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A review by matilda_02
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
3.9 Stars
O H M Y G O D !!!
Finally, I can say that I have read Song of Achilles.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? A beautifully written story about Achilles and his beloved Patroclus as well as the Trojan War that begins in the middle of their story.
Did I cry like everyone else who talks about this book? No. I did not.
And that is because, in the end, I was so glad to be finished with it. Do not get me wrong, it is an amazing retelling and I did enjoy it, just not that much. For most of the book, it was just fine. I didn't feel that attached to the characters and it was too much monologue and too little dialog happening. There were some amazingly, and truly beautifully written scenes but there were also whole chapters where I felt like absolutely nothing was happening. That is why I abandoned it in November and didn't pick it up again until February.
And I have to say that while I was really interested in Achilles and Patroclus' relationship at the start of the book, to see how it would develop. It felt quite weird to read about them getting intimate with each other while still being underage. As well as that being the only time we get to read about it.
I felt that the relationship became quite stale and too predictable. When they finally started to disagree on things in the latter chapters I was thrilled to get to read about the cracks in their relationship. But that, (to my disappointment) was quickly patched up and solved. I wished to see more of their differences instead of getting to read the same thing over and over again. Like "OKAY we GET IT Patroculus! Achilles is hot and you want him to have his honor!"
I felt like all the softness and intimate moments of their relationship disappeared with the war. But yet we are still to believe they are madly in love? I just didn't feel it at the end.
I would still highly recommend this book, for the right audience. Someone who already is interested in Greek mythology and likes loooooong outdrawn scenes, with a lot of attention to detail. It is still, with all the flaws I found while reading, a very good and beautifully written retelling. I do not regret reading it one bit!
O H M Y G O D !!!
Finally, I can say that I have read Song of Achilles.
What can I say that hasn't already been said? A beautifully written story about Achilles and his beloved Patroclus as well as the Trojan War that begins in the middle of their story.
Did I cry like everyone else who talks about this book? No. I did not.
And that is because, in the end, I was so glad to be finished with it. Do not get me wrong, it is an amazing retelling and I did enjoy it, just not that much. For most of the book, it was just fine. I didn't feel that attached to the characters and it was too much monologue and too little dialog happening. There were some amazingly, and truly beautifully written scenes but there were also whole chapters where I felt like absolutely nothing was happening. That is why I abandoned it in November and didn't pick it up again until February.
And I have to say that while I was really interested in Achilles and Patroclus' relationship at the start of the book, to see how it would develop. It felt quite weird to read about them getting intimate with each other while still being underage. As well as that being the only time we get to read about it.
I felt that the relationship became quite stale and too predictable. When they finally started to disagree on things in the latter chapters I was thrilled to get to read about the cracks in their relationship. But that, (to my disappointment) was quickly patched up and solved. I wished to see more of their differences instead of getting to read the same thing over and over again. Like "OKAY we GET IT Patroculus! Achilles is hot and you want him to have his honor!"
I felt like all the softness and intimate moments of their relationship disappeared with the war. But yet we are still to believe they are madly in love? I just didn't feel it at the end.
I would still highly recommend this book, for the right audience. Someone who already is interested in Greek mythology and likes loooooong outdrawn scenes, with a lot of attention to detail. It is still, with all the flaws I found while reading, a very good and beautifully written retelling. I do not regret reading it one bit!