My book club started off the summer with a wonderful book. “Circe” came out in 2018 to great reviews, but I’ve found that doesn’t prove much as I was extremely disappointed with “Where the Crawdads Sing.”
Initially, I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy a book about a Greek goddess. My recollection of Greek mythology is extremely limited. However, Madeline Miller picked an intriguing goddess to write about, and she did it well. I was captivated for the entire story. Even though it’s over 400 pages, I barely noticed.
The timing of us reading “Circe” during this period in history is quite remarkable in respect to the similarities of Circe’s life. Circe is punished by her father, Zeus, and banished to a deserted island. Due to the pandemic, we’ve been isolating in our homes.
Circe uses her time to hone her skills: casting spells, taming beasts, and protecting herself from strangers. We are finding ways to adjust to life during challenging times: baking, enjoying nature, and social distancing.
To protect what she loves most, Circe must choose whether she belongs with the gods or the mortals she’s come to love. To protect those we love and all others, we must choose to wear masks.
Stay well and if you need a summer-reading get away, “Circe” is the book for you.
