Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their differences, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms into something deeper - despite the displeasure of Achilles's mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess. But when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Achilles must go to war in distant Troy and fulfill his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus goes with him, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.
The Song of Achilles
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A captivating retelling of the Iliad and events leading up to it through the point of view of Patroclus: it's a hard book to put down, and any classicist will be enthralled by her characterisation of the goddess Thetis, which carries the true savagery and chill of antiquity (Donna Tartt The Times Christmas Books)
I loved it (J.K. Rowling)
Mary Renault lives again! A ravishingly vivid and convincing version of one of the most legendary of love stories (Emma Donoghue, author of number one bestseller, Room)
Original, clever, and in a class of its own ... an incredibly compelling and seductive read (Independent on Sunday)
A remarkably fresh take on one of the most familiar narratives in western literature (The Times)
Extraordinary ... Beautifully descriptive and heart-achingly lyrical, this is a love story as sensitive and intuitive as any you will find (Daily Mail)
Sexy, dangerous, mystical (Bettany Hughes)
If I were to give a prize for the best work of fiction I've read this year, this would be the runaway winner. As a first novel, it heralds the arrival of a major new talent (A.N. Wilson, Reader's Digest)
Inventive, passionate, uplifting and different. It will appeal to all ages. It's a book which despite some of the stiffest competition in the modern world is a truly worthy winner (Joanna Trollope, chair of the judges for the Orange Prize for Fiction 2012)
I loved it (J.K. Rowling)
Mary Renault lives again! A ravishingly vivid and convincing version of one of the most legendary of love stories (Emma Donoghue, author of number one bestseller, Room)
Original, clever, and in a class of its own ... an incredibly compelling and seductive read (Independent on Sunday)
A remarkably fresh take on one of the most familiar narratives in western literature (The Times)
Extraordinary ... Beautifully descriptive and heart-achingly lyrical, this is a love story as sensitive and intuitive as any you will find (Daily Mail)
Sexy, dangerous, mystical (Bettany Hughes)
If I were to give a prize for the best work of fiction I've read this year, this would be the runaway winner. As a first novel, it heralds the arrival of a major new talent (A.N. Wilson, Reader's Digest)
Inventive, passionate, uplifting and different. It will appeal to all ages. It's a book which despite some of the stiffest competition in the modern world is a truly worthy winner (Joanna Trollope, chair of the judges for the Orange Prize for Fiction 2012)
Book Description
A breathtakingly original rendering of the Trojan War
Winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction 2012
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
136 of 150 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
This book is very well-written and very involving in places but I did have my reservations about it. Patroclus's narrative voice is believable and gives a convincing account of his childhood misfortunes, the events which lead up to the Trojan War and the War itself. I like the depictions of characters like Odysseus and Agamemnon very much, place and mood are very well evoked, and there are some exciting and very interesting episodes.
Madeline Miller is very keen to portray the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles as one of deep, enduring love, both spiritual and sexual. Whether or not this is justified by the source texts is arguable, but it is a noble aim. However, what we actually get is long, long periods where Patroclus moons around after Achilles like a love-sick puppy, to the point that I felt that the author herself was the one in love with Achilles and wasn't going to miss an opportunity to write a beautifully constructed sentence about his muscles, his hair, the curve of his chin or the soles of his feet (which seem to hold an endless fascination for her) and so on, which I eventually found almost unendurably tedious in places.
There were sufficient good things about this book to make a three-star rating seem very churlish, but it's only just four stars for me. Many other reviewers here have obviously enjoyed it very much, but I can only give it a qualified recommendation.
Madeline Miller is very keen to portray the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles as one of deep, enduring love, both spiritual and sexual. Whether or not this is justified by the source texts is arguable, but it is a noble aim. However, what we actually get is long, long periods where Patroclus moons around after Achilles like a love-sick puppy, to the point that I felt that the author herself was the one in love with Achilles and wasn't going to miss an opportunity to write a beautifully constructed sentence about his muscles, his hair, the curve of his chin or the soles of his feet (which seem to hold an endless fascination for her) and so on, which I eventually found almost unendurably tedious in places.
There were sufficient good things about this book to make a three-star rating seem very churlish, but it's only just four stars for me. Many other reviewers here have obviously enjoyed it very much, but I can only give it a qualified recommendation.
91 of 104 people found the following review helpful
By Hiraethus o Gymru
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
The Song of Achilles is the first novel (hopefully of many more) by a very talented author, Madeleine Miller. Anyone who has read The King Must Die and The Bull From The Sea by the legendary Mary Renault will lock in immediately to the style of this narrative. Achilles is brought to life from his childhood to his exploits at Troy, but this version of his life is told from the view of Patroclus, his friend, companion and lover. The love aspect of the relationship is handled sensitively and in a manner that will not offend the most sensitive of readers and the action scenes and characters of the heroes, both Greek and Trojan, are well addressed. Once started, I found it difficult to put this book down, and was reluctant to close it at the end. A very different approach to Homer's immortal story has hopefully launched a new literary star into ascendancy and I look forward to more of this lady's work in the near future.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Part of this book is spellbinding and the whole is entertaining and good value. Having read the Iliad in translation a long time ago, I recall Achilles as some sort of spoilt teenager, his heroic exploits tangled in complex sub-plots and poetic complexity. Madeline Miller retells the story from the vantage point of his closest companion Patrocles and imagines the Greeks and Trojans as real people. The characters who are centaurs and Gods are dealt with plainly and the story of one boy's brilliant potential and the tricks of the gods moves forward at a good pace. For me, the pages come alive when Odysseus is centre stage, and the gritty realism of the siege of Troy is engaging. A brilliant holiday read. Recommended to anyone with an interest in Greek myth. PS If you enjoyed watching Troy with Brad Pitt, this is probably not the book for you but it will do you good to read it!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By lilysmum
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I read this book because I saw it had won the Orange Prize and because I remember studying the Iliad and the Aeniad at university. I was intrigued by the blurb which hinted at the love story of Achilles and Patroclus, who is a fairly minor character in the original poem.
