The Song of Achilles BOOK REVIEW

• Date Published:
  2011
• Length:
  416 pages—Listening Time: 11 hrs, 15 minutes
• Genre:
  Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mythology, Greek Mythology, Retelling
• Setting:
  Ancient Greece during the Greek Heroic Age
• Awards:
  Women's Prize for Fiction Winner 2012; Audie Award Finalist Spanish Language 2025; The Morning News Tournament of Books Short List 2013; Gaylactic Spectrum Award Winner 2013; RUSA CODES Reading List Shortlist Historical Fiction 2013; Stonewall Book Award Honor Book Literature 2013; Independent Booksellers' Book Prize Shortlist 2013; Yasnaya Polyana Literary Award Foreign Literature 2020; Massachusetts Book Award Must-Read Longlist 2013; Chautauqua Prize Shortlist 2013; ALA Rainbow Book List Top Ten Young Adult/Crossover Fiction
• Language:
  English, but translated into 18 languages, including Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, Latin, Polish, Romanian, and Spanish.
• Sensitive Aspects:
  Sexual violence, homosexuality, war violence
• Movie:
  Caryn Mandabach Productions has optioned the rights to The Song of Achilles for a potential television miniseries.
• Recommend for Book Club:
  YES, this book will appeal to most book clubs.

I've never mastered a foreign language orally. I took Latin in high school and loved it so much that I continued to study it for two years in college, along with one semester of Greek. I didn't have to speak Latin, so I loved it. I enjoyed translating poetry and learning about ancient cultures, but studying the Greek and Roman passion for war fell flat for me. When it came to war and the brutality that accompanies it, I always felt that Greek and Roman males had too much testosterone and misdirected prowess.

So when I realized that Madeline Miller's The Song of Achilles was set during the Trojan War and based on Homer's The Iliad, I was predisposed to either being bored or flat-out disliking the book. That was not the case. I loved this book, and if I had to choose which Madeline Miller book I love the most, Circe or The Song of Achilles, it would be tough.

Yes, there was a lot of chest-thumping, deception, land grabbing, and bloody battle scenes, just like in The Iliad, but with The Song of Achilles, Miller manages to rise above the violence and gore to deliver an unconventional, tender, heart-wrenching love story between two men. She also challenges misogyny and the status of women, as well as what society expects of a man.

This book explores various basic emotions that all individuals experience. The characters are not depicted as one-dimensional comic book He-Man archetypes but as real people with the ability to deeply feel, be hurt, and love unconditionally. The depth of feeling is what makes this book so remarkable.

Madeline Miller's The Song of Achilles most definitely offers a fresh perspective on the Trojan War. The narrative is told through the eyes of Patroclus, a young Greek prince and devoted companion to Achilles. The story delves into the growing connection between the two. Eventually, what starts as a spark of infatuation leads to a romantic relationship and perfect, enduring love, all while the tumult of war and the weight of prophecy loom in the background.

As a young prince, Patroclus inadvertently kills another boy, leading to his exile and incognito residence at the royal palace in Phthia. There he meets Achilles, and the two youths become inseparable, despite Achilles' mother, Thetis' objections. The pair live together in Achilles' room and are sent for military training under Chiron, the centaur, because, well, if you were a male in ancient Greece, that's what you did: train to be a soldier. Eventually, after Paris kidnaps Helen, they join the Greek armies in the Trojan War.

***SPOILER NOTE: If you have read or are familiar with The Iliad and the Trojan War, you know what happens to Achilles. If not, don't read the synopsis below, but rather, read the book and be surprised.

Looming over Achilles' life is a prophecy that he will die after Hector dies. Because of this omen and a disagreement with Agamemnon, Achilles initially refuses to fight in the war. But Achilles, the Greek MVP of combat, eventually finds himself "recruited" and is convinced to fight. He knows that as long as Hector stays alive, he will too. But then, Patroclus, who had never had the athletic or fighting skills of Achilles, attempts to defend the Greeks by impersonating his best friend and is murdered in battle by Hector. Achilles, bereft with grief, avenges his lover's death by killing Hector. But in Greek lore, prophecies rule, and Achilles dies at the hands of Paris.

