A review by verafogel
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved this version of the famous story of Achilles but I have to say that my love was all for Patroclus in the end.
Though out the book there were a few philosophical questions that kept popping up like what's love and how do we love? And are all humans as important or the should the particulars ones that we hold specially dear go above the rest?
I think Achilles and Patroclus develop though the story in opposite direction in some way; Achilles goes from naive to incredibly proud and Patroclus goes from being a spoiled envious child with an abusive father to a loving and caring person - I means the man just couldn't stand by while his people died and was the only one that gave a second thought to Briseis at all.
Additionally, I felt Patroclus' love for Achilles was more pure and real in some way while Achilles, as he fully understood his position as a semi-good, maybe influenced by fame and glory loved Patroclus deeply but not quite catching the heart aching human live that Patroclus displayed.
Though out the book there were a few philosophical questions that kept popping up like what's love and how do we love? And are all humans as important or the should the particulars ones that we hold specially dear go above the rest?
Spoiler
I think Achilles and Patroclus develop though the story in opposite direction in some way; Achilles goes from naive to incredibly proud and Patroclus goes from being a spoiled envious child with an abusive father to a loving and caring person - I means the man just couldn't stand by while his people died and was the only one that gave a second thought to Briseis at all.
Additionally, I felt Patroclus' love for Achilles was more pure and real in some way while Achilles, as he fully understood his position as a semi-good, maybe influenced by fame and glory loved Patroclus deeply but not quite catching the heart aching human live that Patroclus displayed.
Spoiler
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Sexual content