The Song of Achilles

Hardcover, 384 pages

English language

Published Jan. 29, 2021 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

ISBN:
978-1-5266-4817-4
Copied ISBN!

View on OpenLibrary

4 stars (12 reviews)

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the kingdom of Phthia to be raised in the shadow of King Peleus and his golden son, Achilles. “The best of all the Greeks”—strong, beautiful, and the child of a goddess—Achilles is everything the shamed Patroclus is not. Yet despite their differences, the boys become steadfast companions. Their bond deepens as they grow into young men and become skilled in the arts of war and medicine—much to the displeasure and the fury of Achilles’ mother, Thetis, a cruel sea goddess with a hatred of mortals.

When word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, the men of Greece, bound by blood and oath, must lay siege to Troy in her name. Seduced by the promise of a glorious destiny, Achilles joins their cause, and torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus follows. …

23 editions

Review of 'The song of Achilles' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

New favourite book. It's perfect. I was so sceptic in the beginning, but the book won me over after a while. Such powerful story telling. It's the perfect preparation for reading the Illiad. I probably need to still read lots of other stuff beforehand, but it was a perfect introduction.

I have so many questions left, because some things were weird, but I will probably get it when I read the original. The writing was so beautiful. Since it's a retelling Miller had lots of creative room and she used it well. I cannot find any critic about this book. I think it has a goal, which was telling Achilles story from an LGBTQ point of view and it achieved it in a respectful, believable manner. I loved the well built characters, and the respect for historical sociological context.

And now I will go back to fangirling and cuddling the …

Subjects

  • Historical Fiction
  • War & Military
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Myth Retelling

Lists