All comparisonsVS
Circe
Madeline Miller
The Song of Achilles
Madeline Miller
Circe
Madeline Miller
- Pages
- 393
- Focus
- The mythological witch Circe discovers her power, defies the gods, and carves out a life on her own terms.
- Best for
- Readers who want a feminist retelling of Greek mythology centered on a woman claiming her own agency and voice.
- Style
- Empowering
The Song of Achilles
Madeline Miller
- Pages
- 369
- Focus
- The love story between Achilles and Patroclus, from boyhood to the battlefields of Troy.
- Best for
- Readers who want a devastating, beautifully told love story set against the backdrop of the Trojan War.
- Style
- Romantic
Similarities
- Both are by Madeline Miller and retell Greek myths with gorgeous, accessible prose and deep emotional intelligence
- Both humanize legendary figures, making gods and heroes feel real, flawed, and heartbreakingly relatable
- Both explore what it means to be mortal in a world ruled by capricious, immortal gods
Differences
- Circe spans centuries and is ultimately about self-discovery and independence; The Song of Achilles is a focused love story that builds to a single devastating war
- Circe's protagonist is a minor mythological figure claiming center stage; Achilles and Patroclus are among the most famous figures in Western literature
- Circe is quieter and more reflective; The Song of Achilles builds relentlessly toward its shattering climax
Our Verdict
Read The Song of Achilles first if you want one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking love stories you'll ever encounter. Read Circe for a richer, more expansive novel about a woman who transforms from outcast to sovereign through sheer will. Miller is one of the finest prose stylists writing today, and reading both books is one of the great pleasures of contemporary fiction.
Read both: 14 hours