DNF because I couldn't really get into the story(wrong time for me to read this). It is well written and will probably try again sometime.

Beautiful and sad and poetic all at once, my heart ( )

**4.5 stars** This is such a gorgeously devastating story. The prose is so well done and descriptive. The retellings are familiar and informative at the same time. The love between the characters is so present and everlasting. I truly loved this book. ( )

3.5 Stars

Unpopular opinion alert!

Chosen for a specific reading challenge, admittedly, this isn’t my typical reading fare as Greek mythology and the arrogant gods who love to meddle, as well as this being a tragedy doomed from the start, will never be my first choice.

Vivid in its rendering of one destined for greatness, Gods touched for the promise of glory but with such a promise, there’s always a steep price. Ultimately, there's no glory here. Achilles may be remembered for eternity but wasting a decade fighting a pointless war only to succumb and fall was quite pointless to me.

Regardless, I do see what all the fuss is about. This is no doubt a beautifully written book, rich with nuance and a detailed retelling of the doomed Patroclus and his equally doomed Achilles. The story between these two stands the test of time as their love is loyal, devoted, and unwavering, despite any and all (including fate and prophecy) that conspire against them.

I appreciate this for what it is, and I’m not surprised that it has won many accolades and awards. Miller obviously has a way with words but when it comes down to it, ultimately for me, this was just not personally enjoyable despite the stellar, talented prose.

( )

“Let the stories of him be something more...I am made of memories...the memories well up like spring water, faster than I can hold them back. They do not come as words, but like dreams, rising as scent from the rain-wet earth” (367).

The Song of Achilles is a story of two heroes—known and unknown—and one love fated for tragedy but reunited by memory. This timeless story is less about the known hero’s glory and pride and more about the unknown hero’s kindness and humility. It’s about an intimacy and a love that would move Patroclus to reject all things, seeking only glory and honor and fame for Achilles—nothing for himself—and that would move Achilles to invite death, seeking only to be reunited with his love in the afterlife.

Told through the point of view of the unknown hero, Patroclus is Achilles’ moral compass. While Achilles grows into his god-like, warrior persona, Patroclus chooses medicine over weapons, healing over killing, humility over pride. Throughout their not-so-well hidden love affair, Patroclus invites Achilles into this humanity, allowing him to be more than the killing machine he was made to be. He encourages Achilles in beauty and music, encourages kindness to those he is naturally indifferent to, encourages him to rescue war-slave girls; and even in death, the grief over losing Patroclus, encourages him to return and honor Hector’s body. In the end, Patroclus’ love allows him to see the best in Achilles—not the faults that led to cruelty and death—and it is the telling of these memories that finally releases his soul from wandering among the living to finally resting in the shadow of Achilles. ( )