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A review by ashureads
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
** spoiler alert ** I can't believe I haven't posted a review for my FAVOURITE BOOK EVER!!! please please please go read it if u haven't 🙏 gods I love this book with my whole being
The Song of Achilles is a retelling of Homers Iliad about Achilles a son of a goddess and his "companion" patroclus. The main themes for me where honour, pride, arrogance and fate. As achilles death was predicted in a prophecy. The story follows a wonderful first person narration (patroclus' point of view) the language was poetic yet understandable. It was simple yet beautiful to read. I enjoyed most of the character's such as Patroclus, Achilles, Chiron ect. I liked the contrast of Patroclus' maturity and Achilles' arrogance lead by his pride. Although I got annoyed at Achilles at some points because he was too obsessed over his reputation. I think the book really picked up when the war begun. I felt like Patroclus character developed a lot over that time period, from someone fearful of killing to not being phased by it. But what really stood out to me was the emotions it made me feel. Sometimes when I read a book I'll have short bursts of emotions. however, towards the end of this book I was crying my eyes out. I was so upset and angry it actually gave me a headache 😂. Although i struggled with the names of some people i managed to remember the important ones so it still remains 5/5. It had me hooked right up until the end. Although it was a happy end I can't help but still feel extremely sad. I'm generally tearing up writing this. I loved Achilles and Patroclus' relationship so much. It wasn't the main focus however it was still something that was definetly made aware of. And this romantic relationship between the two just made me cry even more towards the end. Every time Achilles would sit with Patroclus' body I'd just cry for 20 minutes straight. Never mind Romeo and Juliet this is the best romantic tragedy ever and no one can change my mind. Overall I think this will be one of my favourite books ever, even though I'll never reread it (I can't handle the pain). I think the writing was gorgeous the character development was great too. Just the whole story is something I don't think I'll ever forget. Now I'll go and think of an alternative Universe where Achilles and Patroclus are living happy...
The Song of Achilles is a retelling of Homers Iliad about Achilles a son of a goddess and his "companion" patroclus. The main themes for me where honour, pride, arrogance and fate. As achilles death was predicted in a prophecy. The story follows a wonderful first person narration (patroclus' point of view) the language was poetic yet understandable. It was simple yet beautiful to read. I enjoyed most of the character's such as Patroclus, Achilles, Chiron ect. I liked the contrast of Patroclus' maturity and Achilles' arrogance lead by his pride. Although I got annoyed at Achilles at some points because he was too obsessed over his reputation. I think the book really picked up when the war begun. I felt like Patroclus character developed a lot over that time period, from someone fearful of killing to not being phased by it. But what really stood out to me was the emotions it made me feel. Sometimes when I read a book I'll have short bursts of emotions. however, towards the end of this book I was crying my eyes out. I was so upset and angry it actually gave me a headache 😂. Although i struggled with the names of some people i managed to remember the important ones so it still remains 5/5. It had me hooked right up until the end. Although it was a happy end I can't help but still feel extremely sad. I'm generally tearing up writing this. I loved Achilles and Patroclus' relationship so much. It wasn't the main focus however it was still something that was definetly made aware of. And this romantic relationship between the two just made me cry even more towards the end. Every time Achilles would sit with Patroclus' body I'd just cry for 20 minutes straight. Never mind Romeo and Juliet this is the best romantic tragedy ever and no one can change my mind. Overall I think this will be one of my favourite books ever, even though I'll never reread it (I can't handle the pain). I think the writing was gorgeous the character development was great too. Just the whole story is something I don't think I'll ever forget. Now I'll go and think of an alternative Universe where Achilles and Patroclus are living happy...