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A review by andreia
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
WOW. just wow. i don't know where to begin reviewing this.
i really thought this would be just another overhyped book, which lowered my expectations going into it. maybe that helped the overall experience but, then again, saying that would be a disservice to madeline miller's talent. i don't know what she laced this with, but it's GOOD. and the audiobook also deserves an honourable mention because it is truly *chef's kiss*.
the beginning of this is a little shaky. if i had to pinpoint the moment it started to grab my interest, i would say it's when our two main characters, patroclus and achilles meet, which of course makes sense, as this story is ultimately about them. i didn't mind the chapters before that, but they weren't exactly captivating me, although i'm sure i'll appreciate them more on a second read.
yes, i feel like i'm still processing everything but already i want to read it again. the ending absolutely destroyed me and this has now been added to the very short list of books that made me cry. i feel the need to say again that i really did not expect this. truth be told, i can't even really explain why this book made me feel the way it did. if i was asked why i'd recommend this, i truly wouldn't know how to respond other than saying "JUST READ IT, YOU'LL SEE".
ultimately, i think it comes down to the author's writing (also the fact that this is a DEBUT??), it just flows so beautifully and really makes you feel what the characters are feeling. even when i was angry at achilles, i couldn't help but still want the best for him — how could i not praise the author for making me feel that, when i know that's only because of how patroclus feels. it's so rare and beautiful that we get to understand someone's love for another person despite their ugly flaws, but this books does it. madeline miller masters the first person POV flawlessly, which is no easy feat in my opinion.
to add to that, it's unusual for me to read love stories that feel believable, so real and genuine. i did not doubt achilles and patroclus' love for one second. it was so honest and pure while everything and everyone around them was constantly trying to break it apart.
i could keep rambling because i never want to shut up about this, but i guess i'll stop here. and i'll inevitably be back once i read this a second time and cry again.
i really thought this would be just another overhyped book, which lowered my expectations going into it. maybe that helped the overall experience but, then again, saying that would be a disservice to madeline miller's talent. i don't know what she laced this with, but it's GOOD. and the audiobook also deserves an honourable mention because it is truly *chef's kiss*.
the beginning of this is a little shaky. if i had to pinpoint the moment it started to grab my interest, i would say it's when our two main characters, patroclus and achilles meet, which of course makes sense, as this story is ultimately about them. i didn't mind the chapters before that, but they weren't exactly captivating me, although i'm sure i'll appreciate them more on a second read.
yes, i feel like i'm still processing everything but already i want to read it again. the ending absolutely destroyed me and this has now been added to the very short list of books that made me cry. i feel the need to say again that i really did not expect this. truth be told, i can't even really explain why this book made me feel the way it did. if i was asked why i'd recommend this, i truly wouldn't know how to respond other than saying "JUST READ IT, YOU'LL SEE".
ultimately, i think it comes down to the author's writing (also the fact that this is a DEBUT??), it just flows so beautifully and really makes you feel what the characters are feeling. even when i was angry at achilles, i couldn't help but still want the best for him — how could i not praise the author for making me feel that, when i know that's only because of how patroclus feels. it's so rare and beautiful that we get to understand someone's love for another person despite their ugly flaws, but this books does it. madeline miller masters the first person POV flawlessly, which is no easy feat in my opinion.
to add to that, it's unusual for me to read love stories that feel believable, so real and genuine. i did not doubt achilles and patroclus' love for one second. it was so honest and pure while everything and everyone around them was constantly trying to break it apart.
i could keep rambling because i never want to shut up about this, but i guess i'll stop here. and i'll inevitably be back once i read this a second time and cry again.