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A review by theodoralang
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was so good! Listened to the whole audiobook in 2 days.
Though I have read many retellings of the Iliad (and things of that general nature), I have never read one that delved so beautifully into the character of Patroclus. Other books basically just describe him as a whiny twink, but this could not be more different. It gave me a whole new perspective on the Iliad, and Greek mythology in general. I learned a ton, I cried, I thought about human nature, and chastised myself for not reading this sooner. Absolutely gripping book, a beautiful love story, and a fascinatingly fresh take on the Iliad. Miller also manages to paint the ending as sort of... happy? somehow? I'm impressed!
Though I have read many retellings of the Iliad (and things of that general nature), I have never read one that delved so beautifully into the character of Patroclus. Other books basically just describe him as a whiny twink, but this could not be more different. It gave me a whole new perspective on the Iliad, and Greek mythology in general. I learned a ton, I cried, I thought about human nature, and chastised myself for not reading this sooner. Absolutely gripping book, a beautiful love story, and a fascinatingly fresh take on the Iliad. Miller also manages to paint the ending as sort of... happy? somehow? I'm impressed!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Child death, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Grief, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Self harm, Slavery, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Cannibalism, Homophobia, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Suicide, and Transphobia