The story concludes with Thetis inscribing Patroclus' name on their shared tomb, allowing his spirit to reunite with Achilles for eternity in the afterlife.

Here are a few reasons you should definitely read The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

• It's a Human, Real Life Perspective on Ancient Mythology
  The Song of Achilles reimagines the Trojan War and the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, offering a tender and humanized portrayal of these legendary figures. By narrating the story from Patroclus' perspective, Miller reframes the epic into a deeply emotional tale of love, loyalty, and loss.
• It's a Critically Acclaimed Award-Winner
  Any time a book receives many accolades and awards, you are pretty much guaranteed a good read. The Song of Achilles has won numerous awards and has been celebrated for its literary excellence and emotional depth. It has also sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide.
• It's Easy to Read Yet Profound
  Miller's writing is exquisitely simple, combining expressive language with modern readability. Her work evokes the grandeur of myth while delving into intimate human emotions, making the story epic yet relatable.
• It's an Exploration of Love and Identity
  The book depicts Achilles and Patroclus' romantic relationship in a way that is both tragic and encouraging. This LGBTQ+ portrayal gives the characters more dimension and helps their story resonate with modern audiences.
• It's a Unique Blend of Scholarship and Imagination
  The Song of Achilles is Miller's debut novel. She spent ten years writing it, methodically researching ancient Greek writings while integrating her imagination into the story. The result of this delicate mix of historical accuracy and inventive storytelling is a fascinating world in which gods, people, and myths dwell harmoniously.
• It Has Universal Themes
  Beyond its mythological backdrop, The Song of Achilles delves into eternal themes such as destiny, pride, sacrifice, and humanity's struggle against uncontrollable forces. These general elements make the book appealing to all readers, even those who have no knowledge of Homer's The Iliad or Greek mythology.
• It is Emotionally Impactful
  I cried while reading this book. I knew it was probably going to be a tearjerker, and it didn't disappoint. The Song of Achilles is known for its ability to elicit deep emotions such as loss, joy, and love, making it memorable for readers. This one will stay with you long after you finish the last page.

Whether you are drawn to mythology, historical fiction, or poignant love stories, The Song of Achilles promises a deeply moving experience that transcends genres and times.

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If you loved The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, here are some similar books that explore mythology, historical fiction, and compelling narratives:

Mythological Retellings

• Circe by Madeline Miller: Another masterpiece by Miller, this novel focuses on the life of Circe, blending mythology with themes of love, betrayal, and resilience.
• Ariadne by Jennifer Saint: A feminist retelling of the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur from the perspectives of Ariadne and her sister Phaedra.
• Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes: A fresh take on Medusa’s story, exploring themes of power and perception.
• The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker: A retelling of The Iliad from Briseis’ perspective, highlighting the overlooked voices of women during the Trojan War.

Diverse Mythological Perspectives

• Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel: A reimagining of the Ramayana through Kaikeyi’s eyes, exploring themes of power and agency.
• Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: Inspired by Mexican folklore, this novel follows a young woman’s journey with the Mayan god of death.

LGBTQ+ Themes

• The Persian Boy by Mary Renault: A historical novel about Alexander the Great and his relationship with Bagoas, a eunuch slave.
• An Arrow’s Flight by Mark Merlis: A modern retelling of Neoptolemus’ story with queer themes woven into Greek mythology.

Other Recommendations

• Lore by Alexandra Bracken: A thrilling tale where Greek gods are hunted on Earth every seven years.
• The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec: A Norse mythology retelling focusing on Angrboda, Loki’s lover.
• The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood: A witty retelling of The Odyssey from Penelope’s perspective.