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raerme 's review for:
The Song of Achilles
by Madeline Miller
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Fan fiction of The Iliad! Miller's passion for the source material is evident and her historical knowledge and poetic writing style can be very engaging! But to me, this book felt like a somewhat fetishized depiction of a gay relationship. This was probably my biggest gripe: the love story seems written more as an aesthetic than a genuine exploration of an emotional bond. I got the sense that Miller was looking at this relationship from the outside, and it almost came across as more of a personal fantasy than a nuanced portrayal.
Another element that fell flat for me was the high emotional response many readers report. I've seen so many reviews saying the ending left them shattered, yet despite being someone who cries easily over meaningful stories, I never felt that myself. The book certainly does carry a somber tone, but it's not something I would call heart-wrenching. Patroclus' passivity contributes to this. He seems to function only as a narrator rather than a dynamic figure in his own right, and that narrative distance dulls the emotional impact. In Homer's original, Patroclus was a formidable warrior in his own right, or at least notably competent. Here, the opportunity to deepen his role, like by showing off his medical skills or other talents, goes largely unrealized. It's difficult to understand why Achilles, this near-perfect demigod, singles him out as a companion when the text doesn't clearly illustrate what sets Patroclus apart from everyone else. We're told he's "surprising," but we never really see how.
Achilles himself feels more like an image of physical perfection than a layered personality. With Patroclus constantly describing Achilles' beauty, smell, or speed, there's very little insight into who he is beyond his quest for glory. Their relationship hinges on a devotion that I wasn't ever able to fully believe in, because the narrative never fleshed out why these two are so uniquely drawn to each other. Patroclus' self-critical perspective may be unreliable, but the story doesn't compensate in other ways by showing moments in which Achilles genuinely reveals deeper affection for him.
All that said, The Song of Achilles is overall a good novel! I enjoyed Miller's lyricism even when it occasionally veered into the pretentious (such as the phrase “moue of displeasure,” which feels on par with saying “a smile of happiness”). Admittedly, that's a minor nitpick and didn't truly detract from the overall experience of her writing. If you like mythology and writing that is graceful without being overly dense, I can see how you would enjoy this book. If you are looking for more depth or nuance, you might find the hype exceeds what's on the page.
Another element that fell flat for me was the high emotional response many readers report. I've seen so many reviews saying the ending left them shattered, yet despite being someone who cries easily over meaningful stories, I never felt that myself. The book certainly does carry a somber tone, but it's not something I would call heart-wrenching. Patroclus' passivity contributes to this. He seems to function only as a narrator rather than a dynamic figure in his own right, and that narrative distance dulls the emotional impact. In Homer's original, Patroclus was a formidable warrior in his own right, or at least notably competent. Here, the opportunity to deepen his role, like by showing off his medical skills or other talents, goes largely unrealized. It's difficult to understand why Achilles, this near-perfect demigod, singles him out as a companion when the text doesn't clearly illustrate what sets Patroclus apart from everyone else. We're told he's "surprising," but we never really see how.
Achilles himself feels more like an image of physical perfection than a layered personality. With Patroclus constantly describing Achilles' beauty, smell, or speed, there's very little insight into who he is beyond his quest for glory. Their relationship hinges on a devotion that I wasn't ever able to fully believe in, because the narrative never fleshed out why these two are so uniquely drawn to each other. Patroclus' self-critical perspective may be unreliable, but the story doesn't compensate in other ways by showing moments in which Achilles genuinely reveals deeper affection for him.
All that said, The Song of Achilles is overall a good novel! I enjoyed Miller's lyricism even when it occasionally veered into the pretentious (such as the phrase “moue of displeasure,” which feels on par with saying “a smile of happiness”). Admittedly, that's a minor nitpick and didn't truly detract from the overall experience of her writing. If you like mythology and writing that is graceful without being overly dense, I can see how you would enjoy this book. If you are looking for more depth or nuance, you might find the hype exceeds what's on the page.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Sexual content
Minor: Rape