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A review by emzseiler
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I went into this book blind other than “it’s about Achilles”. I am also undereducated in Greek mythology, so I had no knowing of what would come next.
The first 150 pages I was intrigued but unsure what was coming. It started to lose me for about 30 pages, and then I was obsessed and horrified and a slew of other emotions.
This was a beautiful story of love, honor, and greed. How far will you go for the people you love? What about the love for yourself and the future foretold?
I think the criticism really lies in the romantic relationship, since it felt like once they became intimate their relationship never progressed from there. To that I argue that it was kind of the whole point; he was a prince born of a goddess and had a confidence to match. Idealizing an idol seems pretty correct for someone who plans to do whatever it takes to honor his legacy and infamy.
It wasn’t about Patroclus and Achilles, it was about demonstrating the downfall of Achilles ability to feel for others. He went from experiencing horror at the death of his “bride” to ruthless murders for a war that lasted over a decade. If anything, I would argue more of the book should have been spent on that.
The first 150 pages I was intrigued but unsure what was coming. It started to lose me for about 30 pages, and then I was obsessed and horrified and a slew of other emotions.
This was a beautiful story of love, honor, and greed. How far will you go for the people you love? What about the love for yourself and the future foretold?
I think the criticism really lies in the romantic relationship, since it felt like once they became intimate their relationship never progressed from there. To that I argue that it was kind of the whole point; he was a prince born of a goddess and had a confidence to match. Idealizing an idol seems pretty correct for someone who plans to do whatever it takes to honor his legacy and infamy.
It wasn’t about Patroclus and Achilles, it was about demonstrating the downfall of Achilles ability to feel for others. He went from experiencing horror at the death of his “bride” to ruthless murders for a war that lasted over a decade. If anything, I would argue more of the book should have been spent on that.