By Madeline Miller
OVERVIEW
The Song Of Achilles is set in the time of Greek heroes and legends. A disappointment to his family, Patroclus is exiled to King Peleus’ court. It is there that he befriends Peleus’ son, Achilles. As they grow up, their friendship continues to grow into something much deeper against the wishes of Achilles’ mother, Thetis.
Achilles’ existence is surrounded by promises of greatness and when news comes of Helen of Sparta’s kidnapping, Achilles must go to war in Troy. Filled with fear and love for his friend, Patroclus goes with him.
MY THOUGHTS
This book is beautifully written. Madeline Miller’s poetic and descriptive language pulls you into the captivating romance of the story. It was a book I could not put down.
Having known the legend of Achilles already, I was sceptical about how much could be done to romanticise the original tale. How wrong I was! This story remains accurate to the original, creating memorable characters that pull your heartstrings. As a reader, you feel every thrill and heartbreak of the characters as they grow from teenagers to men.
Favourite Quotes
“WE WERE LIKE GODS AT THE DAWNING OF THE WORLD, AND OUR JOY WAS SO BRIGHT WE COULD SEE NOTHING ELSE BUT THE OTHER.”
MADELINE MILLER
“IN THE DARKNESS, TWO SHADOWS, REACHING THROUGH THE HOPELESS, HEAVY DUSK. THEIR HANDS MEET, AND LIGHT SPILLS IN A FLOOD, LIKE A HUNDRED GOLDEN URNS POURING OUT THE SUN.”
MADELINE MILLER
The Silver Bookworm 