Denille Ashley's Reviews > The Song of Achilles

Spoilers for anyone who hasn't read much on Greek mythology.

I loved this. It's a story that has been told, time and time again in the Iliad and relived in other stories - but this was the first time I read a version wherein Patroclus and Achilles actually had a relationship that went more than platonic.

Of course it is heavily implied in a lot of the retellings how Achilles loved Patroclus to a fault and avenged his death with Hector's. But nothing could have prepared me for the beautiful vulnerability in which both Patroclus and Achilles were cast in this one.

I liked who Achilles was in Patroclus' eyes. To be honest, I have never felt much for Achilles before I ever read this one or Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker. Pat Barker's version shows Achilles as a colorful and interesting character who has his own edge and stubborness. He takes Briseis for a lover since he wins her over as a prize. But here, Achilles is lovingly detailed by Madeline Miller's Patroclus, who sees him as an Achilles whom we could all love - from boyhood memories to Chiron's tutelage at Mount Pelion to the war that would claim both their lives. It is really Patroclus' love and admiration for Achilles that truly sells the beauty of this novel. My heart ached for them both and the novel got me shedding tears at both their deaths.

This one is truly a timeless and well written story. I finished it in less than 24 hours and I loved this as much as I loved Circe. Madeline Miller just has an astounding way of humanizing characters, even those whom are difficult to love, and make you see their side of the story and empathize with them too. Would recommend to any fan of Greek mythology, and for those who want to read a moving and heartbreaking rendition of Achilles' tale.