Reviews

What an EPIC, BEAUTIFUL, COMPLEX work of art. There's so much I have to say but couldn't put into words. I never thought I'd read something that I loved like I did The Odyssey; but Madeline Miller has such a way with words that I can now say I have. And it's earth shattering. I have so much love in my heart for Patroclus and Achilles. (Mostly the former) Thank you for a truly outstanding piece of literature.

zavatskajam's review against another edition

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emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

Wow, I can’t remember the last time I had to put a book aside every few pages to digest it and think it over before continuing reading.
The beauty of the prose makes you want to savour every paragraph but at the same time the story is so easy to read that you will want to finish it in one sitting. Will definitely re-read it again.

Spoiler

For me, the main takeaway from this book is that it’s Achilles’s human traits that made him great and not the god-like.
His relationship with Patroclus is one of the most emotional and tender depictions I’ve ever read.

this__nerd's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

kariannevardal's review against another edition

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

elusorius's review

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4.0

I'd give this book 4 stars. My expectations for this book were sky-high. I've been trying to get into Greek mythology and this book was praised by everyone. I gifted it to myself to read after my surgery, so I'd have something to look forward to. And boy, did it deliver. The worldbuilding, pacing and writing of this book were immaculate. The relationship between Patroclus and Achilles was build up realistically and beautifully and I loved both of them. I could see their faces in my head as I, for the first time in a while, unknowingly spent hours of my day reading. The reason I wouldn't give it five stars would be the ending since it felt a little out of place. The pacing was also a bit on the slower side at times. However, the ending still wrapped everything up nicely and I would definitely recommend this book!

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