A review by literaryfae
The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have read The Song of Achilles thrice now and I’m still amazed by how beautifully crafted the storyline is. While the basic blueprint for the story had been pre-plotted by The Illiad, The Song of Achilles manages to be a standout in its own right.
Madeline Miller seems to really understand the art of writing. She manages to create a world in this novel where everything matters. Words and actions of the characters at the start of the book which may have seemed inconsequential are brought back later on and tied together perfectly.
Miller is also a master at invoking emotion in the reader. I grew up obsessed with Greek Mythology and have therefore known the story of Achilles (and subsequently Patroclus) since a young age. Even on my first read, I opened this book knowing how it would end. Yet Miller’s words still manage to make me cry, even now on my third read.
Madeline Miller seems to really understand the art of writing. She manages to create a world in this novel where everything matters. Words and actions of the characters at the start of the book which may have seemed inconsequential are brought back later on and tied together perfectly.
Miller is also a master at invoking emotion in the reader. I grew up obsessed with Greek Mythology and have therefore known the story of Achilles (and subsequently Patroclus) since a young age. Even on my first read, I opened this book knowing how it would end. Yet Miller’s words still manage to make me cry, even now on my third read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War, Rape, Child death, Grief, Death, Infidelity, and Blood
Minor: Cannibalism