A review by spootilious
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

adventurous dark emotional inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.5

 

3.5 stars 

I am not afraid to admit that I struggled with the book. I dove headfirst into the novel at the beginning of July, eager for LGBTQ+ Representation mixed with Greek mythos. Almost immediately I was disappointed. 

The writing was stunning, with beautiful imagery and wonderful dialog. Miller is a master of her craft to be sure. However, the solemn tone of the story had me dragging my feet and a slower pace attached to it made the book for more tedious than enjoyable. 

By the end of July I had barely made it to the half-way point and the book was due back to the library so I returned it and picked up one to the new releases I had also been excited for (The Hidden Palace by Helene Wecker). 

Today (September 1st) I hesitantly picked the novel back up and was in no way, form or fashion, disappointed. 

The second half of the book is what really makes it! Filled with action, romance, bromance, prophecy, heartbreak and everything in between I devoured it! While the ‘twists’ of the prophecies are a bit on the nose Miller makes up for it in her raw display of the main characters emotions. 

It has been a very long time since I have read someone who can describe the complexity of the human condition like Miller can. She doesn’t just pull her readers into her world she drowns them and by the time they come up for air they are already addicted. 

The way she describes battles and atrocities is just as jarring and moving. 

 And the ending…. 

Well, I will not provide spoilers and while we all know how the classic tale ends I don’t think anyone is ever prepared for the beautiful scene Miller provides for us. 

While this novel does not knock my favorite book from its pedestal, it certainly contains the best ending I have ever read and certainly will not be forgotten in the foreseeable future.