Reviews tagging 'Physical abuse'

Le Chant d'Achille by Madeline Miller

171 reviews

gabrielleclarke05's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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nightfell's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Truly a masterpiece.

I loved how Patroclus and Achilles' relationship built up, it was so well done. Miller made her two main character's lovable despite their terrible and immoral flaws and actions, which just shows how masterfully she wrote them.

Achilles' character development from indifference to being proud and egotistical was built up and nuanced until you clearly saw how much it consumed him, and the effect that had on Patroclus. Patroclus' character from subservient to strong willed was especially shown in his final scene (alive) when he is overcome with bloodlust and mirrors Achilles in a way where he is finally in a position to truly understand him, whereas before he couldn't. Patroclus was empathetic to extremes, as he slept with Deidameia and led Breisis on because he felt bad for not returning their feelings, whilst being with Achilles. This made me mad, as you could say he had good intentions, but was naive to think that was the best way to fix things. 

I didn't like the heavy theme of misogyny and the mistreatment of women that ran all the way through, but it's unfortunately a big part of Greek Mythology. 
 
I've never sobbed so hard reading a book, and I've read The seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, so that's saying something. The more I thought about the book, and made these small revelations, it made me cry harder. Like the "What has Hector ever done to me?" thing, VIOLENCE. Or that the prophecy said Achilles would die after Hector dies, and that may or may not mean the God's knew Achilles would kill Hector for killing Patroclus, meaning it was basically fated that they could not live without the other and that they would die together. 

Overall, this was one of the best books I've ever read, and everyone should read it. The fact that people don't read, and therefore have not read this book is so sad. 

I'm genuinely scared of Madeline Miller, because that whole section after Patroclus dies and him haunting Achilles was a choice.

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allthewords's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75


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dani007k's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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thebankofbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I know this book is like marmite for some, but I adored it. I went in with very little knowledge of greek mythology, and whilst I struggled a little with names, this wasn’t a major issue. The story was beautiful, and the characters were incredibly strong. Warning: you may need tissues.

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kathshiroma's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75


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writingwithink's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I read this book in 2 days because i seriously could not put it down. Both of the main characters are so complex and compliment each other really well. Miller’s writing is rich of metaphors and beautiful quotes which truly captivate the emotions and feelings of the characters and pages. Another thing which i really liked was how although it is a coming of age lgbtq+ novel it is not centered around it being a gay relationship which was really refreshing from the usual queer book. The ending could be perceived as a bit slow but I think it’s not only intended but it adds on to the tension that the end chapters have. 

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lilysbooks's review against another edition

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emotional fast-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

This is the most beautifully written book I have read at this point in my life. I was an absolute emotional wreck.

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orcamagicka's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

You’ve seen everyone talk about this book, so just go on and read it! 

I loved, I empathized, I swooned, I cried for these characters. Patroclus is now one of my favorite characters in Greek myth. The way he still expresses gentleness, empathy, and compassion in a highly patriarchal world is why I adore him so much. I also loved how the story blurred the lines regarding sexuality and gender expression, especially with how Achilles is described in certain scenes. 

This was the book that finally broke me out of my years long reading slump. Madeline Miller helped me fall back in love with stories again. Her gorgeous writing style, her complex characters, the amount of research she poured into this book, and the way she expresses social issues in a story that takes place thousands of years ago yet remains relevant today are some of the reasons why I adore this story. She spent a decade researching and writing this debut novel, and it shows. This is an instant classic that deserves to be read in high schools everywhere. 


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kiandrareadsbooks's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75


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