The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Published by Bloomsbury on September 20 2011 (this edition is 2017)
Pages: 352
Genre/s: Historical Fiction, Romance, Mythology, LGBT
Buy on: Amazon, Waterstones, Barnes and Noble
Goodreads
'Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court
of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their differences,
the boys develop a tender friendship, a bond which blossoms into
something deeper as they grow into young men.
But, when Helen of Sparta is kidnapped, Achilles is dispatched
to Troy to fulfil his destiny.Torn between love and fear for his friend
Patroclus follows, little knowing that the years that follow will
test everything they hold dear.'
The Song of Achilles tells the story of 'the best warrior of all the Greeks' through the perspective of Patroclus, perhaps Achilles closest and dearest companion.
Whilst much has been speculated regarding Achilles and Patroclus' relationship, Miller's narrative steers into the romantic realm. The story is very much Patroclus singing his praises for Achilles and presenting the challenges their relationship faced, along with how it developed over their years together. Love is a key theme within the narrative of Miller's novel. It is thoroughly explored through Achilles and Patroclus, from their days as boys who strike up a friendship, to their years as lovers.
The concept of love is challenged often in the narrative, particularly through the character of Thetis, Achilles' Goddess mother who makes no effort to hide her disapproval and hatred of Patroclus, a mere mortal who she will never consider to be worthy of her son's heart and time. Love is also challenged through the treatment of women within the novel. Of course Miller is simply picking up on the way women would have been treated within this ancient period, and presents them as nothing more than child bearers and trophies for the men to compete over. With the way Patroclus' father treats his mother, the bitterness between Thetis and King Peleus and the complete disrespect of women from most men in the narrative, there is no concept of love explored within the narrative, other than that of Achilles and Patroclus.
The concept of love is challenged often in the narrative, particularly through the character of Thetis, Achilles' Goddess mother who makes no effort to hide her disapproval and hatred of Patroclus, a mere mortal who she will never consider to be worthy of her son's heart and time. Love is also challenged through the treatment of women within the novel. Of course Miller is simply picking up on the way women would have been treated within this ancient period, and presents them as nothing more than child bearers and trophies for the men to compete over. With the way Patroclus' father treats his mother, the bitterness between Thetis and King Peleus and the complete disrespect of women from most men in the narrative, there is no concept of love explored within the narrative, other than that of Achilles and Patroclus.
Though Patroclus is highborn, he is exiled to King Peleus' court after accidentally killing another boy. With the knowledge and experience of a childhood plagued by a father who was dissappointed to have him as a son, and a mother considered a simpleton by others, Patroclus has never had a sense of worthiness. This shifts when Prince Achilles, a half mortal, half God, strikes a friendship with him. Patroclus is unsure as to why Achilles appears to have an interest in him, but there is no denying that they were meant for each other. They look out for one another and even in the face of Thetis, Achilles refuses to give up on Patroclus.
The story of the Trojan War has been retold countless times. From screen and stage to other works of fiction. However, Miller has taken one of the greatest ancient stories and spun a modern web around it. I could easily see The Song of Achilles being transferred to film or TV for a YA audience. Her refreshing take on the story is achieved well, and is most likely drawn from her background in teaching classics. What's more, Miller's writing is poetic and lyrical, and truly compliments the title of the novel. Her descriptions of such intense scenes, particularly those of war and Achilles and Patroclus' tender moments, are handled with such great detail and attention. She does not skim over the smallest of details, nor does she make this a tale all about the Trojan War. In fact, if I were to have one complaint about this book, it would be that the time of the Greeks at war is quite stretched out and slow paced. At times where I would have expected more action and battle, Miller is still picking up on Patroclus and his experience within the camp (though, this is his narrative and thus, this does make sense).
Overall, The Song of Achilles is a book I had not heard of, but am glad I had the chance to read. It has reignited my interest in Greek tales and I am definitely seeking more books which are similar to this. I would like to thank my French friends, Ams and CE, for sending me this book and opening me up to Miller's writing.
Rating: 4.5/5
The story of the Trojan War has been retold countless times. From screen and stage to other works of fiction. However, Miller has taken one of the greatest ancient stories and spun a modern web around it. I could easily see The Song of Achilles being transferred to film or TV for a YA audience. Her refreshing take on the story is achieved well, and is most likely drawn from her background in teaching classics. What's more, Miller's writing is poetic and lyrical, and truly compliments the title of the novel. Her descriptions of such intense scenes, particularly those of war and Achilles and Patroclus' tender moments, are handled with such great detail and attention. She does not skim over the smallest of details, nor does she make this a tale all about the Trojan War. In fact, if I were to have one complaint about this book, it would be that the time of the Greeks at war is quite stretched out and slow paced. At times where I would have expected more action and battle, Miller is still picking up on Patroclus and his experience within the camp (though, this is his narrative and thus, this does make sense).
Overall, The Song of Achilles is a book I had not heard of, but am glad I had the chance to read. It has reignited my interest in Greek tales and I am definitely seeking more books which are similar to this. I would like to thank my French friends, Ams and CE, for sending me this book and opening me up to Miller's writing.
Rating: 4.5/5
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