119 pages • 3 hours read
The Song of Achilles
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Book Brief
416
Novel • Fiction
Ancient Greece • Mythological Era
2011
Adult
16+ years
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
1,729,836 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
1,729,836 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Achilles
Achilles
Son of King Peleus and the nymph Thetis, fated to be a great warrior. He forms a deep bond with Patroclus and is central to the Greeks' efforts during the Trojan War.
Thetis
Thetis
A sea nymph and mother of Achilles, who desires greatness and immortality for her son. She is involved in various attempts to secure Achilles's future.
Odysseus
Odysseus
A cunning and diplomatic Greek leader known for his strategic mind. He plays a role in uniting Helen’s suitors and later in finding Achilles and Patroclus.
Briseis
Briseis
A captured Trojan woman who comes under the protection of Patroclus and Achilles. She becomes a close friend of Patroclus during the Trojan War.
Agamemnon
Agamemnon
The Mycenaean king and brother of Menelaus, who leads the Greek forces to Troy. His conflict with Achilles significantly affects the Greek campaign.
416
Novel • Fiction
Ancient Greece • Mythological Era
2011
Adult
16+ years
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