THE SONG OF ACHILLES

by Madeline Miller

I always feel funny reviewing a book long after it was popular but somehow I missed reading it until now. But I decided I needed to review The Song of Achilles in case any of you, like me, sometimes take a decade to read an award-winning book. I read Miller’s second book, Circe, much closer to its release and loved it, so I don’t know why I delayed so long reading The Song of Achilles. But I’m so glad I finally read it.

Like Circe, Song is set in Ancient Greece and imagines the personal and often magical details of a classic Greek myth. The novel begins with a young boy named Patroclus, a minor prince and a major disappointment in the son department. After accidentally killing an older boy who was bullying him, Patroclus is banished to the court of Peleus, father of not-yet-famous, teenaged Achilles. And somehow, despite, or perhaps because of, Patroclus’ unassuming looks and talents, Achilles not only befriends him, but names him his Therapon, or closest companion and confidant. As they grow together, so do their feelings for each other and eventually they are able to reveal and even enjoy their love for each other.

Miller masterfully creates intensely personal stories set in an accurate, detailed historical background. Throughout the story, the reader meets all the ancient Greeks she might expect from Agamemnon and Helen to Odysseus and even Apollo. The gods make frequent appearances, interventions and prophesies, and Miller has her own take on why the Trojan war might have unfolded as it did. So, whether you are a lover of Greek mythology or are looking for a beautiful comming-of-age romance laced with tragedy, read The Song of Achilles before another decade passes. (Lily)