The Song of Achilles - Book Review
Madeline Miller’s bestselling novel, The Song of Achilles is the epitome of historical fiction. And even though it has that damning staple of the young adult novel plastered onto its reputation, it certainly rises above and beyond expected expectations.
“The Song of Achilles… rises above and beyond expected expectations.”
The picture shown is the special edition link to purchase from Book Depository.
‘The Song of Achilles’ is an LGBTQ+ historical fiction novel set in ancient Greece. It retells the myth of Achilles and, with it, the tale of the Trojan War, in a way interesting and accessible to modern-day readers (‘The Odyssey’ - a behemoth of a novel written by Homer over 3000 years ago - is a bit overwhelming, after all). Told in first person from the perspective of Patroclus, ‘The Song of Achilles’ is a heart-wrenching romance novel that - although it ends in tragedy - leaves you feeling fulfilled.
As previously mentioned, this novel is based on the myth of Achilles. That means it largely follows that plot. However, I can confidently say that most middle school readers haven’t read The Odyssey (myself included) and thus don’t know precisely what that means.
The book begins with Patroclus describing his mother and father and how their marriage and his birth came to happen. As all other elements in this novel, the imagery is beautifully described, and the slight air of melancholy somehow embedded in the writing matches Patroclus’ expressed feelings on the matter. The author then describes his rather difficult childhood, the turbulent relationship with his father, and then the eventual accident that causes him to be sent to the land that Achilles’ father rules, Phthia. When Patroclus initially meets Achilles, he is jealous of the golden-boy aura that the latter exudes. However, as the two boys get to know each other better, they quickly become close friends and, eventually, lovers.
This novel hints at how people differing from the norm are mistreated, and although it is set in Ancient Greece, the standards translate, which makes it so brilliant.
Madeline Miller writes with a passion clearly seen in the pages of her books. The way her novel flows, the way the story makes your heart beat faster with every word, is extraordinary. She deserves every bit of praise this book receives. The idea and the delivery are perfect. Plus, the tenth-anniversary edition is visually stunning (and not extraordinarily expensive).
Thus, I cannot give this book a rating of anything other than 5 out of 5. The storytelling is beautiful, the messages presented ever so elegantly are highly relevant to teenagers of this generation, and the fact that it’s not only historical fiction but contains gay representation too is fantastic.
‘The Song of Achilles’ is a must-read for anyone who enjoys romance, LGBTQ+ fiction, and ancient Greek mythology.
