book. Specifically Thetis, Deidamia, and Briseis. SO icky. So I didn’t plan on reading Circe because I figured maybe I just didn’t fw Miller’s writing.
My friends managed to peer pressure me into giving Circe a go and I was kind of surprised that I genuinely fell in love with it. I adored Circe as a character and I adored her story and the background characters and the writing and I can’t exactly pinpoint why but that book actually made me feel emotion where TSOA did absolutely nothing for me.
My problem is is that when I look for recommendations, it’s a slippery slope as people who like Circe typically also like TSOA and vice versa so I’m wondering if anyone can relate and recommend me books they think I’ll actually like, as someone who loved Circe but despised TSOA.
TLDR; Didn’t like TSOA’s portrayal of women and characterization of the main characters. Loved Circe’s characterization and most of the aspects about her book. Any recommendations for other retellings or just books in general you think I’d like?
by Eptixacad