Madeline Miller has revolutionized retellings of Greek mythology for modern readers, giving voice to characters who were once silent footnotes in ancient epics. Her lush, literary prose transforms familiar myths into intimate human stories that resonate across millennia.
As one of the most acclaimed historical fiction authors writing today, she specializes in feminist retellings of Greek mythology. Her novels have won the Orange Prize for Fiction, topped the New York Times bestseller list, and been translated into over 25 languages, introducing millions of readers to the human stories behind the myths.
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Early Life and Background
Madeline Miller was born on July 24, 1978, in Boston and grew up in New York City and Philadelphia. Raised by a librarian mother, she was introduced to Homer’s works as a child, sparking a lifelong fascination with Greek mythology that would shape her career.
She attended Brown University, where she earned both her BA and MA in Classics (2000 and 2001). Her passion for ancient Greek stories began at an early age. During her final year as an undergraduate, Miller co-directed a production of Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida. The scene depicting Patroclus’s death sparked her interest in telling his story and inspired her to begin writing what would become The Song of Achilles.
Writing Career
Miller spent ten years writing The Song of Achilles while teaching Latin, Greek, and Shakespeare to high school students. She also studied at the University of Chicago’s Committee on Social Thought and the Yale School of Drama’s Department of Dramaturgy, focusing on adapting classical texts to modern forms.
Her debut novel, The Song of Achilles, was published in September 2011 and won the prestigious Orange Prize for Fiction in 2012, making Miller the fourth debut novelist to win the award. The novel became a New York Times bestseller and has sold millions of copies worldwide.
Seven years later, Miller published Circe (2018), which became an instant number one New York Times bestseller. The novel remained on the list for 16 weeks and won multiple awards, including the Indie Choice Best Adult Fiction of the Year Award and the Indie Choice Best Audiobook of the Year Award, and was shortlisted for the 2019 Women’s Prize for Fiction.
Miller currently lives in Narberth, Pennsylvania (outside Philadelphia) with her husband and two children. She has been impacted by Long COVID since 2020, which has affected her writing process for her third novel.
Writing Style and Approach
Miller’s writing is characterized by lyrical, emotionally resonant prose that transforms ancient myths into intimate character studies. She specializes in what she calls “mythological realism,” reimagining familiar stories through the eyes of overlooked or misunderstood characters, particularly women.
Her approach involves extensive research while maintaining creative freedom. As she has explained, for The Song of Achilles, she took an existing story “hidden in the material already,” while for Circe, she challenged classical texts by removing Odysseus’s voice and replacing it with Circe’s in a more “subversive retelling.”
Readers love Miller’s work for its feminist perspective, psychological depth, and ability to make ancient characters feel profoundly human. Her novels explore themes of power, transformation, identity, love, betrayal, and what it means to find your voice in a world that tries to silence you.
Madeline Miller Books in Order
Novels
1. The Song of Achilles (2011)
Setting: Ancient Greece, Greek Heroic Age, Trojan War era
Genre: Historical Fiction, Greek Mythology Retelling, LGBTQ+ Romance
The Song of Achilles tells the story of the legendary Achilles and the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus, the exiled prince who becomes Achilles’s closest companion. The novel explores their relationship from childhood through their years of training with the centaur Chiron, to their pivotal roles in the Trojan War.
This achingly romantic retelling transforms Homer’s epic into an intimate love story between two men, giving depth and humanity to characters often reduced to battle statistics. Miller took ten years to write this debut, and it won the 2012 Orange Prize for Fiction, becoming a New York Times bestseller.
Awards:
- Orange Prize for Fiction (2012)
- Shortlisted for the 2013 Chautauqua Prize
- Shortlisted for the 2012 Stonewall Writer of the Year
2. Circe (2018)
Setting: Ancient Greece, spanning multiple generations, primarily the island of Aiaia
Genre: Historical Fiction, Greek Mythology Retelling, Feminist Fiction
Circe reimagines the life of the witch from Homer’s Odyssey, following her from childhood as an overlooked daughter of Helios (the sun god) through her banishment to a remote island and her encounters with some of mythology’s most famous figures.
The novel intersects with multiple Greek myths, including the stories of the Minotaur, Daedalus and Icarus, Jason and Medea’s quest for the Golden Fleece, and, of course, Odysseus. Miller transforms Circe from a one-dimensional villain into a complex woman who discovers her power and finds her voice in a world hostile to both.
Awards and Recognition:
- Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller (16 weeks)
- Indies Choice Best Adult Fiction of the Year Award
- Indies Choice Best Audiobook of the Year Award
- Shortlisted for the 2019 Women’s Prize for Fiction
- The Red Tentacle Award
- American Library Association Alex Award
- 2018 Elle Big Book Award
- Ranked #2 Greatest Book of the 2010s by Paste Magazine
Adaptation: An 8-episode limited series adaptation has been ordered by HBO Max, written and executive produced by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver (Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Jurassic World). As of 2025, the series is still in development.
