The Song of Achilles (2011)

just read something else

Hector your time will come





( )

Nowhere near where I thought this book was to take me. It is a homosexual journey into the love between a God-like human and his lover through the eyes of the lover. I really don't know what I was expecting but this was not it. It made me uncomfortable, not in the sense that there are explicitly sexual scenes but in the lover's descriptions of his feelings. The story ends in an unusual way with the death of both of them not in any way satisfying to the reader. I'd have to say well that is to be expected except that this is a work of fiction and not of fact. ( )

So, so beautiful! ( )

3.5 stars
I think that the last chapters are the best ones because it has the most action.
This book focuses on character development and there is little about the world outside narrator's mind. I prefer books with more "action" than personal develpment, but it is not always the rule.
There are a lot of books similar to this one that I liked more. For example, I prefered a lot more Circe by the same author.
If you are not like me, then you will really enjoy this book a lot ! ( )

Well, I was warned. I knew what I was getting into with this, except that I didn’t fully. Everyone: “Oh, you’ve got to read it! It’s amazing!” Also everyone: “It’s going to rip out your heart and totally destroy you!” And they were right, on both counts. I knew I’d probably cry, though I didn’t anticipate breaking down in full, choking sobs for the last few chapters.

I think this book was enhanced for me by my recent reading of Hayes’ A Thousand Ships, which, although written from very different perspectives, added an extra layer of emotional context that let me begin reading this book already immersed in the drama. I already knew and admired Briseis; I already knew and dreaded what was coming when Chryses strode into the Greek camp. Knowing Andromache’s and Hecuba’s coming pain added layers of complicating ache to Hector’s first appearance on the battlefield.

But it was Patroclus who Ms. Miller made me love, and it was Patroclus for whom I cried uncontrollably. The book HURT. And that’s all due to the author’s fantastic work. Hats off. ( )