A review by sacredgayometry
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

emotional inspiring sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

One of the best romance reads and a very beautiful rendition of the classic myth, although a tad predictable at times. There are moments in this book that make me wonder if I’ve ever truly experienced love, because I get so emotional about it, more than even thinking about my own partners. There are also moments in this book that are incredibly frustrating to read due to the characters often being willfully obstinate and prideful, but it wouldn’t be a green tragedy if that weren’t the case. Overall a wonderful book, the language is beyond poetic and I loved the characters, but the plot is sometimes slow and there are some very annoying bits that tarnished the overall feel, for me.

for example, the scene in which Patroclus is killed was infuriating to read, as it seemed so out of character for him to do

I would recommend that you read it once, but for me once is enough.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Death, War, Kidnapping, Violence, Slavery, and Grief

Moderate: Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, Trafficking, Sexism, Infidelity, Rape, Medical content, Homophobia, and Sexual violence

Minor: Sexual content, Transphobia, Classism, Animal death, Bullying, Alcohol, and Abandonment

there is a scene in which Patroclus is “seduced” by a woman that feels more like coercion. There is definitely death and grief in heavy amounts.