The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller | A Mythical Masterpiece

Synopsis:

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a beautifully written retelling of the story of Achilles and Patroclus, told from Patroclus’ perspective. Beginning in childhood and following them into adulthood, the novel explores exile, friendship, love, fate and war against the backdrop of Ancient Greece and the Trojan War. Even if you already know the myth, Miller makes the story feel completely fresh and utterly heartbreaking.

Review:

“When at last they pulled off the veil, they said my mother smiled. This is how they knew she was quite stupid. Brides did not smile.”

This quote is from page one, and honestly, it hooked me immediately.

By page eight I had already turned to my husband and said, “I already know this is a 5 star read!” What can I say? I was obsessed from chapter one, page one.

Maybe it’s my dark sense of humour, but I actually laughed, then immediately read the opening paragraphs out loud to my husband because I knew I was onto something special.

The novel opens strongly as we follow Patroclus as a young boy and begin to understand his strained relationship with his parents, particularly the ways he is made to feel lesser because of his size and lack of athletic ability. When he accidentally kills another boy in self defence, he is exiled by his father and that exile is what brings him to Achilles.

From there, the story becomes something really special. We follow Patroclus and Achilles through the world of Greek myth as their bond deepens into something devoted and unforgettable. They become inseparable, each the centre of the other’s world, and that emotional closeness makes everything that follows hit even harder.

When the Trojan War begins, the story shifts from intimate and quietly beautiful to devastating. The war tests their love, their loyalty and the futures they thought they might have had. Even knowing the broad shape of the myth, I still found myself completely absorbed. Madeline Miller somehow makes an ancient story feel fresh, personal and yet painfully real.

Verdict:

This is genuinely one of the best books I have ever read. The writing is stunning, the character work is exceptional and the emotional payoff is huge! The second I finished it, all I wanted to do was start again. I actually hugged the book when I was done and yes, I absolutely had tears in my eyes. Just like everyone said I would.

I would have loved to experience this for the first time with the audiobook alongside the physical book, but that just gives me the perfect excuse for a reread. That is exactly how I want to revisit this beautiful, heartbreaking reimagining of Achilles’ story.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Buy this book on Amazon (Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/48cagxY