The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Fiction
2012
Finished on 4/5/2026
Rating: 4/5 (Very Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
Greece in the age of Heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the kingdom of Phthia. Here he is nobody, just another unwanted boy living in the shadow of King Peleus and his golden son, Achilles.
Achilles, “best of all the Greeks,” is everything Patroclus is not—strong, beautiful, the child of a goddess—and by all rights their paths should never cross. Yet one day, Achilles takes the shamed prince under his wing and soon their tentative connection gives way to a steadfast friendship. As they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms into something far deeper—despite the displeasure of Achilles’ mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess with a hatred of mortals.
Fate is never far from the heels of Achilles. When word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, the men of Greece are called upon to lay siege to Troy in her name. Seduced by the promise of a glorious destiny, Achilles joins their cause. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus follows Achilles into war, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they have learned, everything they hold dear. And that, before he is ready, he will be forced to surrender his friend to the hands of Fate.
Profoundly moving and breathtakingly original, this rendering of the epic Trojan War is a dazzling feat of the imagination, a devastating love story, and an almighty battle between gods and kings, peace and glory, immortal fame and the human heart.
It seems like it was just a year or two ago that I read Circe, but it's been five years since my book group read and discussed this second novel by Madeline Miller. I enjoyed the book so well, I promptly bought a copy of The Song of Achilles. I've had this debut novel on my summer and fall reading lists for far too long, and decided it was finally time to read it.
My knowledge of Greek mythology is pretty slim, so I enjoyed learning about the various heroes involved in the war to rescue Helen of Sparta. I was immediately drawn into the early lives of Achilles and Patroclus, and as they headed off to war, the suspense kept the pages turning. The ten-year war, though, became a bit of a slog and I grew impatient, eager to see how Achilles would fare in the battle. I was rewarded with the final chapters of the novel, and as I mentioned after reading Circe, I'm very much interested in reading The Iliad and The Odyssey.
I've not watched the film Troy, but it's now on my list.
My knowledge of Greek mythology is also pretty slim, so I've been hesitant to try either one of Millers novels. Sounds like I'm missing out!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, you would do fine reading either of these books. The author includes information about the main characters, which I found very helpful. I listened to a bit of the audio of The Song of Achilles in order to hear the pronunciation of some of the names, but went back to the print edition after a few minutes.
DeleteI read and enjoyed Circe, but I wondered if I would like this one. I am an Odyssey fan, but I'm not a fan of The Iliad. Adventure, yes, but war, no.
ReplyDeleteDeb, I'll bet you'd enjoy this simply for the wonderful writing. I'm leaning more toward The Odyssey, and may give that a read next year. I had to read The Aeneid in a college (freshman) course, and it was then that I decided I would never read The Odyssey or The Iliad. I've since changed my mind about that.
DeleteI didn't just like the Odyssey; I loved it. And I never expected to even like it!
DeleteDeb, you've convinced me!
DeleteEven though the first class I TA'd for in grad school was Ancient History, my knowledge is weak and I don't gravitate toward that time period. But, I hear good things about these books.
ReplyDeleteHelen, I'll bet that was an interesting class to TA for! I don't gravitate toward that time period myself, but I enjoyed both of MIller's books and will read whatever she next publishes.
DeleteI ditto most of the comments above. I haven't read much mythology since high school and none of the recent mythology-type novels. Off the bat, I'm not drawn to them ... but I think I'd probably like them if I gave them a chance. It's good you have found things to like about them.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I have to admit that I wasn't drawn to these books either, but a book club friend kept raving about Circe, so I gave it a read (along with our book group) and really enjoyed it. The Song of Achilles was also quite good, and I learned a bit about mythology, although I wonder how much I'll remember in the years (or months!) to come. I've already forgotten a lot about Circe. I don't know if I'll continue to seek out books based on mythology, but Miller's books were entertaining and educational.
DeleteI absolutely love this book. I read it when if first came out and need to reread it. Circe was good, but I think Achilles is the better book. Troy, the movie with Brad Pitt, is actually very good--I have been meaning to rewatch it myself.
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of the current crop of novels based on ancient myths. Besides Madeline Miller, Lauren Bear writes wonderful reimagined stories as well. And then there's Stephen Fry--his Troy is actually my preferred telling of the Iliad. He gives everyone's backstory and includes parts of the story that Homer didn't include. Here's a link to my review if you're interested: https://janegs.blogspot.com/2025/02/troy-stephen-fry.html
I'm eagerly awaiting the new Odyssey movie that is scheduled to come out this July.
Thanks for the recommendations, Jane! I'll keep Lauren Bear and Stephen Fry in mind when I'm ready for more. I'll visit your review of Fry's for future reference. Thanks!
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