Book Review: The Song of Achilles

The Song of Achilles – Plot Summary

Patroclus, having accidentally killed another boy, is exiled from his father’s lands. Sent to the court of King Peleus and his son Achilles, Patroclus still struggles to find his place. At least until he forms an unlikely bond with the young Achilles, already on his way to becoming a legend. As they grow, their friendship becomes something more but, as Achilles comes to accept his destiny, the two will be tested beyond anything they can imagine.

For another book with the feel of mythology, try The Poppy War!

My Thoughts

If you’re familiar with the story of Achilles, you probably already know a little about Patroclus. But Madeline Miller takes the step of telling the whole story from his point of view. This move provides a whole new insight into Patroclus, as well as casting Achilles in a new light.

I’m not a mythology purist, so I’m not going to comment on how true to the Iliad The Song of Achilles is. For me, it doesn’t matter, since I’m more interested in the quality of the storytelling. And I love the storytelling in this book.

The way the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles develops is really endearing. Achilles, through Patroclus’ eyes, has an innocence, a sweetness about him that seems at odds with his heroic destiny.

A couple of other characters worth mentioning: Thetis, Achilles’ mother, is appropriately terrifying. Patroclus is surprised to find that her voice, rather than chiming and lovely as you might expect from a sea nymph, is “the grinding of rocks in the surf.” I also loved the role Briseis got to play, caretaker to a camp of captured women, ally and friend to Patroclus—and teacher, too.

Miller’s writing in The Song of Achilles is lovely, lyrical without being ostentatious, and it makes for very easy reading. This book spans a lot of time, and some major events, but the whole thing slips by in the blink of an eye. Sometimes this is a problem; there are occasional events that feel like they should be given more space than they are. The scrunching of time to get from Patroclus’ youth to the war at Troy leads to some oddly glossed-over moments.

We know all along that the story has to end in tragedy. Even if you aren’t familiar with the Iliad, or any of the numerous remakes, you can’t miss the signs. Achilles is made aware that he has to choose between a long life as a nobody or a life that is short, but glorious. He chooses the latter, and it ends as poorly as you might imagine. Even so, Miller makes it impossible not to grieve for what the characters lose along the way. I’ve read this book twice, and both times I sobbed my eyes out for the end.

I’d recommend The Song of Achilles to anybody with an interest in Greek mythology, or any fans of historical fantasy. If you enjoyed Mary Renault’s books, Miller’s work is definitely worth a shot!