Scan barcode
A review by kathrynjean97
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
5.0
A solid 4.5 rounded up. The book started slightly weak, with a bit too much emphasis on the physical attributes of its young characters and prose that took time to find its rhythm, but it quickly evolved.
Miller strikes a careful balance between retelling events established in Greek mythology and exploring Patroclus’ relationships and motivations within the context of those events. I love that she shows not only Patroclus’ relationship with Achilles but with Chiron, Thetis, Briseis, and the Greek soldiers, and she explores how these relationships mold his character and impact his decisions. I also love that she does not place either of the main characters in the role of erastes or eromenos, which most historians have tried to do; the story benefits from placing each man equal to the other.
There are definitely some creative liberties taken but I think each is justified; and the story she's adapting was written more than two thousand years ago... so liberties were to be expected.
While perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea, I thought this was a beautiful novel about love and companionship and a worthy read if you like Greek mythology and queer-coded historical adaptations. Listing this one under 'I could not put it down!'
Now the real question... Stephen Fry or Rick Riordan next?
Miller strikes a careful balance between retelling events established in Greek mythology and exploring Patroclus’ relationships and motivations within the context of those events. I love that she shows not only Patroclus’ relationship with Achilles but with Chiron, Thetis, Briseis, and the Greek soldiers, and she explores how these relationships mold his character and impact his decisions. I also love that she does not place either of the main characters in the role of erastes or eromenos, which most historians have tried to do; the story benefits from placing each man equal to the other.
There are definitely some creative liberties taken but I think each is justified; and the story she's adapting was written more than two thousand years ago... so liberties were to be expected.
While perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea, I thought this was a beautiful novel about love and companionship and a worthy read if you like Greek mythology and queer-coded historical adaptations. Listing this one under 'I could not put it down!'
Now the real question... Stephen Fry or Rick Riordan next?