Short Fiction
3. Galatea (2013)
A standalone short story that retells the myth of Pygmalion and Galatea from the statue’s perspective. Originally released as an e-book in 2013, it later appeared in the anthology xo Orpheus: Fifty New Myths and was published as a beautiful standalone hardcover.
In Miller’s reimagining, Galatea is given the gift of life but forced to live one she didn’t choose. This feminist retelling completely reframes the original myth, asking questions about agency, autonomy, and the male gaze.
Where to Start with Madeline Miller
Best First Book
Recommendation: The Song of Achilles
This is the perfect introduction to Miller’s work. As her debut novel, it establishes her lyrical writing style and approach to mythology. The story is self-contained, emotionally powerful, and accessible even to readers unfamiliar with Greek mythology. Miller ensures readers have everything they need to understand the story, though those familiar with the myths will find additional layers of meaning.
If You Want…
An epic love story: Start with The Song of Achilles (Achilles and Patroclus’s relationship across decades)
A story of female empowerment: Start with Circe (a woman discovering her power and voice)
Her most acclaimed work: Start with Circe (more awards, broader commercial success)
A quicker read: Start with Galatea (short story, under 50 pages)
To follow publication order: Start with The Song of Achilles (2011)
Popular Themes in Madeline Miller’s Work
The Song of Achilles
Miller’s debut explores love, destiny, war, and heroism through an intimate lens. Rather than focusing on Achilles as an invincible warrior, she presents him as a complex person navigating relationships, duty, and mortality.
What makes it special: The novel transformed the way readers view Homer’s Iliad, centering on the emotional heart of the story. It’s both an epic war tale and an intimate love story that builds to a devastating, inevitable conclusion.
Perfect for readers who love: LGBTQ+ romance, character-driven historical fiction, emotional depth, poetic prose, reimagined classics
The novel is renowned for its emotionally powerful ending. Readers should prepare for tears.
Circe
Miller’s second novel is a sweeping story of self-discovery and empowerment. Circe transforms from a powerless nymph into a formidable witch, claiming her own narrative in a world that views her as either a victim or a villain.
What makes it special: Miller takes a character who appears briefly in The Odyssey as little more than an obstacle for Odysseus and gives her a full, rich interior life spanning centuries. The novel explores motherhood, isolation, power, and what it means to be mortal, even when one is immortal.
Perfect for readers who love: Feminist retellings, complex female characters, nature and foraging, stories of transformation, morally gray protagonists
The audiobook, narrated by Perdita Weeks, is particularly acclaimed and enhances the already gorgeous prose.
Awards and Recognition
Major Awards
- Orange Prize for Fiction (2012) for The Song of Achilles
- Indies Choice Best Adult Fiction of the Year Award for Circe
- Indies Choice Best Audiobook of the Year Award for Circe
- American Library Association Alex Award (2019) for Circe
- The Red Tentacle Award for Circe
- 2018 Elle Big Book Award for Circe
Bestseller Status
- Both novels reached #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list
- Circe stayed on the bestseller list for 16 weeks
- Translated into over 25 languages, including Dutch, Mandarin, Japanese, Turkish, Arabic, and Greek
Critical Acclaim
- Shortlisted for the 2019 Women’s Prize for Fiction (Circe)
- Shortlisted for the 2013 Chautauqua Prize (The Song of Achilles)
- Shortlisted for the 2012 Stonewall Writer of the Year (The Song of Achilles)
- Named “Book of the Year” by NPR, Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, Time, People, Amazon, and Goodreads (Circe)
- Ranked #2 Greatest Book of the 2010s by Paste Magazine (Circe)
Writing Schedule and Upcoming Books
Latest Release
Circe (2018)
Miller’s most recent novel continues to find new readers and has sold over half a million copies in the United States alone.
Upcoming Releases
Persephone (Release Date TBA, estimated 2026 or later)
In December 2021, Miller announced via Instagram that she was working on a novel about Persephone, the Greek goddess who was abducted by Hades and became Queen of the Underworld. Miller had originally announced she was working on a novel based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest, but Persephone “grabbed her with both hands.”
Miller has been dealing with Long COVID since 2020, which has impacted her writing process and timeline. She shared in October 2022 that she had been living with Long COVID for two and a half years. Given this health challenge and Miller’s careful, deliberate approach to writing (The Song of Achilles took ten years), fans should expect the novel when it’s ready rather than adhering to a specific timeline.
In a 2011 blog post, Miller shared some of her thoughts on the myth: “There is a division at the heart of Persephone, who is at once the bringer of spring and the grim and terrifying Queen of the dead. Her story is rich with symbolic and allegorical resonance about death and rebirth.”
Similar Authors You’ll Enjoy
If you enjoy Madeline Miller’s work, you might also like:
- Jennifer Saint – Author of Ariadne, Elektra, and Atalanta. Like Miller, Saint specializes in feminist retellings of Greek mythology, giving voice to overlooked female characters. Her lyrical prose and emotional depth appeal to fans of Circe.
