The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a novel that reimagines the epic Greek myth of Achilles and Patroclus. It tells the story from the perspective of Patroclus, who becomes Achilles' closest companion and lover. The novel explores their deep bond as they navigate the challenges of growing up, training under the centaur Chiron, and eventually joining the Trojan War. Miller delves into their emotional journey, the complexities of their relationship, and the impact of destiny on their lives. The narrative beautifully captures their love amidst the backdrop of ancient Greece, leading to a tragic and heartrending conclusion as they face the tough forces of fate and war.
The most compelling aspect for me was the way Miller humanized these iconic mythological figures, Achilles and Patroclus. Their relationship was painted so clearly, that it felt like I was looking into the corners of their hearts. The blend of love, friendship, and the weight of destiny was nothing short of perfect. I had some disappointments reading this book. This book sometimes had a little too much romance and it kind of felt dragged down. It reminded me of Romeo and Juliet with how much romance there was. It still was a good book and had many action scenes, nonetheless. I would recommend this book if you have an interest in mythology, if you're a fan of character studies, if you want a love story that transcends time, this book is something you should read. The book crafts the narrative with some poetic beauty and a lot of raw emotion. This book is a very good book with action-packed scenes, fantasy, and a lot of romance.