The Song of Achilles

Book: The Song of Achilles

Author: Madeline Miller

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. By all rights their paths should never cross, but Achilles takes the shamed prince as his friend, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine their bond blossoms into something deeper - despite the displeasure of Achilles' mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess. But then word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus journeys with Achilles to Troy, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.

Profoundly moving and breathtakingly original, this rendering of the epic Trojan War is a dazzling feat of the imagination, a devastating love story, and an almighty battle between gods and kings, peace and glory, immortal fame and the human heart.-Goodreads

Review: The Song of Achilles is a retelling of The Illiad, told from the perspective of Petroclus, Achilles closest friend and confidant. I loved Miller's take on Patroclus and Achilles relationship, she did a good (and believable) job of creating young men who don't quite fit in but find solace in each other. The writing was beautiful and I could visualize characters (especially Thetis). The Trojan War section dragged a little for me but overall, I really enjoyed this. 

Grade: 4/5