Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles follows the life and love story of Achilles and Patroclus, figureheads in Greek mythology surrounding the Trojan war. Written from Patroclus’s viewpoint, Miller showcases the bond between two individuals, who care for each other more than anything else in the world but are ultimately broken apart by the tragedy of war and their devotion to each other in just 369 pages. She also makes sure to keep true to the original Greek myth, introducing a reader to many Greek figures and heroes such as Odysseus, another hero who fought alongside Achilles and Patroclus against Troy.
Encapsulating such a large-scale story, which within the novel covers over 2 decades, that has been around for ages with bits and pieces, such as the Trojan horse, that are known by many is quite an impressive feat. This feat is one Madeline Miller pulls off with ease. Of course, due to the intricate story building in the earlier portions of the novel, it does take some time for the plot to actually progress, which is not ideal for some readers. The story does, however, all link back together in the end, making it worth the extra time, especially since it allows for a better understanding of the bond that our two main characters share. This novel is perfect for not only Greek history and mythology enjoyers who would like to have more media making use of the stories within it to consume, but also anyone who enjoys an equally sweet and tragic love story.
Review written by K. Price
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