Book– The song of Achilles
Author – Madeline Miller
Details
Publisher: Bloomsbury India (10 April 2019); Bloomsbury India
Language: English
Paperback: 368 pages
ISBN-10: 938900022X
ISBN-13: 978-9389000221
Review
In The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, Achilles and Patroclus are two sons of kings who are brought together as boys. One of them, Patroclus, is an exile who is denied by his father. The other is destined to become the greatest warrior of his time and possibly of all time.
In this fascinating story, Miller slides us into a love story set on the stage of the Trojan War.
The Song of Achilles is a fascinating story about the Trojan War, a story of sorts of The Iliad. I didn’t love it the same way I loved other romance books, but it was well worth a read nonetheless since it’s a strong, well-written book.
In The Song of Achilles, Miller eschews dealing with the legend of Achilles and his unpopular heel (clarifying later that she didn’t find it overpowering or realistic). Instead, she draws from Homer’s Iliad in her depiction of this classic hero of the Trojan War.
The Song of Achilles is essentially a love story about two childhood friends, one of whom is anticipated to become the greatest warrior of his era. The love story between the two is sweet and affecting, serving as the emotional and narrative core of the book. I didn’t find this story to be tiered or influential, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Miller offers a quick transformation of Achilles the mythological legend into a character with a clear personality and human decline.
In Miller’s story, Achilles is an undoubtedly powerful warrior, good-natured and trusting, but also naïve and driven by his and his parents’ desire for fame, with a touch of egomaniacal mixed into his character as well. Meanwhile, Patroclus is softer-hearted, attentive and caring.
I am not a very big fan of mythology books but I thought I am going to love this book. This is going to become one of my favourite books of all time. Because everyone loved this book and it is all over Instagram and reels, it is a super hyped-up book and I have high expectations of this book. But I don’t like this book, maybe it is because of the genre. But I am sure people who love mythology are going to love this book or rather love this book.
Rating -★★★☆☆
Even though I didn’t fall in love with this book that much, I would still heartily recommend it to people who love mythological kinds of stories.
Some of my favourite quotes from this book
- if I had lied, I would still be a prince. It was not murder that had exiled me, it was my lack of cunning.
- Dear gods, I think, let him not hate me.
- My mind groped towards understanding. Achilles had not gone to Chiron. He had waited, here. For me.
- “Do not let what you gained this day be so easily lost.”
- I am made of memories.
I hope you like this review. Also, share your thoughts about this book.
much love
Romance Reader 
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