Song of Achilles (original 2011; edition 2012)

A love story with just soldiers and war? How can that be? However, even though the backdrop of this story is the Trojan War, this truly is a love story just not the typical one that we expect.

From the very beginning the narrator Patroclus takes our hand and leads us to an ancient time when what was taught to young boys was the art of warfare. Those that did not excel were fated for servitude. But Patroclus was fortunate enough to be taken as Prince Achilles companion when he was fostered into exile in Phthia.

There the love story of Achilles and Patroclus takes us on a journey through their youths and education - Achilles destiny lives in warfare as the stories have always told us, while Patroclus, at Achilles' side learns the art of healing.

The war with Troy brings Achilles and Patroclus to the site where the prophecies of Achilles' glory and death are twisted among the horrors of war. "Some men gain glory after they die, while others fade. What is admired in one generation is abhorred in another. We cannot say who will survive the holocaust of memory."

Throughout this story we see how these two young honorable men lose their innocence while their destinies are intertwined along with their sacrifices and suffering caused by pride and dignity.

I always been fascinated by mythology and this story combined a touch of history along with the wrath of the gods. ( )

This story was absolutely gorgeous. What a wonderful retelling of Achilles' legend. Thank you Madeline Miller for taking your time, ten years, to write this beautiful love story.

My heart was in it from the beginning. I young prince, Patroclus, is unloved and unappreciated by his father. Exiled from his home he is fostered in Phthia. In Phthia he is a loner, misunderstood until an unlikely friendship forms with the Prince of Phthia, Achilles. Achilles is a the son of a goddess. He is destined for glory. The King of Phthia, Peleus does not understand when his son Achilles chooses Patroclus as his companion.

The story really never explains the reason why Achilles is drawn to Patroclus, only that it is so. Patroclus like everyone else worships Achilles but also truly loves him. Perhaps this is why Achilles loves Patroclus as well.

We see the destiny of Achilles unfold in the story. His attempt to put off the prophecy concerning his death. The slow realization that he cannot put off his fate but instead savor every moment with his companion while winning a name for himself. We see his first taste of glory that battle gives him. Slowly, we see him become blinded by his pride. Patroclus calls him on his hubris but Achilles is too far gone to see the damage he will inflict on his comrades, Patroclus and on himself.

Patroclus takes up the armor of Achilles in order to help bring his honor back and stop the slaughter of the Greeks by the Trojans. The cost is his life. Achilles says for ten years "What has Hector done to me?" Finally, the death of Patroclus by the hands of Hector causes Achilles to set the prophecy in motion. Patroclus had not planned to live long once Achilles was gone. Now that Patroclus, "the best of the Myrmidons", has preceded him in death, Achilles welcomes the fulfillment of the prophecy. In the end, the two find peace together.

This book is really beautiful. It broke my heart and made weep tears. What a lovely retelling of the story of a proud Prince. Through the eyes of Patroclus I liked Achilles. I worried for him as he was caught up in his own ego. I wanted to reassure Patroclus that he was worthy. In the end all knew he was worthy. ( )

I LOVED this retelling of the Homeric myth about Patroclus and Achilles. This book really develops their relationship leading up to the Trojan War and is a fascinating story of love, sacrifice and true heroism. Really excellent. ( )

This is the brilliant retelling of the life of Achilles through the eyes of his companion/lover, Patroclus. As a boy, Patroclus was exiled from his father's kingdom to be fostered by Peleus, Achilles' father. The boys trained and were educated together but their relationship deepened when Achilles was sent to learn from the centaur, Chiron. Patroclus followed him and was by his side from then on.

The story of the Trojan War is well known but the reader gets a different perspective of Achilles, his abilities, his relationship with his mother, and his sense of honor. Patroclus is the perfect narrator, so close to Achilles that every facial expression and body movement is described and translated for the reader.

Patroclus' adoration of Achilles is, at first, a little uncomfortable to follow but once they connect, becomes natural and endearing. ( )

What can I say I love Greek mythology

I breathed it in while visiting Greece, I have read both the Iliad and the Odyssey, and reread them when it wasn't necessary.

I loved this story and the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles, it was always hinted that they were more then just friends and companions. I always thought the hidden gems in the Iliad were the people who were just passing through like Briseis.

However that is what made me like the story even more, the author shed a different light on Briseis, I kind of liked her role in the story, even though I feel some may not agree.

I should have read this story a long time ago, since I first saw the cover, I knew I would probably like the book, yet I had put it off.

I guess what they say is true, good things come to those who wait. ( )