Song of Achilles

Hello everyone.

This book was simply amazing. I loved this book. I love most books I finish
(why would I finish it if it sucked?) but this one was different.

Song of Achilles is a retelling of the events of The Illiad from Patroclus' point of view. The books start just before Patroclus gets exiled from his home. From there he meets Achilles and things just go on from there.

Before I even started, I knew I would cry before this book was over, and I did. This school year, in my honor English class we had to read parts of the Illiad. I really loved it. She said if we liked the book, we should watch Troy. I didn't right away, a few months later, I finally did.

The movie was okay. I think there were some problems if it is to be a true retelling of the play but what can we do? It's Hollywood. Sorry, I know this isn't a movie review. (But between you and me, the worst part was when the writers decided that Achilles and Patroclus were cousins).

Before I read the book, I went on Pinterest and looked it up. I did not expect what showed up. Some of the quotes made sense because I read the Illiad but other parts I had no clue.

But none of this mattered when I read the book.

It was a great, quick read. I think it only took me about two weeks to read it. The story felt very real in the relationship. I loved that it wasn't an instant love story. They started off as strangers then became friends. Over time, they fell for each other.

 This scene was great. It was simple but had so much meaning. Madeline Miller has a simple writing style that it makes the story even better. The writing felt like it real for the time.

I loved this book, as you can tell, but there was one thing I didn't like and it has to do with when Achilles killed Hector.

Yes, my favorite line in the whole play was in it but it didn't go into it very much. I want to see how Patroclus would feel about the whole thing or I didn't read it very well and there wasn't much of a fight.

One more thing I found great about this book. How much research that the author must have done. It was very apparent that she knew what she was talking about. My favorite was when they were at war. The Greeks had a thing about their war prises and she showed that well. She also knew about the influences that Achilles and Patroclus would have had, heroes like Jason and Heracles.

I just loved this book so much. I don't know what else to say. If you were looking for something deeper sorry.

There is a list of things that I agree with.

And here's something else I found.

This was a great book and if you like Greek heroes or want a great book to read. I suggest this one. It's a great retelling and even though I don't have a degree in Ancient Greek, I can tell it is very close to the source material. Enjoy.