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A review by cindy_f
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
5.0
Song of Achilles
I did not expect to adore this book as much as I did. I read Circe recently for a book club, so naturally I’d be interested in this book. My knowledge of Greek mythology is minimal but I felt there was an excellent section in this book that describes the major Gods, mortals and Godesses. Like Circe, Miller chose a minor character in mythology. This is a retelling of Homer’s Iliad told from the perspective of Patroclus.
Patroclus is an exiled Prince that Achilles takes on as his companion at the age of 13. They both train in the art of war from Chiron, a Centaur. During their training, they become lovers. It was nice to see the more gentle and humane side of Achilles.
We then get a narrative of the Trojan war that lasted 10 years. There is a great conflict between Achilles and the commander Agamemnon over a slave girl that Achilles tries to save, resulting in his refusal to fight against Troy. His stubbornness results in a wedge in his relationship with Petroclus, as well as the death of many men. The war itself has some graphic violence but told in an almost poetic way. Miller’s portrayal of the characters are quite noteworthy and so remarkable. I enjoyed the narration from Petroclus as he is a faithful and keen observer and I felt his perspective gave this epic love story a more compassionate tone.
I did not expect to adore this book as much as I did. I read Circe recently for a book club, so naturally I’d be interested in this book. My knowledge of Greek mythology is minimal but I felt there was an excellent section in this book that describes the major Gods, mortals and Godesses. Like Circe, Miller chose a minor character in mythology. This is a retelling of Homer’s Iliad told from the perspective of Patroclus.
Patroclus is an exiled Prince that Achilles takes on as his companion at the age of 13. They both train in the art of war from Chiron, a Centaur. During their training, they become lovers. It was nice to see the more gentle and humane side of Achilles.
We then get a narrative of the Trojan war that lasted 10 years. There is a great conflict between Achilles and the commander Agamemnon over a slave girl that Achilles tries to save, resulting in his refusal to fight against Troy. His stubbornness results in a wedge in his relationship with Petroclus, as well as the death of many men. The war itself has some graphic violence but told in an almost poetic way. Miller’s portrayal of the characters are quite noteworthy and so remarkable. I enjoyed the narration from Petroclus as he is a faithful and keen observer and I felt his perspective gave this epic love story a more compassionate tone.