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astark's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
thatbethguy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This was so so beautiful and definitely worth a read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Rape
cindy_freez's review against another edition
5.0
Song of Achilles
I did not expect to adore this book as much as I did. I read Circe recently for a book club, so naturally I’d be interested in this book. My knowledge of Greek mythology is minimal but I felt there was an excellent section in this book that describes the major Gods, mortals and Godesses. Like Circe, Miller chose a minor character in mythology. This is a retelling of Homer’s Iliad told from the perspective of Patroclus.
Patroclus is an exiled Prince that Achilles takes on as his companion at the age of 13. They both train in the art of war from Chiron, a Centaur. During their training, they become lovers. It was nice to see the more gentle and humane side of Achilles.
We then get a narrative of the Trojan war that lasted 10 years. There is a great conflict between Achilles and the commander Agamemnon over a slave girl that Achilles tries to save, resulting in his refusal to fight against Troy. His stubbornness results in a wedge in his relationship with Petroclus, as well as the death of many men. The war itself has some graphic violence but told in an almost poetic way. Miller’s portrayal of the characters are quite noteworthy and so remarkable. I enjoyed the narration from Petroclus as he is a faithful and keen observer and I felt his perspective gave this epic love story a more compassionate tone.
I did not expect to adore this book as much as I did. I read Circe recently for a book club, so naturally I’d be interested in this book. My knowledge of Greek mythology is minimal but I felt there was an excellent section in this book that describes the major Gods, mortals and Godesses. Like Circe, Miller chose a minor character in mythology. This is a retelling of Homer’s Iliad told from the perspective of Patroclus.
Patroclus is an exiled Prince that Achilles takes on as his companion at the age of 13. They both train in the art of war from Chiron, a Centaur. During their training, they become lovers. It was nice to see the more gentle and humane side of Achilles.
We then get a narrative of the Trojan war that lasted 10 years. There is a great conflict between Achilles and the commander Agamemnon over a slave girl that Achilles tries to save, resulting in his refusal to fight against Troy. His stubbornness results in a wedge in his relationship with Petroclus, as well as the death of many men. The war itself has some graphic violence but told in an almost poetic way. Miller’s portrayal of the characters are quite noteworthy and so remarkable. I enjoyed the narration from Petroclus as he is a faithful and keen observer and I felt his perspective gave this epic love story a more compassionate tone.
sydneyycampbell's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
4.25
natnicks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
coramae's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The last 50 pages
missclarkson_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
yara_adorablebooks's review against another edition
4.0
Een bijzonder verhaal, best traag tot p. 150! Ik vond dat ook vermoeiend om te lezen; ik ben snellere boeken gewend. Vanaf p. 150 neemt het verhaal een andere wending en komt het in een stroomversnelling.
Een prachtig boek, over de bijzondere band tussen Achilles en Patroclus, geschreven door een geweldige auteur. Ze weet keer op keer geweldige boeken te schrijven over de Griekse mythologie. Geweldig. Ondanks de trage opstart had ik het boek niet willen missen!
Een prachtig boek, over de bijzondere band tussen Achilles en Patroclus, geschreven door een geweldige auteur. Ze weet keer op keer geweldige boeken te schrijven over de Griekse mythologie. Geweldig. Ondanks de trage opstart had ik het boek niet willen missen!