Patroclus is a bit of a weak and weedy youth who makes a serious error when he pushes a boy who is trying to take his dice off him. The attacker falls and cracks his head on a rock and dies. Patroclus is horrified; he did not intend for him to die. He is sent away as a foster child and this is where he meets Achilles. The love story begins in a very subtle way and it is very well written. Patroclus is spell bound by Achilles and though Miller's writing style is spare and simple, it is also very powerful. Language is used sparingly and beautifully.
I was engrossed in the story of Patroclus' love for Achilles and my attention did wander a little when the battles began in the second half of the novel. Though the battle scenes are equally well written, they just didn't hold my interest in the same way as the start of the novel. Without giving away the ending, I was a little disappointed by how Miller dealt with the last few pages of the story.
In a similar way to Wolf Hall, this is a book that makes a very old story sound fresh and new. It's a love story and an adventure story told in a vibrant way.
Patroclus is a bit of a weak and weedy youth who makes a serious error when he pushes a boy who is trying to take his dice off him. The attacker falls and cracks his head on a rock and dies. Patroclus is horrified; he did not intend for him to die. He is sent away as a foster child and this is where he meets Achilles. The love story begins in a very subtle way and it is very well written. Patroclus is spell bound by Achilles and though Miller's writing style is spare and simple, it is also very powerful. Language is used sparingly and beautifully.
I was engrossed in the story of Patroclus' love for Achilles and my attention did wander a little when the battles began in the second half of the novel. Though the battle scenes are equally well written, they just didn't hold my interest in the same way as the start of the novel. Without giving away the ending, I was a little disappointed by how Miller dealt with the last few pages of the story.
In a similar way to Wolf Hall, this is a book that makes a very old story sound fresh and new. It's a love story and an adventure story told in a vibrant way.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am a teenage girl who absolutely fell for the poetic prose of Madeline Miller. It had me crying at the end. I must say the first half of the book, when the pair are children, was far more enjoyable than the second for me - it is written so simply but so beautifully, and I found it utterly compelling and gentle. Yes, there is recurring adoration from Patroclus - but that's the point. it wouldn't work otherwise. I would thoroughly recommend this book. wonderful!
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By BlueAngelCV
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Review: I should probably start by saying that my knowledge of Ancient Greece is minimal and that I only have the most basic knowledge of the story so any changes which may have upset other readers have probably gone right over my head.
I really enjoyed the book and the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus although (and this is the problem when dealing with established and/or true stories) I would have liked more resolution.
I thought that the writing was good, although my personal preference is for less description of the scenery and more concentration on the characters and emotions, and the story and characters kept me involved.
I also think that it's about time that there were more gay relationships in "mainstream" literature. This was a really sweet love story where the main characters just happened to be gay, the book wasn't about them being gay, that was incidental to the story (in my opinion).
All in all the book didn't light my world on fire but it was an interesting and engaging story and I would recommend it to others.
Favourite character: Patroclus
Favourite quote: "We were like gods at the dawning of the world, & our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other."
I really enjoyed the book and the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus although (and this is the problem when dealing with established and/or true stories) I would have liked more resolution.
I thought that the writing was good, although my personal preference is for less description of the scenery and more concentration on the characters and emotions, and the story and characters kept me involved.
I also think that it's about time that there were more gay relationships in "mainstream" literature. This was a really sweet love story where the main characters just happened to be gay, the book wasn't about them being gay, that was incidental to the story (in my opinion).
All in all the book didn't light my world on fire but it was an interesting and engaging story and I would recommend it to others.
Favourite character: Patroclus
Favourite quote: "We were like gods at the dawning of the world, & our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other."
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A beautiful re-imagining of Homers Iliad
Well written and instantly engaging telling the original story from a different angle, I found the book left a wonderful sadness when finished and I would recommend this as a... Read more
Published 5 days ago by Icarus
2.0 out of 5 stars
Dull
Boring and repetitive unless you've never come across the Trojan Wars. I hoped for a new slant but a gay Achilles wasn't quite enough. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Trevor W
5.0 out of 5 stars
Magical storytelling
Incredibly well written historically accurate and skilfully woven story - a wonderful read and a stunning piece of literature. You must read this!
Published 6 days ago by E C HEANEY
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
Accurate so far as the mythology goes, a fascinating book told from a brilliant perspective which is honest and open, highly recommend!
Published 9 days ago by Rebecca Lewis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
This is a really interesting story, recommended to me by my mother in law. Surprisingly good story with interesting twists and very thought provoking.
Published 12 days ago by myland_colchester
4.0 out of 5 stars
read as a book club item
i really quite enjoyed it and although slow to start, found it quite exciting towards the middle and the end.
it arrived well packed and well before the allotted date.
it arrived well packed and well before the allotted date.
Published 13 days ago by Penny
5.0 out of 5 stars
A beautiful love story
I have long loved Greek myths and especially the tales of Achilles. Troy has always fascinated me and in this book, I travelled to the beach beyond it's walls. Read more
Published 14 days ago by Ginagee61
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect
This is the only book that has ever made me cry. Truly touching and absolutely captivating. I cannot recommend it enough.
Published 17 days ago by Tyler
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent, well researched
An excellent, easy introduction to aspects of ancient Greek mythology, filling in some of the gaps of what might have been. Read more
Published 18 days ago by Mr. G. Denby
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful
Beautiful written book. A love story I couldn't put down. I just want to keep reading it over and over again.
Published 19 days ago by Ann Tromans
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