10 Enchanting Reads for Fans of 'Circe' by Madeline Miller

In the genre-defying novel by V. E. Schwab, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, we meet a young woman living in France in 1714. After making a Faustian deal to live forever, Addie finds herself cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. As centuries roll on, she learns the depths of her loneliness and the lengths she must go to leave her mark on the world. Her story takes a twist when she meets a young man in a bookstore who, against all odds, remembers her name. This breathtaking tale explores themes of individuality, identity, and the quest for meaning across time.

Delve into the origins of a legendary family of witches in Alice Hoffman's Magic Lessons. This intriguing tale follows Maria Owens, the matriarch accused of witchcraft in Salem. Abandoned in a snowy field, Maria is raised by Hannah Owens, a woman who teaches her about the “Nameless Arts.” As she navigates love and loss, she casts a curse that will haunt her descendants for generations. With rich storytelling and profound insights into love and sacrifice, this novel forms a beautiful tapestry interwoven with magic and heartbreak.

Winner of multiple prestigious awards, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi tells the poignant story of two half-sisters born in Ghana, whose very different lives illuminate the legacy of slavery. One sister leads a privileged life while the other is captured and enslaved. This powerful narrative spans eight generations, exploring the impact of their choices on descendants. Gyasi provides a profound commentary on history, identity, and the soul of a nation, making this a must-read for anyone seeking grounding in the layers of their own heritage.

Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow offers a profound exploration of friendship, creativity, and the world of video game design. It follows two friends, Sam and Sadie, whose collaboration leads them to immense fame and success. However, their journey is marred by personal struggles and betrayals, revealing the fragility of human connections. This sweeping narrative captures the joy and tragedy of life, providing readers with a vivid and relatable backdrop of ambition in each meticulously crafted chapter.

In Piranesi, Susanna Clarke invites us into a dreamlike world filled with endless rooms and ocean tides against a backdrop of eerie beauty. The protagonist, Piranesi, explores this labyrinthine house filled with statues, uncovering its mysteries and the truth behind enigmatic visitors. This New York Times bestseller melds fantasy with reflective depth, ultimately telling a story of isolation, revelation, and the complexities of human existence, making it a perfect selection for fans of magical realism.

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a spellbinding tale rooted in Mexican mythology, following young Casiopea Tun as she embarks on a perilous adventure with the god of death. Set against the vibrant Jazz Age, Casiopea's journey is fueled by her longing for freedom and identity. The combination of rich worldbuilding, compelling characters, and powerful themes surrounding destiny and self-discovery will leave readers enchanted and yearning for more.

In The Witch's Heart, Genevieve Gornichec reimagines Norse mythology through the lens of Angrboda, a witch who finds love in the most unexpected way—with the trickster Loki. This retelling of ancient tales introduces themes of motherhood and sacrifice while showcasing Angrboda’s resilience against fate. With her unique perspective on familiar stories, Gornichec crafts a narrative that is both haunting and beautiful, capturing the essence of strength and vulnerability within mythological frameworks.

Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead is a contemporary homage to Dickens's 'David Copperfield'. Following a young boy’s life in the Appalachians, this Pulitzer Prize-winning tale touches on profound themes including poverty, resilience, belonging, and the search for identity. Kingsolver brilliantly captures the journey of her protagonist as he navigates the challenges of foster care, personal loss, and love, making this a moving and relevant narrative for today’s readers.

A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes elegantly weaves the stories of women during the Trojan War, giving voice to characters often overshadowed in historical narratives. This retelling introduces readers to the women shaped by conflict, resilience, and their quest for agency amidst chaos. With exquisite prose and attention to feminist perspectives, Haynes showcases the complexity of their experiences, inviting readers to see the Trojan War through their eyes, and ultimately celebrating the strength of women.

Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad presents a fresh and insightful retelling of Homer's Odyssey from the perspective of Penelope. This striking narrative reframes her story alongside her maids, whose voices have long been muted. Atwood cleverly intertwines humor, tragedy, and a critique of gender roles while highlighting the untold experiences of women overshadowed by the great deeds of men. This adaptation offers not just a new perspective on a classic tale but also sheds light on the struggles for power and agency that resonate through time.