Circe and Historical Re-Working

I’ve already decided to cycle another book into my reading roster, to accompany The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay and it’s going to be Circe by Madeline Miller. I love the idea of taking a known character from historical literature and flipping it on its head, giving us a far more in-depth view than we were ever allowed previously. In this case, Miller is taking a vilified sorceress known for her vile deeds in the Odyssey (at least, that was mostly how I knew her) and starts with her birth. An entire novel from the first person perspective. It makes me think back to how, when I started writing short fiction, I almost only felt comfortable if I was using this setup: a famous literary character, or an ensemble character in a famous story, and diving into their perspective. I did it with the drunken brother in the Nick Adam’s “Indian Camp” story, and Elpenor in the Odyssey, the ephemeral monster in “The Circular Valley” and the killer in “The Delicate Prey” both by Paul Bowles. There’s something assuring about getting to play in the playground that’s already been built by someone who knows more than you, or at least a playground that’s been made resonant by sheer time of existence (the Odyssey). To be in that world means you’re doing something right. And you have the added bonus of revisiting those same favored main characters, but from a mysterious POV. Basically, you have a lot going for you as a writer. But for me, I could only muster a short story out of this setup. And in reading Circe, a true novel, it strikes me how all your advantages turn to disadvantages. How you could lose someone’s interest when they realize Odysseus will only be a bit player, when you won’t get to learn about your favorite empires but instead will have to absorb new ones, the ones Circe sees. These become challenges to overcome and it’s all the more impressive that Madeline Miller chose this as her world. Chose Greek Mythology for a contemporary update while still diving deeper into it than most. It’s a pleasure to read so far, will check back when I’m done!