The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Hudson | Holmdel High School, Grade 12
Rating: *****
The Song of Achilles is a beautiful retelling of Homer’s Iliad. A common interpretation in the Iliad is that Achilles and Patroclus were lovers. This novel is told from the perspective of Patroclus. It shows how their relationship starts in their youth and how it ends far too soon. Patroclus was just an exiled prince who became the right-hand-man of Achilles, following him to train with Chiron and to war. Achilles’ mother Thetis really hates Patroclus, but they both want Achilles to live. A prophecy said that Achilles would die after Hector, so they do everything they can to prolong the Trojan war.
I loved this book. Miller’s style was beautiful and the relationship was developed very well. Even though I knew how their story would end (since it is a retelling), I still bawled my eyes out at certain scenes. It was breathtaking to read certain scenes and watch how the characters grew from boys to men. I recommend this book to people who love Greek mythology and history. Miller really knows her stuff and tries to keep the plot as accurate as possible.
Megan | Biotechnology High School, Grade 9
Rating: ****
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a captivating retelling of Homer’s Iliad from the perspective of Patroclus, a young prince. After accidentally killing another boy in self defense, Patroclus is exiled to the court of King Peles and his son Achilles. Achilles is the son of Thetis, a vengeful sea-goddess, as well as a seemingly flawless prince who is destined to be the greatest warrior of his generation. Against all odds, the Patroclus and Achilles slowly forge a friendship, as well as something more. Nothing can stand in their way, except, well, Thetis’s disapproval, the violence and action of the legendary Trojan War, and so much more. Miller weaves a heartfelt, slow-burning, and incredibly devastating romance that will break your heart into a billion pieces.
Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and Miller’s beautiful writing style really helped me to connect with the characters and their relationship. Patroclus and Achilles’ growth and development throughout the book, both individually and in their relationship, was very well-done and heartwarming to read about. Miller explores the strengths and weaknesses of love, as well as the human desires for power and glory. This is one of those books where you will desperately want to nudge the characters and change the inevitable course of the story, and it is truly agonizing when you realize that you cannot. Ultimately, I really loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a poignant, vivid, and wholesome romance that will not fail to bring you to tears.
Amisha | Biotechnology High School, Grade 9
Rating: ****
When Patroclus is exiled to the court of King Peleus for accidentally killing another boy in self defense, he thinks his life is over and that everyone sees him as a menace to society. However, when Patroclus meets Achilles, King Peleus’ flawless son, he realizes that there is more to his life. Patroclus and Achilles form an inseparable bond despite the resistance they faced from others, and they slowly become each other’s biggest confidants. However, Achilles is the destined hero and greatest warrior who needs to fight in the impending Trojan War, and as history describes, his journey will be a very difficult one. Madeline Miller creates a tragic and devastating rendition of Homer’s The Iliad through her painstakingly brilliant novel, The Song of Achilles.
This novel left me speechless for a multitude of reasons one being the truly breathtaking romance Miller described. I loved Patroclus’s character and seeing him grow alongside Achilles was so wonderful to read about since it showed how he found his sense of belonging and love within Achilles. In addition, I absolutely loved the way Miller portrayed Achilles’ character development since he is known as being a snobby warrior, however, Miller showed his progression from a young boy into his role as the greatest warrior of his time and how that changed him for the worse. Moreover, this novel’s ending was utterly devastating due to the destruction and preconceived end of the Trojan War. This novel highlighted the brutality of this time period as well as the effect that war and pride? have on the relationships of the chosen ones. I highly recommend this novel to fans of Greek mythology because this novel will surely not disappoint you!