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The Song of Achilles

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011

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Book Brief

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Madeline Miller

The Song of Achilles

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ancient Greece • Mythological Era

Theme
Publication Year

2011

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller reimagines the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, Greek heroes of the Trojan War. Narrated by Patroclus, the story follows his exile, his companionship and romantic bond with Achilles, their training with Chiron, and their involvement in the Trojan War, highlighting themes of fate and glory. The novel contains depictions of violence and slavery.

Romantic

Emotional

Bittersweet

Melancholic

Fantastical

Reviews & Readership

4.4

1,729,836 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Madeline Miller's The Song of Achilles has garnered praise for its poetic prose, well-developed characters, and emotional depth. Readers appreciate the fresh perspective on Greek mythology, but some critique the pacing as uneven. Overall, it's considered a poignant and engaging retelling of the Achilles-Patroclus relationship.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Song of Achilles?

Readers who enjoy richly developed characters, intricate relationships, and mythological settings will find The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller captivating. Fans of Circe by Miller or The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker will appreciate this emotionally resonant retelling of Greek mythology.

4.4

1,729,836 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ancient Greece • Mythological Era

Theme
Publication Year

2011

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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