BOOK: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Link to the book on Amazon
One of my favorite reads of the past couple years is this gorgeous, romantic retelling of The Iliad. Familiarity with the basic story of the Trojan War is helpful but certainly not required to enjoy this story- it is a wonderful piece of historical/mythical fiction regardless of your knowledge. However, if you are familiar with the story, you will love the twists and re-imaginings that Miller brings to many of the classic scenes and characters.
The book is narrated by Patroclus, whose relationship with the great warrior, Achilles, (Lover? Best friend? Loyal servant?) is always interesting to ponder. Miller is unambiguous in her opinion: Achilles and Patroclus are in a loving, sexual relationship starting in the early years of their lives. Miller's Patroclus is easy to identify with- insecure, trying to find his place in the world- until he is thrown into the orbit of the charismatic Achilles, and their friendship dictates the path of his life. Achilles, who has never been a favorite character of mine, is so interesting through Patroclus's eyes- he sees all of his faults and loves him still- and the way their relationship changes and develops over the years is surprisingly real for a mythical story.
And the romance! Guh. The romance. Miller does not shy away from the epic scope of the story, including making the love between Patroclus and Achilles the passion of the gods.
One other element I truly admired was Miller's brilliant characterization of the women in the story, especially Briseis, the captured woman who causes the rift between Achilles and Agamemnon. She gives her voice, life, and agency rather than her traditional role as silent, bartered war prize. In fact, Miller has great insight into many of the (usually powerless) female characters: Thetis, Deidameia, Briseis. I have re-read The Iliad since reading The Song of Achilles, and I cannot help but fill in the female characters with Miller's vision for them.
So: sweeping romance, interesting women, beautiful writing, reclaiming of a male-dominated warrior text, and an easy and satisfying read from start to finish. What more can I say? Highly recommended!
Link to the book on Amazon
One of my favorite reads of the past couple years is this gorgeous, romantic retelling of The Iliad. Familiarity with the basic story of the Trojan War is helpful but certainly not required to enjoy this story- it is a wonderful piece of historical/mythical fiction regardless of your knowledge. However, if you are familiar with the story, you will love the twists and re-imaginings that Miller brings to many of the classic scenes and characters.
The book is narrated by Patroclus, whose relationship with the great warrior, Achilles, (Lover? Best friend? Loyal servant?) is always interesting to ponder. Miller is unambiguous in her opinion: Achilles and Patroclus are in a loving, sexual relationship starting in the early years of their lives. Miller's Patroclus is easy to identify with- insecure, trying to find his place in the world- until he is thrown into the orbit of the charismatic Achilles, and their friendship dictates the path of his life. Achilles, who has never been a favorite character of mine, is so interesting through Patroclus's eyes- he sees all of his faults and loves him still- and the way their relationship changes and develops over the years is surprisingly real for a mythical story.
And the romance! Guh. The romance. Miller does not shy away from the epic scope of the story, including making the love between Patroclus and Achilles the passion of the gods.
One other element I truly admired was Miller's brilliant characterization of the women in the story, especially Briseis, the captured woman who causes the rift between Achilles and Agamemnon. She gives her voice, life, and agency rather than her traditional role as silent, bartered war prize. In fact, Miller has great insight into many of the (usually powerless) female characters: Thetis, Deidameia, Briseis. I have re-read The Iliad since reading The Song of Achilles, and I cannot help but fill in the female characters with Miller's vision for them.
So: sweeping romance, interesting women, beautiful writing, reclaiming of a male-dominated warrior text, and an easy and satisfying read from start to finish. What more can I say? Highly recommended!