The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller
The Song of Achilles is about Patroclus, a prince, and his love for Achilles, a half-God half-Greek prince. When Patroclus is exiled from his kingdom, he is sent to live with other exiles at Achilles’ kingdom. There, he finds himself out of place until Achilles reaches out to him. They become close friends, and eventually, Patroclus becomes Achilles’ companion. However, despite Achilles’ mother’s wishes, their friendship builds into a relationship. War comes and Achilles is called to fight. Patroclus goes with him and they face the hardships of a relationship, the Greek gods, power titles, and expectations. Patroclus is never seen as important, even though Achilles tries to protect him and have him by his side.
I really enjoyed The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller. The emotions you read about are relatable and the relationships between characters are well developed. Characters show jealously, love, compassion, kindness, anger, and all kinds of other emotions. However, I can clearly name a scenario for each category months after reading it. This book stuck with me because the lessons and people were so realistic. Although not everything in the book was based on the Greek myths, it also taught me about the Greek myths and wars that I have heard so much about. Those who like romance, LGBTQ+, mythology, and historical fiction will love this book. I know many people who were brought to tears by it and it was a very sweet book.
Reviewed by Catalina, Grade 11
Chevy Chase Library
Comments
I absolutely loved reading this book! All of the plot twists kept me on my seat the entire time. I finished in the span of a few days but dreaded putting the book down every time I had to stop reading. I have read both The Illiad and The Odyssey, but you will still understand regardless of whether you have read Homer's works or not. For someone who was familiar with different versions of the tale, I appreciated that this book painted Patroclus and Achilles as lovers. I thought it was an interesting take on the story. I am a very hard rater when it comes to books. However, this book blew me away and was not at all overrated like others have suggested. Out of the many books I've read this year, I give this one a 10/10. I do recommend, however, that you read this book with a book club or with a friend so you have someone to talk to about it. There is so much to discuss that I think it would be helpful to talk with someone who understands. I definitely grew attached to some of the characters! This tale of epic love and sacrifice will leave readers satisfied and heartbroken at the same time.
Reviewed by Emma, Grade 11
Glendale Central Library
I would definitely say that TSOA is definitely one of my favorite books of all time. While reading through quotes before writing this review, I actually had to pause for a moment because of how they made me feel. I felt a similar way when first reading the book too–completely drawn in by the simple yet powerful writing style. I feel that Miller did an amazing job developing Patroclus and Achilles. They had hopes and wishes, dreams and ambitions, and even imperfections and flaws that made it hard to sympathize with them at times. I loved the dynamic of their relationship. Achilles was essentially weaponized for war but meeting Patroclus helped alleviate him of the pressure of violence, changing his sense of self and the course of his life. Patroclus and Achilles’ entire love story–their behavior, shared looks, conversations–was beautiful and not forced in any way. Their progression from being childhood friends, the realization of their feelings, and love continuing into adulthood felt completely natural and genuine. Patroclus’ point of view provided a lens that softened the war and harsher parts of the story, and his descriptions of Achilles seemed too intimate to read. There are countless quotes and moments and lessons from this book that I think about daily. I recommend it to anyone and everyone!
Reviewed by Sam, Grade 10
Glendale Central Library