If you've ever been captivated by the grandeur of ancient myths and epic tales, "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller is an absolute must-read.
At its core, this novel is a beautiful recreation of Homer’s Iliad, focusing on the story of Achilles, one of the most well-known figures of Greek mythology. But Miller does so much more than just retell the old tale; she gives it new life, choosing to depict Achilles not just as a demigod with legendary prowess but as a deeply human, three-dimensional character with the weight of destiny on his shoulders. In Homer’s Iliad, Achilles is often seen solely through the lens of his extraordinary strength. He is painted as a one-man army, a larger-than-life figure whose fighting skills only rival his mighty rage. However, Miller invites us to view him from a different perspective — that of Patroclus, his closest companion and, in Miller's narrative, his lover. This shift in perspective adds layers of intimacy and vulnerability to Achilles' character, making his legendary life and tragic end all the more heartbreaking.
Miller’s prose is both lyrical and accessible, forcefully drawing us into a world where gods and mortals intermingle, and love and honor drive men to greatness and destruction. She delves deep into the bond between Achilles and Patroclus, crafting a love story that feels both timeless and heartbreakingly real.
For a deeper analysis and a review of Miller’s wonderful debut novel, simply continue reading. As expected, there will be many spoilers ahead — this is your warning, dear bookworm!
The story begins with young Patroclus, an awkward and self-conscious, exiled prince, who is sent to the court of King Peleus after a tragic accident paints him as a murderer. It’s there that he meets prince Achilles, the golden boy of Phthia, son of Peleus and the sea nymph Thetis.
Unlike the other boys living in the court, Achilles is kind to Patroclus, and a unique friendship blossoms between them. As they grow older, this friendship transforms into something much deeper. They train together under the guidance of the mythical centaur Chiron, who teaches them the qualities of a true hero. Slowly, their undeniable connection morphs into love.
However, Achilles is prophesized to become the best warrior of his generation and all generations before him. As such, the shadow of destiny looms large over him. As the original tale goes, Helen of Sparta is abducted by Paris, and the call to war spreads across Greece, uniting all the kingdoms against a common enemy. Achilles, aware of the gods’ other prophecy over his name — that he will gain eternal glory at Troy but will die there, young — decides to answer, preferring his life to be short rather than insignificant. Patroclus, though dreading bloodshed and violence, refuses to let Achilles face his destiny alone, determined to save him or at the very least stand by his side until the very end. With an enormous fleet (though not the one thousand ships Menelaus boasts of, but rather closer to two hundred), the Greeks arrive at Troy.
At Troy, Miller delves into the complexities of war. Achilles quickly proves himself more than just worthy of his mythic reputation, becoming a legendary warrior, the very best of the Greeks. But he is never just that. He’s also portrayed as a man struggling with his pride and personal sense of justice, as well as his deep affection for his better half. Patroclus, meanwhile, finds his own role in the camp, helping to care for the wounded and striving to mitigate the suffering around him. He becomes more self-assured and manages to develop deep connections with other key characters of the story, while standing strong by Achilles’ side. Miller doesn’t shy away from the intensity of the two protagonists' love, portraying it as passionate as it is tragic. Their moments of tenderness when alone are harshly juxtaposed with the realities of war, highlighting the sacrifices and choices that define their lives every single day.
As the war drags on for almost a decade, with no side gaining the upper hand, tensions start to rise between the Greek allies. The conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon, the high general of the Greek forces, over the beautiful Briseis, a Trojan captive, leads to Achilles’ withdrawal from battle. This is a pivotal moment that ultimately seals Achilles’ fate. Without him on the battlefield, the tide of war shifts immediately, and the Greeks suffer huge losses. Patroclus, desperate to save his fellow Greeks and protect Achilles’ honor, wears Achilles’ armor and marches into battle, pretending to be him. This tragically leads to Patroclus’s tragic death at the hands of Prince Hector of Troy. Patroclus’ loss pushes Achilles into a rage-filled rampage, culminating in his own fated, awaited demise.
