madsisbookedup's Reviews (257)

Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption

Stephen King

5.0

challenging emotional inspiring medium-paced

Circe

Madeline Miller

4.0

adventurous challenging reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

The Song of Achilles

Madeline Miller

5.0

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring reflective 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: Complicated

This book is beautiful. The story is beautiful. The characters are beautiful. The prose is beautiful.

A friend whose opinion is trust completely told me that this was one of her favourite novels. From that recommendation alone I knew I would love it.

If you know anything about Greek mythology you know where this story is going but Miller’s writing is so soothing and lush that you allow yourself to be carried away with Patroclus and Achilles. Every character is wonderfully developed. I personally loved Thetis’ arc. Her words “He is not worthy of you”, truly do come full circle in a moment of narrative brilliance. Subtle but powerful.

Like many tales of mythology you are swept along with the epic majesty of the story and The Song of Achilles is no different. To call this historical romance is an oversimplification, it’s just beautiful. Miller blends romance, mythology, Bildungsroman and coming of age

“Their hands meet, And lights spills in a flood, like a hundred golden urns pouring out the sun.”

10/10 - I can’t fault this, I really can’t. Read it.

🥰😏🥺😭☺️ - a full gamut of emotions here - tears and smirks, cheers and sobs.