The Song of Achilles was written by Madeline Miller and published in 2011.
Madeline Miller's The Song of Achilles is a modern take on Homer's classic, The Illiad. In Miller's story, told from Partoclus' perspective, these mythical characters take on a new life.
Patroclus's deep and innocent love for Achilles was beautiful to watch unfold. Not only does this story share what it means to care for and adore someone wholeheartedly, it shares a story of true and complete loyalty.
The development of the characters in this book is superb. Achilles' character feels golden throughout the whole book. Miller paints the picture that he can do no wrong, and therefore he is worth all the suffering that Patroclus endures. We understand Partoclus' feelings and admiration for Achilles due to his past and we feel for Patroclus even when we know that he is not worthy of those feelings.
This story isn't new, yet Miller makes it exciting to keep reading, and feeling. If you know the Illiad, you know what's going to happen, but you still want to know what's going on inside the minds of the characters. Rest assured, although you may remember this story from a high school English class, you certainly have not heard it told like this.
Told from the lesser-known perspective of Patroclus, this story shares with us the beauty that comes with companionship, right along with the pain. Love, honor, and destruction. Each element is beautifully woven into the story over the lives of the characters with whom you experience a coming of age and the rise and fall of greatness.
If you want to experience beautiful prose, detailed imagery, and emotional love - this is the story for you! 7/10
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