Song of Achilles, The: A Novel (P.S.) Paperback – 8 Aug. 2012

Ahhhh! I LOVE this book! I cannot believe it took me this long to start it. It’s been sitting on my kindle shelf for ages just staring at me accusingly. I am so so so glad I finally worked up the nerve to read it because it is AMAZING!!!"The Song of Achilles" is the kind of book that you start reading, and the next thing you know, it's 3 a.m., and you can't put it down. Madeline Miller has a unique talent for bringing ancient myths to life with a modern twist, and she does it beautifully in this novel.The story of Achilles and Patroclus is told with such depth and tenderness that you'll feel like you're right there with them on their journey. Miller's prose is poetic, and it effortlessly transports you to the ancient world of Greece, where gods and heroes mingle with mortals. Her characters are so vividly drawn that you'll find yourself emotionally invested in their fates.But what truly sets this book apart is the portrayal of love – a love that transcends time and societal norms. The relationship between Achilles and Patroclus is portrayed with such sensitivity and authenticity that it's impossible not to be moved by it. Their bond is the heart of the story, and it's a testament to the power of love in all its forms."The Song of Achilles" is a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. It's a literary gem that combines history, mythology, and romance in a way that is both captivating and heart-wrenching. If you're looking for a book that will make you feel, think, and reflect on the enduring power of love, this is it. Don't miss out on this modern classic.

A fate prophesised by the gods, but a song that still needed to be sung, and music that future generations would continue to play !!!The ‘Song of Achilles’ is a beautifully orchestrated retelling of one of Greek Mythology’s best known and best loved stories of the Siege at Troy and life of the legendary demi-god Achilles. A lyrical masterpiece that portrays the human side of the man, the lover, and the warrior who is destined to fulfil a prophecy that sees him fall after the death of Hector, sustaining the iconic Achilles heel injury.A story that is epic, timeless, and sad but told with great sentiment, heart, and soul. A book that does not try to recount the historical events of the past and the myths but rather embellishes them to play the song of Achilles.The PlotAchilles meets Patroclus at school at the age of twelve, and soon the unlikely pairing of these two boys becomes a deep friendship. Wanting to separate the two boys and to begin Achilles life’s teachings, Achilles’ mother Thetis, sends him off to the centaur Chiron for three years to learn literature, nature, sacrifice, and the art of battle. However, not to be torn away from his friend, Patroclus follows Achilles into the caves and remains with him for three years as the love between the two blossoms.Following the legendary story of Helen of Troy, Achilles is asked to join Agamemnon’s forces to defend his brothers honour after Paris steels the beautiful Helen from her home. And now Achilles must fight for the honour of the most beautiful woman in the world, against the mightiest city of the east. A journey to Aulis and then Troy that will seal the fate of these two men.Review and CommentsThe Song of Achilles is first a love story and a tragedy but then the best love stories make the best tragedies and ‘The Song of Achilles’ meets all those expectations. Whilst there is no shortage of books that take their inspiration from centuries old stories of Greek Mythology, few will be ambitious enough to venture on a retelling of one of Greek Mythology’s best loved stories and Achilles life story from boyhood, and the boy who became a man and an infamous warrior.In doing so Miller tells of a love story that is sentimental but not overflowing in its protestations of love, a relationship that is touching but not overly emotional and a tale of two men human, flawed, imperfect but who each bring depth of character in their roles and strong in their principles but protective of each other.Truly stunning in its story telling, a brilliant work of fiction interwoven with the myths, legends and the greatest stories told in Greek mythology. A human portrayal of a demi-god who loves, fights, and dominates, yet it is his stubbornness and unyielding pride that is ultimately his downfall, but then again it was always written in the song!!!

Miller’s retelling of Achilles and Patroclus’ story is stunning in its simplicity and emotional depth. The writing is easy to devour, yet poetic and evocative. Their relationship is portrayed with genuine tenderness, though some aspects of it raised questions for me. A few moments left me slightly unsettled, but the overall experience was deeply moving. Even knowing the ending, it still managed to break my heart. A beautifully written book that lingers long after the final page.