Miller’s portrayal of these final moments is genuinely heart-wrenching. Achilles’ grief is palpable. His legendary rage over Patroclus’ death is tinged with an unbearable sorrow.
The story doesn’t end with Achilles’ death, as one might expect. Through the eyes of Patroclus’ still restless spirit, we are privy to the aftermath, as Thetis — Achilles’ mother — comes to terms with her decisions and losses and ensures that Patroclus’ memory is truly honored. The bodies of the two lovers are buried together, and we briefly see them reuniting in the afterlife, in a scene reminiscent of the original tale.
Since its publication in 2011, "The Song of Achilles" has found a unique place in the hearts of bookworms worldwide. As a New York Times bestseller, it has become a beloved book club selection and a staple recommendation for fans of historical fiction in general, and mythological retellings in particular.
The novel proudly boasts high ratings and thousands of enthusiastic reviews, with readers praising Miller’s detailed research and her ability to provide a fresh perspective on already established characters.
Furthermore, the novel’s success has inspired a tidal wave of interest in Greek mythology and has influenced other works of fiction that reimagine classical stories based on ancient myths.
Miller’s portrayal of Achilles and Patroclus’ relationship (through Patroclus’s point of view) has also been greatly celebrated for its refreshing and nuanced depiction of an LGBTQ+ relationship. What makes her depiction of their love so powerful and important is the way she normalizes their bond within the context of the story. Their relationship is not treated as an anomaly but as a fundamental aspect, an extension of their identities and lives. This portrayal offers a very refreshing and much-appreciated counterpoint to the often heteronormative focus of historical storylines that we are used to. The tenderness and authenticity with which their romance is depicted resonate deeply with readers, breaking old stereotypes. It’s a love story that transcends time, illustrating that the emotions and connections we experience are powerful and universal.
Madeline Miller’s writing is truly beautiful. Her words flow like poetry, painting vivid pictures of the ancient world and the characters' emotions. Each sentence feels thoughtfully crafted, making the book a joy to read.
While the book stays true to the main events of Homer’s epic, it offers a new and refreshing perspective to the story. By focusing on the personal lives and emotions of Achilles and Patroclus, Miller makes the ancient story feel new and once again exciting. This mix of old and new makes the book appealing to both fans of Greek mythology and new readers.
Miller does a beautiful job portraying the intimate relationship between Achilles and Patroclus. Their love is shown in a very natural and respectful light. It’s a heartfelt and honest depiction of LGBTQ+ romance, and it feels very genuine.
The book explores essential themes like identity, destiny, heroism, and the impact war has on people’s lives. These themes make us readers think about our own lives and the world around us. It’s not just a great story; it’s also a meaningful and thought-provoking one.
The story doesn’t just focus on Achilles and Patroclus; the supporting characters are also well-developed. Characters like Thetis, Briseis, Agamemnon, and Odysseus are portrayed with depth and complexity, adding richness to the novel.
Miller brings Ancient Greece to life with her detailed descriptions. From the peaceful training grounds to the fiery battlefields of Troy, the settings are vividly depicted. This immersive world-building makes readers feel like they are really there, experiencing the story first-hand.
The story is brimming with emotion. Miller captures the highs and lows of Achilles and Patroclus’ lives, making their joys and sorrows feel very real. Many readers find themselves deeply moved by the story, experiencing the characters' emotions right along with them.
Even though it’s based on ancient mythology, "The Song of Achilles" is very easy to read. Miller’s clear and engaging writing style makes the story accessible to everyone, even those who aren’t familiar with the Iliad. From the very first page, she introduces the characters and the setting in a way that is both informative and captivating.
Some readers might find the pacing of "The Song of Achilles" a bit slow — especially in the beginning. The author spends a lot of time developing the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus during their early years. While this deep character development is one of the book’s strengths, it can also make the story feel a bit sluggish to those who prefer faster-moving plots.
