A review by o_opsmorgane
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

adventurous hopeful inspiring relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 
I've loved this book, my favorite book read thus far for 2021.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I've been obsessed with Greek mythology for as long as I can remember. Borrowing every book about the topic at my local library, the obsession never stopped. I just found so much value in reading about honor, character, justice. It was an explanation of the world's functioning, thanks to its gods and nymphs and other mythological creatures. I've been, as you can imagine, a fan of the Percy Jackson book series when I was younger and this book seemed like it would offer the same feeling of nostalgia.

I started the book with a lot of preconceived ideas and expectations, I thought it wouldn't match the Illiad, thought it wouldn't match because I loved Greek mythology so bad that I would be disappointed by the lack of realism or lack of authenticity, thought it'd be a pale copy.

Boy, how much was I wrong.

I didn't want to spoil myself by reading about the book before discovering it myself and was surprised when I saw it was written from the perspective of Patroclus and not Achilles. But I can see now how it was necessary for the narrative. I had a hard time for the first thirty pages but then I was in. The world-building felt so real to me that I could imagine and feel how it would be to take a bite of those fruits described in some scenes. I cannot imagine how much research has gone into writing this book. 

The first half of the book is quite slow-paced with lots of contemplative scenes but at around 50% the rhythm increases with the start of the Trojan War. I felt that it did a good job building up Patroclus and Achille's characters, relationship, and eventual downfall. I loved the character development, as they start young twelve-year-old boys and become men. Patroclus grows what I consider to be a good man and Achilles not too much, but that's my personal opinion. I also loved how the narrative stuck to Homer's version and not the revised versions of the myth, her character glossary at the end of the book mentions alternatives to the story of Achilles that she didn't choose to use, specifically his "Achilles heel". It almost felt like she was just filling the gaps, as she had been in Homer's head and knew the story. 

I cannot end this review without talking about the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus that I've found beautiful but also toxic, riveting, heartbreaking, and at last real. The ending gave their relationship closure, they are still celebrated after their death and Patroclus has, finally, the credit he deserved.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves a retelling of a story and greek mythology. I am certainly on my way to read Circe by the same author, Madeline Miller. 
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