[ 4.5🌟]

One of my new favorite books!! I don’t think I’ve felt as strongly about a novel as I do this one.
First of all, Madeline Miller has a beautifully lyrical writing style that made me fall in love immediately. The story itself was heartbreaking, especially as the familiar scenes from the Iliad came into play, but the ending was absolutely heartwarming, although it took only a sentence to resolve the story.
By writing The Song of Achilles from Patroclus’ view, Miller gave readers a new insight into the great hero’s character, flaws, and growth. She weaved the novel from the unknown concerning the background of Achilles and his lover, Patroclus. Miller also shows the why of Hector’s death. Achilles often shrugged how Hector had done nothing against him; thus, he had no reason to kill him on the battlefield...
As I thought about The Song of Achilles, I realized Miller’s insightful and refreshing perspective on the Achilles’ “heel.” It was very interesting to consider but to elaborate on these musings would lead to spoilers, so I will refrain from doing so.
I enjoyed the pacing of this novel, as the slow and steadiness of the beginning gradually led to the more heart-racing pace of the ending and the introduction of the Trojan War.
Miller explores themes of the price of honor and reputation and the its weight compared to being a good person. I really liked how Miller focuses on the unlikely heroes (also seen in her second novel, Circe), and I think that by doing so, she strengthens the already known stories.
Overall, I highly recommend, especially if you are someone who loves Greek mythology and excellent storytelling!!