The Song of Achilles
Author:
Madeline Miller
Review by Mel on 2024-01-02
A beautifully written and deeply emotional retelling of The Iliad, The Song of Achilles reimagines the love story between Achilles and Patroclus.
Told from Patroclus’ perspective, the novel follows their journey from childhood friends to lovers, leading up to the infamous Trojan War. Miller’s prose is poetic and immersive, capturing the intensity of their bond and the weight of Achilles’ destiny.
While the romance is undeniably touching, Patroclus occasionally comes across as overly dependent on Achilles, making their relationship feel imbalanced at times. However, the novel’s ending is both powerful and heartbreaking, cementing its place as a modern classic in LGBTQ+ historical fiction.
For fans of Greek mythology, tragic love stories, and lyrical writing, The Song of Achilles is a must-read.