The Song of Achilles: A Novel (P.S.)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ When I was a teenage boy, grappling with the complexities of my own identity, I felt isolated and misunderstood. The world around me seemed to echo only one message—that being different was something to hide. But then I stumbled upon the story of Patroclus and Achilles, two legendary figures from ancient Greece whose bond transcended friendship. Their courage, loyalty, and deep affection for each other painted a picture of love that was both fierce and unapologetic. Learning about them was like finding a beacon in the dark. Their story didn’t just speak of heroics on the battlefield but of the profound connection they shared, a love that defied the expectations of their time. This realization planted a seed of hope within me. It showed me that love, in all its forms, has always existed and has been honored in history’s most epic tales. Patroclus and Achilles’ story saved me because it made me feel seen. It whispered that I wasn’t alone, that my feelings were not new or wrong—they were part of the same human tapestry that wove through time. Because of them, I found the strength to embrace who I was, to believe that my identity was not a burden but a part of my own story worth telling. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is an exquisite retelling of a timeless tale, breathing new life into the epic story from The Iliad. Miller's lyrical prose and deep character development transform the mythological narrative into an intimate, heartfelt journey. The love story between Achilles and Patroclus is depicted with such beauty and authenticity that it lingers long after the final page. This novel not only honors Homer’s classic but adds a profound emotional layer, making ancient history feel vivid and relatable. A truly unforgettable masterpiece that captivates both heart and mind.

The love between Achilles and Patroclus is one of the great classics of Greek literature. For gay men, it's a story we can look to as proof that there have always been men who loved other men, and they weren't always as reviled as we sometimes feel in modern society. It's no wonder that contemporary authors keep returning to the story to try and reinterpret it. "The Song of Achilles" gives us the story from Patroclus' point of view. We follow him from early childhood, when his aggressive father puts him forth as one of Helen's suitors at the age of nine, through the accidental killing of a noble boy which sends him into exile, where he meets Achilles. As the two boys grow into young men, love blooms, and Achilles remains devoted to Patroclus, despite the objections of his mother, the sea-nymph Thetis. Although Thetis is determined that Achilles fulfill his destiny as the greatest of all Greeks, when news of the war with Troy comes, she spirits her son away into hiding to keep him from going. Patroclus tracks him down, to find Achilles in drag and secretly married to a princess. Soon Odysseus also discovers where Achilles is hiding and the young man is finally convinced that he must join the battle to fulfill his destiny. While Patroclus has no desire to fight, he knows that his place is by Achilles' side, even though he knows that the hero is destined not to survive the war. The events of the battle of Troy unfold much as they are related in the Illiad, only now we see them through Patroclus' eyes. We see how Agamemnon's poor leadership and jealousy of Achilles' prowess leads them both down the path to conflict, which ultimately leads to the warrior's withdrawal from battle. In this key moment, we see how Achilles' own determination to meet his fate is forged. Unlike other modern interpretations of the Illiad, "The Song of Achilles" does not relegate the gods to abstract ideas, but rather makes them very real and an integral part of the story. The two young men spend several years in the wilderness with the centaur Chiron, and then of course there is Achilles' mother, Thetis. The goddess watches over Achilles and, being divine, she can see everything her son does. While the erotic content of this book is minimal, there's enough to strongly suggest that Achilles and Patroclus enjoy a physical relationship, formed when they were in the one place Thetis couldn't see them, when they were with Chiron. Imagine doing the nasty with your boyfriend knowing his mother could see you. No wonder Patroclus fears Thetis so much. Retelling a well known story can be no easy task. You can't very well change the tragic ending, or even the major events. The most you can really do is try to bring a fresh perspective to the tale. By giving us Patroclus' point of view, "The Song of Achilles" does achieve that, and it does it in a very readable style that doesn't attempt the poetic cadence of many Homeric translations. The portrayal of Patroclus as a less-than-heroic figure, at least until the very end, is a little different and personally something of a disappointment, but the contrast it creates with Achilles definitely adds to the story. The contrast between the shy, gentle Patroclus and the supremely self-confident warrior Achilles couldn't be greater. This is definitely a worthy addition to the collection of Achilles lore.

The Song of Achilles is an extraordinarily well-built and totally immersive journey into Ancient Greece. I was captivated by the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus—watching it evolve from a prickly, uncomfortable childhood connection into a flourishing, unbreakable bond. Madeline Miller’s writing makes you feel their romance deeply, yet it never feels like a "modern" romance; it is a profound, soul-deep knowing forged during their years under the centaur, Chiron. When they finally face the savage chaos of the Trojan War, their devotion remains the one steady thing in an upside-down world. Miller’s pacing is flawless and her prose is so clear and purposeful that my mind never once strayed. I truly couldn't put it down—housework and errands were completely forgotten! I finished the final page holding my breath. While I enjoyed Circe, this story reached my core in a way few books ever do. Highly recommended.

