A review by tokiberry
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

The Song of Achilles
⤷ ⭑⭑⭑⭑.𝟱

⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Those seconds, half seconds, that the line of our gaze connected, were the only moment in my day that I felt anything at all. The sudden swoop of my stomach, the coursing anger. I was like a fish eyeing the hook.



Rounded it off to a 5-star because this is the only book that actually made me break down and cry uncontrollably during the last three chapters because of the pain and despair I felt despite knowing the end was inevitable. The number of highlights and notes in my Kindle is crazy, and not everything is uploaded because, man, I felt some heavy emotions.

Miller’s retelling was fantastic, although certain areas had some criticisms (I'm talking about how they did my girl, Briseis, dirty). But this didn’t take away the stunning storytelling, with it being both beautiful and devastating. I doubt I’ll ever be able to express my thoughts fully, but I plan to reread this book soon, even though it means going through the heartache again.

“He is half of my soul, as the poets say.”


If only our star-crossed lovers never left Pelion... My Roman Empire.

“I do not mean—” I twisted my fingers. “I would still be with you. But I could sleep outside, so it would not be so obvious. I do not need to attend your councils. I—”

“No. The Phthians will not care. And the others can talk all they like. I will still be Aristos Achaion.” Best of the Greeks.

“Your honor could be darkened by it.”

“Then it is darkened.” His jaw shot forward, stubborn. “They are fools if they let my glory rise or fall on this.”

“But Odysseus—”

His eyes, green as spring leaves, met mine. “Patroclus. I have given enough to them. I will not give them this.”


GASPING FOR AIR. YES FIGHT FOR YOUR MAN!

“Have you no more memories?”
I am made of memories.
“Speak, then.”


This scene between Patroclus and Thetis...

⊹ ࣪ In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out the sun. ˖

. ݁˖ . ݁

✦ post-read: this story was both beautiful and heart-wrenching 🥹

. ݁₊ ⊹

⟡ pre-read: okay i see this all over tiktok so let's get into it

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