The Song of Achilles is a 2011 novel by American writer Madeline Miller. Set during the Greek heroic age, it is an adaptation of Homer’s Iliad, which is told from the perspective of Patroclus. The novel follows Patroclus’ relationship with Achilles, from his initial meeting to his exploits during the Trojan War, with a focus on their romantic relationship. In 2012, The Song of Achilles received the Orange Prize for fiction.
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Summary
Achilles, “the best of all Greeks”, son of the cruel sea goddess Tethys and the legendary King Peleus, is strong, fast, and beautiful, irresistible to all who meet him. Patroclus is a bumbling young prince, exiled from his homeland after an act of shocking violence. Reunited by chance, they forge an inseparable bond, despite risking the wrath of the gods.
They are trained by the centaur Chiron in the arts of war and medicine, but when news arrives that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, all the heroes of Greece are called upon to lay siege to Troy in her name. Seduced by the promise of a glorious destiny, Achilles joins his cause, and Patroclus, torn between love and fear for his friend, follows him. Little do they know that cruel Fate will test them like never before and demand a terrible sacrifice.
Review
THE ILIAD revolves around Achilles’ pride and his relationship with Patroclus, but Homer is sparing personally, so much so that while we believe in their friendship, we don’t understand it. THE SONG OF ACHILLES illuminates his love. This is a beautiful book.
About The Author
Madeline Miller is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of two novels: The Song of Achilles, which won the Orange Women’s Prize for Fiction 2012, and Circe, which was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2019. Her books have been translated into over thirty-two languages. Miller holds an MA in Classics from Brown University, studied in the Dramaturgy department at Yale School of Drama, where she focused on the adaptation of classical texts to modern forms and taught Latin, Greek, and Shakespeare to high school students for over a decade.
The Song of Achilles PDF
