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A review by nightfell
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
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.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Kidnapping, and Pregnancy