A review by zombiemozart0725
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

challenging emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Having read Circe, also by Miller, first, I came into her debut novel with high expectations. Circe was a masterclass in character analysis, wrapped in near-flawless poetic prose. And though I can very clearly see where Miller improved when writing her second novel, I was far from disappointed by the tale of Achilles and Patroclus. The relationship they share is beautifully flawed, a show of total devotion and worship, tempered by the flaws that make these characters human. Patroclus's often too-gentle heart and Achilles's heroic hubris take center stage here, especially in the last third of the book as Homer's Illiad truly kicks into high gear. Miller's use of metaphor and kenning authentically reflects the poetry of the Greek epics, at times seeming strange ("Skin the color of fresh-pressed olives," when pressed olive juice is bright green, being the most infamous example) but all the more sincere when one considers that such bizarre syncretisms were present in the original as well. Notably, the ancient Greeks had no word for "blue," and so Homer took to describing the sea as"wine-dark," despite only a superficial resemblance between wine and the sea. All-in-all, Miller's heartfelt prose delivers a lovesick story between one of the most famous heroes in Ancient Greek mytho-history and his stalwart, devoted, kindhearted conpanion. 

The only aspect of this story that keeps it from being a full 5 stars for me is the focus on Achilles's and Patroclus's adolescent love-life. This come  down to personal preference, as Miller seemingly never shies away from the Ancient Greek world's cultural proclivities (especially towards women and children), but the romanticization of two 15- to- 16-year-olds being intimate with one another was a tad too much culture shock for my tastes. 

All I can say to conclude is, I hope more than anything we get to see more of these retold stories in Miller's signature style. Perhaps it's a shot in the dark, but I would adore an exploration of the character of Medusa. If only to see how Miller reconciles the original monstrous character with the victimized retelling popularized by Ovid. 
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