A review by williamc
Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Simply put: a beautiful novel. Miller chronicles a tentative love between Patroclus and Achilles that turns into the profound expression of grief we know from The Iliad. As with her Circe, Miller makes of mythology more an emotional truth than historic speculation, centering her works as introductions to the ancient world that feel alive and passionate, full of human potential and the pettiness of gods. You won't see the classics in the same way after reading this. And you won't want to.