Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Song of Achilles: Madeline Miller

     The Song of Achilles written by Madeline Miller is a heartbreakingly beautiful rendition of The Iliad by Homer. The story is from the point of view of Patroclus, a young, awkward prince who is exiled from his kingdom after accidentally killing one of his peers for teasing him. He is exiled to Phitia, a large and flourishing kingdom ruled by Peleus, a well-regarded warrior who fought alongside some of Greece's most famous. His son Achilles, however, is fated to be even better than his father. Son of the sea nymph Thetis, Achilles is foretold to be the greatest fighter Greece has ever known. So talented that his mother goes to great lengths to keep him and his abilities well guarded. 

 Upon first meeting when they are 12, Patroclus has a deep hatred for him, mostly rooted in jealousy. But as time goes on he and Achilles grow closer, and he is even chosen as Achilles' Therapon, a prince's companion sworn by blood-oaths and love. Patroclus lives beyond this title, and follows Achilles wherever he goes, to Pelion to train with Chiron, to Scyros to track him down despite his mothers' refutes, and even to the Trojan War, because as Patroclus says, "....I would follow, even into death." Throughout these years together they fall in love, forming a bond most only dream of. A bond so strong even the will of gods cannot separate them. 

   However, as the Trojan War rages on the fates test the pair like never before, and they discover perhaps the most dangerous thing is to love. 

Review: 

I had first heard of this book after seeing it plastered all over social media, people left and right calling it one of the best ( and saddest)  books they had ever read. So, of course, I had to give it a try. 

I had my apprehensions at first, but I was instantly proved wrong. The writing is beautiful and heartfelt, and beyond impressive for a debut novel. Madeline was perfectly able to weave the original Iliad into this adaptation, staying true to the source material while simultaneously diving deeper into the character's thoughts and motivations, and adding her own twists. The relationship between Achilles and Patroclus is near to perfection, it never feels rushed and develops at a natural pace which helps you to really become attached to them, and understand their affection for each other. The ending is truly tragic, making this one of the only books to ever make me actually cry, so if you're looking for a light-hearted romance this is probably not the book for you. All in all, I would give this book 5/5 stars and would highly recommend it to anyone interested. 

• Maryalice K.