For those familiar with the Iliad and Greek mythology in general, the plot might feel somewhat predictable. The novel closely follows the known events and outcomes of the myth, so there aren’t many surprises there in terms of the story’s trajectory. However, as we have already established, the emotional depth and character insights provide a fresh perspective that can still make the experience unique and enjoyable.
Some readers might feel that the modern sensibilities and language occasionally used clash with its historical setting. There are modern-day expressions and progressive ideologies — especially coming from Patroclus. Miller’s attempts to make the characters relatable to contemporary readers can sometimes feel anachronistic.
While the emotional depth of the novel is a huge strength, it can also be overwhelming for some readers. The intense focus on the characters' inner lives and relationships means that the story is often heavy with emotion. The overall tragedy and emotionally heavy themes may upset readers who prefer lighter, less emotionally charged narratives. Whether you prefer your fiction with a side of angst is a subjective matter; however, our advice is to have some tissues nearby while you approach the latter chapters.
And there you have it, fellow bookworms, we've wandered through the enchanting and heartbreaking world of The Song of Achilles, where legends are reborn, and love can defy the will of gods. Whether you're a mythology nerd or just someone who loves a good love story, this book has something special to offer.
And here at crewfiction, we are both nerds and hopeless romantics. We adore love stories from any era. So, don’t miss out; subscribe to our newsletter for more literary deep dives, quizzes, and book recommendations.
"The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller retells the Iliad from the perspective of Patroclus, a young exiled prince who befriends and falls in love with Achilles, a demigod destined to become the greatest Greek warrior. As they grow up together, their bond transforms into love. The story follows them through their training with Chiron and into the Trojan War, exploring love, honor, and destiny. Miller’s beautiful prose brings a modern touch to this ancient myth, making it a moving and truly unforgettable read.
“The Song of Achilles” is generally recommended for mature teens and adults, typically ages 16 and up. The novel contains themes and content that may not be suitable for younger readers.
The story does include some intimate scenes between Achilles and Patroclus. While these scenes are tastefully written and integral to the depth of their loving relationship, they do contain a level of detail that could be considered "spicy" by some.
"Circe" (2018). This beautiful novel reimagines the story of Circe, the enchantress from Greek mythology who appears in Homer's Odyssey. The book delves into her life, from her troubled childhood among the gods to her exile on the island of Aiaia. The book has been praised for its lyrical prose, feminist themes, and deep character exploration.
"Galatea" (2013). A short story that retells the myth of Pygmalion and Galatea from Ovid's Metamorphoses. It gives a voice to Galatea, the statue brought to life by Aphrodite, exploring her perspective and experiences.
Rumor has it that Madeline Miller is currently in the research stage of her new novel based on the story of Persephone and Hades. We, simply speaking, cannot wait for it to hit the selves.
Yes, Madeline Miller’s novel is based on ancient Greek mythology, specifically Homer's Iliad. The novel reimagines the story of Achilles and his companion Patroclus, focusing on their personal lives and relationship during the Trojan War. It includes characters like the sea goddess Thetis, Chiron, Iphigenia, and other key figures from well-known Greek myths, while exploring themes of fate, honor, and love. Miller’s work brings a fresh and intimate perspective to this classic tale
Achilles is a figure from Greek mythology, and his existence as a real person is a matter of myth rather than historical fact. There is no concrete historical evidence to confirm that Achilles was a real person. The tales of Achilles and other characters from the Iliad and related myths are thought to be a blend of historical events and imaginative storytelling.
First and foremost, Nina is a reader; she devours literature with gusto, from classic novels to contemporary poetry to graphic novels and everything in between. She believes that within each story, there's a universe waiting to be explored, and loves exploring with company. She's often found sharing her perspective on characters, plot twists, and literary themes with friends. When her friends get tired of listening to her ranting, she writes blog posts sharing her explorations with the other bookworms of the internet. In recent years she has developed an inexplicable addiction to matcha lattes, but has asked us not to talk about that.