Achilles was the son of a mortal king, Peleus, and an immortal, cold and cruel goddess, Thetis. He was born for glory and trained as such. Every inch a Prince, he was the most skilled warrior, the most irresistible youth and impeccable in his demeanor. He met Patroclaus by chance when the latter was exiled to the kingdom of Peleus for committing a shameful crime. He was an awkward, fumbling teenager, the exact opposite of Achilles. The two develop an unflinching bond of friendship, much to the surprise of everyone and displeasure and chagrin of Peleus and, particularly, Thetis. However, they were trained by the Centaur, Chiron - Achilles to be an unconquerable soldier and Patroclaus to be dexterous in the art of medicine. Their relationship is fleshed out from the age of 12 until the end of this tragic story. However, they move beyond tragedy as they unite in the afterlife. The book reads like a verse rather than prose. The narrative is descriptive, sensual, lyrical, captivating and, at times, haunting. I found it hard to shut down my Kindle every time I had to pause my reading. In fact, the portrayal painted a vivid picture in my imagination as if the scenes were taking place before my very eyes! Anyone with the love for Greek mythology will love this book to the core. It's a must have for every personal library!

"This feeling was different. I found myself grinning until my cheeks hurt, my scalp prickling till I thought it might lift off my head. My tongue ran away from me, giddy with freedom. This and this and this, I said to him. I did not have to fear that I spoke too much. I did not have to worry that I was too slender or too slow. This and this and this! I taught him how to skip stones, and he taught me how to carve wood. I could feel every nerve in my body, every brush of air against my skin." Do you remember that feeling of being in love? How you can be in a room full of others and just know, without even turning to see, that he has entered. You can feel his gaze at it lands upon you across that crowded space. Or the warmth that spreads slowly from within, and builds gradually but surely in intensity, until your entire being is aflame, lit it would seem by the merest whisper of his skin upon your arm. His hand perhaps as it grazes your elbow or his scent as he leans in to speak to those around you. How your body reacts independent of intention, turning toward him, unfurling as a flower does for the sun. In short The Song of Achilles is a modern retelling of The Iliad. Miller tells this tale from the perspective of Patroclus, son of Menoetius. Patroclus at the tender age of ten is exiled from his father’s kingdom for accidently killing the son of a nobleman and is fostered out to King Pelius of Phthia. It is there that he meets Pelius’s golden haired son, the prince Achilles. Soon thereafter Achilles chooses Patroclus as his companion and they become fast friends spending their childhood growing and basking in each others company. Achilles mother, the sea-nymph Thetus, however, does not like Patroclus, feeling he is unworthy of being the friend of a future god. To separate the two after having seen them in an intimate embrace, Thetis sends her son away to be taught further by Chiron, the centaur on Mount Pelion. But unable to cope with the loss of his best friend, Patroclus soon follows, joining Achilles on Mount Pelion where they spend many idyllic seasons together, as their friendship blossoms into something more, being taught about war, medicine and survival by Chiron. But this too will pass as all good things must. Achilles is summoned back to Phthia where he learns that war is imminent against Troy. Oh my goodness this book is so beautiful, so tender, yet strong and passionate. It has me all a tingle, quivering in recollection of the words read, anxious to start all over and experience those feelings anew, read those glorious words once again. Yes it is about war and death, gore and blood, lust and gods and betrayal. There is rape and plunder, hubris and humility, but at its heart, this is a love story and Miller tells it to us in words that leave me breathless, my knees shaking, thirsting for more. Just listen……… “I will go,” he said. “I will go to Troy.” The rosy gleam of his lip, the fevered green of his eyes. There was not a line anywhere on his face, nothing creased or graying; all crisp. He was spring, golden and bright. Envious death would drink his blood, and grow young again. He was watching me, his eyes as deep as earth. “Will you come with me?” he asked. The never-ending ache of love and sorrow. Perhaps in some other life I could have refused, could have torn my hair and screamed, and made him face his choice alone. But not in this one. He would sail to Troy and I would follow, even into death. “Yes,” I whipsered. “Yes.” Relief broke in his face, and he reached for me. I let him hold me, let him press us length to length so close that nothing might fit between us. Tears came, and fell. Above us, the constellations spun and the moon paced her weary course. We lay stricken and sleepless as the hours passed.” Please read it. Five furiously quivering, phenomenal stars!!!!!

The book is in perfect condition, I am very happy

The beginning is good but towards the middle it’s pretty slow and you might wonder if it’ll live up to the hype but once you enter the ending it’s just so intense and emotional and it’s an experience! I loved it!