Author: Madeline Miller
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mythology
Published in 2011
Rating: ★★★★★ – 5
“Achilles, who will be remembered for his rage, his strength, his beauty, his genius—he was everything, and I was nothing.”
– The Song of Achilles
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a beautifully reimagined tale of love, loss, and heroism, set against the backdrop of the Trojan War. Through the eyes of Patroclus, the son of a Greek king, we follow the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles, one of the most iconic duos in Greek mythology. The novel blends romance, adventure, and tragedy, diving deep into the emotional terrain of its characters while staying true to the timeless myth.
– Patroclus –
Patroclus, often overshadowed by the mighty Achilles in classic myth, takes center stage in this novel. His gentle and thoughtful nature contrasts sharply with Achilles’s strength and brilliance, and it’s through Patroclus’s eyes that we come to understand the complexity of Achilles’s character. His unwavering loyalty, vulnerability, and depth of feeling make him a profoundly empathetic narrator, and his love for Achilles is portrayed with such tenderness and sincerity that it becomes the heart of the novel.
– Achilles –
Achilles is everything that Patroclus is not—reckless, proud, and destined for greatness. But beneath his invulnerability and fame, Achilles is just as human, filled with insecurities, desires, and a love that, ultimately, proves both his greatest strength and his undoing. Madeline Miller captures Achilles’s complexity beautifully, showing both his brilliance and his flaws with a deep understanding of what makes him a tragic hero. His relationship with Patroclus is the core of the novel, and their connection feels timeless and heartbreaking.
– My Honest Review –
The Song of Achilles is an extraordinary retelling of a classic myth with unforgettable characters. Madeline Miller’s writing is both poetic and evocative, bringing the ancient world to life with stunning imagery and depth. The relationship between Patroclus and Achilles is depicted in such a way that you cannot help but become deeply invested in their love and their fate (for better or for worse).
While I was unquestionably captivated by the emotional weight of the story, there were moments, particularly in the sections detailing war strategies and battles, where the pacing slowed down a bit for me. These parts, though necessary to the plot, felt a bit drawn out in comparison to the intimate, character-driven moments that were at the heart of the book.
Despite this, The Song of Achilles remains one of the most beautiful and poignant books I’ve read in a while. The exploration of love, fate, and sacrifice is truly powerful, and the novel leaves an unforgettable impression long after the final page.
Happy Reading!
