The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Rating: ★★★★★

Dates Read: 1/9/22 - 1/20/22

    This is a powerful tale of two extraordinary individuals whose lives intertwine in an ancient world of gods and heroes. Achilles, a peerless Greek warrior and son of a sea goddess, captures hearts with his strength and beauty. In contrast, Patroclus, an awkward prince burdened by past violence, finds an unexpected connection with Achilles.

    Fate unites them, and under the guidance of the wise centaur Chiron, they receive training in the arts of war and healing. However, when Helen of Sparta is abducted, Greece calls upon its heroes to lay siege to Troy, and Achilles is tempted by the promise of a glorious future. Patroclus, torn between love and fear for his friend, follows Achilles into the tumultuous battlefield.

    Unaware of the challenges that lie ahead, the duo faces the wrath of the gods and the cruel twists of destiny. Their unbreakable bond will be tested like never before, and the demanding Fates will require a heart-wrenching sacrifice.

    "He is half of my soul, as the poets say."

    Madeline Miller, you're going to need to foot my therapy bills because this book wrecked me emotionally! But seriously, EVERYTHING about it was so damn perfect! Let me just start by saying, I LOVED this book! From the very first page, I knew it was going to be an all-time favorite, and boy, did it deliver! The prose was evocative, the narrative style was unique and unforgettable, and the characters were portrayed in a way that breathed new life into them.

    The way Miller depicted Achilles' and Patroclus' relationship was simply beautiful. Despite never explicitly saying the words, their love for each other was so palpable in every moment they shared. I couldn't get enough of their precious moments together, and all I wanted was for them to find happiness. I knew how this tragic tale would end, but that didn't make it any less heart-wrenching. The sense of foreboding throughout the book was haunting, and all those little hints and innuendos piled up until I was drowning in dread. The final sentence felt like a dagger to my heart.

    "I went to Peleus. I knelt before him on a wool rug, woven bright with purple. He started to speak, but I was too quick for him. One of my hands went to clasp his knees, the other reached upward, to seize his chin with my hand. The pose of supplication. It was a gesture I had seen many times, but had never made myself. I was under his protection now; he was bound to treat me fairly, by the law of the gods.
‘Tell me where he is,’ I said.”

    Achilles was such a beautiful and righteous character, and watching his transformation throughout the story was both captivating and heartbreaking. His relationship with Patroclus was so pure and genuine, and it was evident that Patroclus brought out the best in him. But as the war over Troy took its toll, Achilles changed, and the true tragedy was that he never wanted to be part of it in the first place. I adored Patroclus! He was kind, sweet, and the perfect match for Achilles. Their love was so deep that nothing could destroy it, and their unwavering support for each other was touching beyond words. When Patroclus was gone, Achilles' godly nature took over, and the rest is history.

    “And perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is gone.”

    I must admit, I have some mixed feelings about Odysseus. On one hand, he was clever and wise, but on the other, his actions forced Achilles onto a destined path he might not have chosen otherwise. Now, let's talk about Agamemnon. That man was pure evil, and I despised him with a passion. His actions were unforgivable, and I was on the edge of my seat during the tense moments between him and Achilles. And let's not forget about Thetis. While I understood she wanted the best for Achilles, I couldn't stand the way she tried to come between him and Patroclus. She may have redeemed herself in the end, but I still don't like her!

    "Had she really thought I would not know him? I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell, I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world.”

    Achilles and Patroclus were a dream couple! Their relationship was so genuine and beautiful, and their unconditional love for each other was heartwarming. I can't even begin to express how much I adored them together.

    In short, this book was everything I ever wanted and more. It made me cry, laugh, and filled me with so many emotions. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful books I've ever read, and I don't regret picking it up for a second.

    To anyone who hasn't read it yet, do yourself a favor and read it NOW! I promise you won't regret it. Madeline Miller is a literary genius, and I'm already counting down the days until I can emotionally handle reading it again.