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I love stories about the Greeks, Romans and their Gods but I must admit I had no idea what Achilles was about and nor did I even bother reading the synopsis for this book. So, it came as a mild shock that this was pretty much a romance for the majority of the book!

Miller captured and described perfectly how different, inhuman and cold the Gods are, even half-gods such as Achilles. In this world, the Gods don't seem to know or understand how to love as humans often do and seem to favor war, battles and glory. Achilles, although mostly raised by humans, also seemed to fall short on this human capacity to love.

Finally, I particularly enjoyed that it was Thetis who relented and etched Patroclus' name on the tomb/statue and allowed them to reunite in the afterlife.

emotional sad fast-paced
adventurous emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous emotional hopeful sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

An engaging retelling of Achilles and Patroclus, though I found Patroclus’s drive inconsistent and some parts confusing. His out-of-character choices at the end set up Achilles’ downfall, but overall it was still a compelling exploration on the myth. 

Madeline Miller is one of my new favourite authors. I adored Circe and worried this could not possibly be as good. It is.

A wonderfully “accurate” and touching depiction of the tender relationship between Patroclus and Achilles. Upon deeper reflection, I can’t help but wonder if there will be any songs of me..

Crying my eyes out and reading “If you have to go, I will go with you” over and over again
adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No