Having disliked myth retellings in junior high, I was hesitatnt to pick this one up, despite its very high reviews (though, tbh, often I find the big hit lit to be a trendy disappointment also). But this lived up to the hype and exceeded my expectations of a mythic retelling. Circe is rendered as a fierce, tender witch; the isolated beauty of the island was a solace for covid-stay-at-home times. first 5 star book of the year.