Circe vBy Madeline Miller vReviewed by Emily Lundgren, Yankton Community Library Madeline Miller’s Circe is the masterful imagining of the life of Circe, goddess of magic and daughter of the Titan Helios, god of the sun. Even those (like me) who know little of Greek mythological figures, have probably at least heard of her, though I think it’s safe to say she is generally a lesser known goddess in the mythological canon. Homer tells of her infamously in the Odyssey, when the Trojan War hero Odysseus comes upon her island during his long journey back to his home of Ithica. But don’t expect Circe to begin her story with Odysseus. Instead, she begins at the beginning of her life, describing her tumult childhood in the halls of Helios’s palace, and the events that led her to become the banished witch of her island Aithila. Odysseus is perhaps the most famous figure Circe crosses paths with, but readers may find others, just—if not more—memorable, as Circe also crosses paths with not only heroes and gods, but goddesses, demigods, and monsters. I found particular interest in her relationship with the famous craftsman Daedalus who built the Labyrinth that imprisoned the Minotaur. Having never heard of him when I started reading, it was only in a later passage when I found a familiar connection—oh, Daedalus is also Icarus’s father. These moments provide a dimension to Circe’s story that Miller’s previous novel, The Song of Achilles (also highly recommended) had from page one. Dramatic irony. We know what will happen to Achilles just like we know what will happen to Icarus. But somehow, even though we know how the story ends, Miller has a beautiful talent for keeping us enthralled and guessing, engaged by her lyrically written descriptions of the lushness of godhood and the earthiness of mortals as told by Circe’s emphatic narrative voice. This is a beautifully told story. Miller’s command of Circe’s narration makes you savor each word, and though some readers might find a lull in action during the more passive passages (Circe is banished for an eternity on an island, after all), Circe’s perspective on the world and her complex place in it does not disappoint, nor does she lack in agency. I heartily recommend this to all readers, but especially readers that appreciate poetry and character over a fast-paced plot. What does a mortal life truly mean, especially when viewed through the lens of an immortal? Circe is not without fault as she navigates the very things that makes all of us human. v100 WOMEN continued from page 5 Now at 170 members, they welcome anyone who wants to join, including men and organizations. Though they started off with the female demographic, they would love to see men and organizations become involved to increase the impact on the community. There is the option to join individually or as a team of up to four people. The sky is the limit for the group. You don’t have to be a local resident to be involved, they have some members from out of town. They’ve heard feedback from members who love the fact that the organization doesn’t involve countless hours of volunteering and they’ve learned that they have sparked people in other communities to start a similar fundraising group. Tacke is proud of everything the group has done so far. “The fact that this exists, the fact that we’ve already helped three very worthy organizations and that we’ve managed to come together and donate almost $40,000 to our community. I think that alone says a lot about the character of the women involved.” She continues, “We want everyone to be part of this. Whether it’s by being an individual member contributing 26vHERVOICEvJULY/AUGUST 2019 $100 each meeting or part of a team contributing $25 each meeting. We also don’t want this to be in place of other donations, reach deeply and contribute more. Consider discretionary income and earmark this donation and watch the impact it will have on our community. Adamson reveals what makes her proud. “Seeing the positive impact on the community needs given by so many women with the likeminded collective giving spirit!” Tacke enthusiastically explains the many benefits of being involved with the group. “Not only are we a great source of funding but we’re also a great platform for non-profits to share their individual stories. Where else can these organizations come and have an audience of around one hundred captive listeners? It’s a great opportunity for them and our members as well. Every meeting is an opportunity to learn and give. It’s a win-win!” For more information on the 100 Women of Yankton organization, please visit them on their Facebook page - 100 Women of Yankton or their website, www.100womenofyankton.org. n