Instead of telling The Song of Achilles by Achilles himself, author Madeline Miller has his close friend and lover, Patroclus, as the narrator. This interesting choice ultimately proves correct as Patroclus witnesses Achilles’s transformation from a kind-hearted boy to an unforgiving warrior carrying out his fate. The story details how the two grew up together and then follows them as they each fulfill their destinies at Troy, illustrating the themes of friendship, loyalty, anger, and hubris that run throughout the novel. While Miller bends certain details regarding the Trojan War, the overall substance of the story is the same to Homer’s original epic, and provides additional insight to the character of Achilles that the former was lacking. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read for both fans of mythology and casual readers alike.
Opening Line: “My father was a king and the son of kings.”
Favorite Line: “We are all there, goddess and mortal and the boy who was both.”
Why I Like It: Miller gives the story of Achilles a fresh spin as she adds modern themes and perspectives to the classic myth.
Read If You Like: Circe, The Aeneid, The Iliad, The Odyssey