Title: The Song of Achilles

Author: Madeline Miller

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Harper Collins

Format: Hardcover      

Pages: 378

Rating: 4/5 stars

Warming: Mature content. Contains violence and sex. Parents please be advised*

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their difference, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms into something deeper – despite the displeasure of Achilles’ mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess.

But when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Achilles must go to war in distant Troy and fulfill his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus goes with him, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.

Review:

I was really excited for this book! I read the Iliad a while ago and loved it. I enjoy reading stories that are centred around Greek myths and the characters from the Greek heroic epics.

The Song of Achilles focuses on two main characters from the Iliad: Achilles and Patroclus. There has been a lot of debate over the relationship between the two, and Miller did a beautiful job of showcasing a strong and loving relationship between the two. I thought they were cousins in the book? Or maybe I am confusing the epic with the movie Troy?? Either way, they are not cousins in this book.

They go off to Troy to fight in the Great Trojan War. Achilles goes to win fame and glory, and Patroclus goes for Achilles. The story is beautiful and sad, and you will be grabbing for the tissues! I knew what would happen, and I was still sad!

One thing that kinda bugged me was the switching between first and second tense. Now I understand that there was a reason for this switch, but it still kinda bugged me!

But that was the only thing I didn’t like! Other than that, I highly recommend this work of historical fiction!

Happy reading!