The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

4.25 out of 5

$29.97

“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller is a popular book that retells the ancient Greek story of Achilles and Patroclus as a love story. It delves into the strong emotional bond between Achilles, the famous hero, and his close friend Patroclus, all within the context of the Trojan War.

Book Summary

The Song of Achilles is narrated by Patroclus, who is in love with the Greek hero Achilles. Patroclus, a young Greek prince, is sent to Sparta to court Helen, but she chooses Menelaus as her husband. The men swear an oath to defend her choice. After accidentally killing a noble boy, Patroclus is exiled to Phthia, where he befriends Achilles, the son of King Peleus.

Initially resistant, Patroclus and Achilles eventually become close friends and brothers-in-arms. They train under the centaur Chiron on Mount Pelion, but Achilles’ mother Thetis disapproves of their relationship. Despite this, Patroclus and Achilles become lovers.

The two are called back to Phthia when Paris kidnaps Helen, triggering the Trojan War. Patroclus is worried about fulfilling his childhood oath to defend Helen and Menelaus. Achilles initially resists joining the war, even disguising himself as a girl on the island of Scyros. However, he is revealed and convinced to go to Troy.

Achilles and Patroclus fight with the Greeks against the Trojans. Achilles proves to be a superior warrior, winning many battles. When Agamemnon dishonors Achilles by taking Briseis, a girl Achilles claimed as his own, Achilles refuses to fight. Patroclus, adorned in Achilles’ armor, takes his place in the war and is killed by Hector.

Devastated, Achilles returns to the war and eventually kills Hector. King Priam of Troy pleads for Hector’s body, and Achilles agrees. As the war continues, Achilles kills notable Trojans but is ultimately shot by Paris and dies. Achilles’ son Pyrrhus enters the war, rejecting the idea of burying Achilles with Patroclus. However, Thetis arranges for their joint burial.

Specifications

ISBN: 0062060627

EAN13: 9780062060624

Language: English

Release Date: Aug 28, 2012

Pages: 416

Dimensions: 1.1″ H x 7.9″ L x 5.2″ W

Weight: 0.75 lbs.