- Natalie Haynes – Author of A Thousand Ships, Stone Blind, and The Children of Jocasta. Haynes brings academic expertise (she’s a classicist and broadcaster) to reimagined myths, focusing on women’s perspectives during the Trojan War and other legendary events.
- Pat Barker – Author of The Silence of the Girls and The Women of Troy. Barker’s novels revisit the Trojan War from the perspective of enslaved women, particularly Briseis (who appears in The Song of Achilles). Her grittier approach complements Miller’s lyricism.
- Ursula K. Le Guin – Author of Lavinia. Le Guin reimagines the life of Lavinia from Virgil’s Aeneid, giving voice to a character who never speaks in the original text. Like Miller, she transforms silent female characters into fully realized protagonists.
- Mary Renault – Author of The King Must Die, The Bull from the Sea, and The Persian Boy. Renault pioneered historical fiction set in ancient Greece, focusing on complex character psychology. Miller has cited Renault as an influence.
- Pat Barker – Her Regeneration Trilogy and Greek mythology retellings show similar interest in giving voice to the voiceless and exploring the trauma of war from new perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Madeline Miller’s best book?
Both The Song of Achilles and Circe are exceptional, but they appeal to different readers. The Song of Achilles is more focused and emotionally intense, building to a devastating conclusion. Circe is broader in scope, spanning centuries and exploring themes of power and female autonomy. Circe has won more awards and sold more copies, but The Song of Achilles won the Orange Prize and remains beloved for its romance. Many readers recommend starting with The Song of Achilles, then reading Circe.
In what order should I read Madeline Miller’s books?
Publication order is recommended: The Song of Achilles (2011), Circe (2018), and Galatea (2013, although published as a short story between them). The novels are completely standalone and can be read in any order. However, reading The Song of Achilles first gives you a sense of Miller’s style before tackling the more expansive Circe.
Is Madeline Miller historically accurate?
Miller takes a balanced approach. She conducts extensive research and grounds her stories in authentic details about ancient Greek life, culture, and mythology. However, she prioritizes emotional truth and character development over strict adherence to ancient sources. As Miller herself notes, the myths have always been elastic, changing with each telling. She sees her work as continuing that tradition while adding feminist and humanistic perspectives.
Do I need to know Greek mythology to enjoy Madeline Miller’s work?
No. Miller designs her novels to be accessible to all readers. She provides context and explanation throughout, ensuring you understand the stories and characters even without prior knowledge. However, readers familiar with Greek mythology will catch additional layers, references, and clever subversions of the original myths.
What time periods does Madeline Miller write about?
Miller exclusively writes about ancient Greece, specifically the mythological age and Bronze Age (roughly 1200 BCE and earlier). Her stories are set during the time of gods, heroes, and legendary events, such as the Trojan War.
Are Madeline Miller’s books appropriate for young adults?
The Song of Achilles and Circe are marketed as adult fiction but are appropriate for mature teens (16+). The Song of Achilles contains a same-sex romance and some violence (war scenes). Circe contains sexual content (not graphic), violence, and themes of sexual assault. Both deal with mature themes, including death, trauma, and complex morality. The writing level is sophisticated but accessible.
Has Madeline Miller’s work been adapted for TV or film?
Circe is being adapted as an 8-episode limited series for HBO Max, written and executive produced by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. The project was announced in 2019 and is still in development as of 2025. The Song of Achilles had its rights optioned previously, but those have lapsed. Miller has stated she hasn’t forgotten about bringing that story to the screen.
Is Madeline Miller working on a new book?
Yes. Miller announced in December 2021 that she is working on a novel about Persephone. However, she has been dealing with Long COVID since 2020, which has impacted her writing timeline. Given that The Song of Achilles took ten years to write, fans should be patient. No release date has been announced.
What inspired Madeline Miller to write The Song of Achilles?
While co-directing a production of Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida during her final year at Brown University, Miller was struck by the scene depicting Patroclus’s death. She wondered about the man in Achilles’ shadow throughout the Iliad and began to explore their relationship. She started writing what would become The Song of Achilles during her undergraduate studies and spent the next ten years completing it.
Conclusion
Madeline Miller stands among the most important voices in contemporary historical fiction, bringing classical mythology to life for modern readers with beauty, depth, and profound humanity. Through her feminist lens, she reveals the emotional truths hidden in ancient stories and gives voice to characters who have been silent for millennia.
Whether you’re drawn to the tragic romance of The Song of Achilles, the empowering journey of Circe, or the thought-provoking brevity of Galatea, Miller’s work offers richly layered stories that honor their classical sources while making them urgently relevant to contemporary readers. Her lyrical prose, psychological insight, and commitment to centering overlooked perspectives have earned her a devoted readership and critical acclaim.
For readers new to Greek mythology or longtime enthusiasts, Miller provides the perfect entry point. Her novels require no prior knowledge while rewarding those who bring it, making them equally accessible to general readers and classical scholars.
Ready to begin your Madeline Miller reading journey? Start with The Song of Achilles for an intimate, emotional introduction to her work, or dive into Circe for a sweeping tale of female power and transformation. Either way, you’re in for an unforgettable literary experience.
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