Format: Paperback

Publisher: Ecco

40 reviews for The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Francis Tizikara
5 out of 5
This book is so amazing and sad. I am sad now. Its really good, and you should read this. What reason do you have not to read it? None? Exactly. Read it.
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Breanna Moen
5 out of 5
This beautiful rendering of Homer's timeless story makes it feel even more modern and immediate. Miller succeeds in making Patroclus, Achilles, and all the characters real people with actual personalities who we get to know and understand.
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+1
Henry Moore
4 out of 5
I got the hardcover book and it so pretty! Not sure about the pages but everything else is great.
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Chelsie Gaylord
5 out of 5
There are many different tags in my wish list. I particularly enjoy alternative history..This book is alternative myth.Some of the book concerns the battles and deaths of the Trojan War, but don't look for the Achilles heel story.More of the book centers on friendship, love and kindness.With a little bit of jealousy and bruised ego.
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Nilam Rana
5 out of 5
A beautiful retelling of the Illiad from the point of Patroclus. His love and loyalty to Achilles even with is being his undoing.I cried like a baby as it reached the ending. Such a good book.
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Johnson Ouma
5 out of 5
🥰
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Simisola Isokun
5 out of 5
This book is amazing
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Dylan Brown
5 out of 5
This was an interesting story, not good, but interesting. It reads almost like a history report and is kind of boring like a history report. But then I got to the last chapter, and, wow- I couldn't stop crying. It is definitely a piece of writing that will stay with me long after finishing the book.
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Amos Nayebare
5 out of 5
Despite all odds, their love remained pure, selfless and faithful. It transcended beyond death. It shows the power of true love. In my opinion, Love such as this happens only when honesty, faithfulness and self sacrifice exists between partners.
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Alexandra Morris
5 out of 5
And I thought being the fourth son of a fourth son house painter was tough. Best to read this book with a bowl of ripe figs. Thanks Madeline loved it!!!
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Itzel Cremin
5 out of 5
A wonderful retelling. You know how mythology ends and yet this book still made me sad. So moving and beautifully told.
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Tanuja Lala
2 out of 5
This book came with a barcode on the front cover. When taking off the sticker it then damaged the front cover of the book.What's special about this book is the cover but now with the damage it ruins it.
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Amrit Kapur
5 out of 5
All of the love… and heartbreak.. the hope, and the doubt.. the want and need for a happily ever after. I'm so in love with this story ❤️
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+2
Myrtis White
1 out of 5
Normally I can overlook little dents or scruffs, especially whenever I rely on the convenience of delivery. But COME ON, this is the ugliest and saddest looking book from all the significant damage. Which is a shame, because it's never going to be shelved, probably just trashed once I return it.
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Ida Becker
5 out of 5
Oh my god… this book is incredible. As someone with ADHD, focusing on something is very hard. I'll admit, Chap1 had me a little unsure but when I made myself sit and focus…. best decision ever. Chapter 7 had me smiling so much. I adore this book.
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Sizwe Van Rooyen
5 out of 5
My Granddaughter requested this book. She loves reading she gave it a thumb up.
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Justine Tendo
5 out of 5
So beautifully written. A story of how love can be stronger than most believer in. A must read. Found my new favorite author.
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Edward Walker
3 out of 5
An ‘OK' retelling of the story of Achilles from Patroclus' perspective.
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Fatima Olubukola
2 out of 5
I love this book so much I bought it as a gift for a friend. This picture is from my friend with the cover bent terribly. It's so embarrassing to send a friend a gift to have it damaged.
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Ifeoma Opeyemi
5 out of 5
“Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller is a thrilling and eye capturing work that takes place during Ancient Greek times. After the main character, Patroclus, is exiled from his kingdom and forced to move to a neighboring land named Phthia, he meets a boy named Achilles who introduces him to a world of wonder. Achilles is son of the famed king Peleus and wretched sea goddess Thetis, this heritage leaves both Patroclus and Achilles in impossibly unique situations. They journey around ancient Greece and meet many on the way, such as the centaur Chiron. During their time with him they are trained in the ancient arts of war and medicine. While spending their time learning, Helen of Troy is kidnapped and the war of Troy breaks out, the troubles and intensity lead to unprecedented conflict that the two must solve together. This book is truly amazing, I read through it in one day. The characters feel truly personal, almost as if you have a connection with Patroclus and Achilles (enough to make...More
“Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller is a thrilling and eye capturing work that takes place during Ancient Greek times. After the main character, Patroclus, is exiled from his kingdom and forced to move to a neighboring land named Phthia, he meets a boy named Achilles who introduces him to a world of wonder. Achilles is son of the famed king Peleus and wretched sea goddess Thetis, this heritage leaves both Patroclus and Achilles in impossibly unique situations. They journey around ancient Greece and meet many on the way, such as the centaur Chiron. During their time with him they are trained in the ancient arts of war and medicine. While spending their time learning, Helen of Troy is kidnapped and the war of Troy breaks out, the troubles and intensity lead to unprecedented conflict that the two must solve together. This book is truly amazing, I read through it in one day. The characters feel truly personal, almost as if you have a connection with Patroclus and Achilles (enough to make me tear up at certain parts). The amount of detail and the ease with which the entire story flows together makes it seem rather unbelievable that this is Miller's first novel. There never truly is an uninteresting moment. Once the action picks up it stays constant. I recommend this book to those interested in LGBTQ+ romance, historical fiction, ancient Greek mythology and an intense story with highs and lows that leaves you yearning for the next page.
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Gavin Huels
5 out of 5
amazing author!
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Marius Oosthuizen
5 out of 5
I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH WORDS TO DESCRIBE HOW GOOD IT IS.
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Wahid Ramakrishnan
5 out of 5
Beautiful, heart- wrenching story
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Aron Koss
5 out of 5
In the version of the Iliad that I read Achilles WAS shot by an arrow in the heel. I mean, there isn't a part of the body that's between the ribs and named after the guy.
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Natasha Kohler
4 out of 5
Incredible prose & writing. While I understand it is the modern adaptation of a centuries long story, it was slow until Breisis enters in the Trojan War. I realized I am not a fan of fantasy, but would recommend to someone who is.
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Carole Shaw
2 out of 5
I thought it was ok, but I stopped reading at the gay sex scene. It was too much for me. Definitely not something a kid should read.
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Steve Okuneva
4 out of 5
Great untold romance story. I enjoyed reading this in bed before falling asleep. It was recommended to me by my daughter.
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Chhaya Tank
5 out of 5
Really good book, great retelling of a classic - couldn't put it down!
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Juliana Kabuubi
4 out of 5
This was my first Greek story, it was a bit slow paced for my taste but very beautiful, the ending ruined me for sure
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Milan Stoltenberg
1 out of 5
This book was just so awful and did not catch my attention at all. They hyped it up so much, and I regret reading this book. I never wanted to finish a book so fasf
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Shania Ziemann
5 out of 5
Loved this book! I'm glad I went with it! You will not regret this page turner! I love Patroclus !
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Noemy DuBuque
4 out of 5
It makes a weak follow up to her book “Circe”.I must follow this by ten more words, words, words.
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Mia Wisoky
3 out of 5
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book and I'm not sure if I know how to put it into words.Overall…it was a good read. I liked it. I never one thought of DNFing it…but I also didn't love it.I think I had too high expectations going in. Everyone told me this would rip my heart out, that I would be destroyed afterward, and honestly…I wasn't.I mean, I knew what was going to happen. I knew the story of Achilles and Patroclus. The author did take some creative license of course, but overall I found it just okay.Their relationship was a bit toxic to me. Patroclus relied far too much on Achilles and I wish he had been more of his own character and not just Achilles' lover.It was interesting to see Achilles through Patroclus eyes but after a while it became repetitive and (dare I say it) boring.So like I said…mixed feelings. I liked the writing but I was very underwhelmed overall.
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Ray Lloyd
5 out of 5
Well written and researched. I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't put it down. Amazing job and it makes me want to get into philosophy and the classics again!
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Suzanne Morris
4 out of 5
At first I was uncertain, and thought she might try to make too much of the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, but she handled it with grace and didn't try to make more of it than necessary for the plot. Sometimes her writing gets in the way, she'll switch from past tense to present tense and back again when it's not warranted. Still and all, a great effort and really brings the myth alive!
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Lexi Rose
5 out of 5
It was a beautiful book. Everything that I could have hope for. I think it will be on my mind for a very long time.
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Rosemary Kassulke
5 out of 5
I love this book! Miller does a phenomenal job of making their relationship real and relatable to modern readers. The ancient values of honor are presented in a realistic way, too.
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Chet Stoltenberg
5 out of 5
Whew. What a read. So beautifully well written. One of my most favorite books ever.
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Gbemisola Opeyemi
3 out of 5
It was alright
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Funmilade Hanifat
4 out of 5
Madeline Miller captures the story of Achilles & Patroclus' true companionship in an incredible story of friendship, chosen family, reputation, determination, love, & war and peace. A modern remix of Romeo & Juliet. Miller's words are painted beautifully throughout her novel and I found it hard to put this book down!
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