“In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out the sun” (Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles) 

This quote illustrates that no matter the barriers preventing each other’s devotion in societal eyes, both lovers will always wait for one another in the afterlife. The Song of Achilles is a Greek mythology and historical fiction, written by Madeline Miller, a tale of Gods and Goddesses, Kings and Queens, obtaining immortal fame and the sacrifice of the human heart.  

Through a captivating love story of Achilles who would become known as the hero of the Trojan War from his companion, friend, and lover Patroclus who tells the story from his perspective throughout the different stages of their life. 

Synopsis

The cruel goddess Thesis and the legendary king Peleus bore “the best of all the Greeks,” Achilles is strong, swift and one of the most beautiful–irresitable to anyone who meets him. An awkward young prince Patroclus, is exiled from his homeland after committing a treacherous act of violence. Their fate brings both together, forever forging an unbreakable bond towards each other, despite facing the god’s wrath. Sent to be trained by Chiron in the arts of war and medicine, but war breaks out once word has spread that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped. Causing all heroes of Greece to be called upon to lay siege to Troy in her name. Seduced by the glorious destiny, Achilles joins the cause, and torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroculus follows him. However, cruel Fates test them both as never before and will demand the ultimate sacrifice. 

Review

The first chapters felt very slow paced for a moment, with very descriptive paragraphs of the settings and what Patroclus is doing; but once reading more it  becomes exciting. What I now understand was the author, Miller’s intent to slowly build up the anticipation of the war coming, instead of rushing from childhood to adulthood right away that many writers often overlook. Giving us the idea of how far Patroclus will go for Achilles. 

Patroclus is really relatable to anyone with being the side character in someone’s story, still playing a vital role of protecting and serving  the main protagonist. I feel like Patroclus was well-developed from starting off as a shy boy, but slowly becoming more independent and doing the unthinkable when it comes to war. 

The main themes of The Song of Achilles were primarily focused on love, fate, honor, mortality and immortality. Throughout the book Miller would often mention changing one’s fate that happens for centuries and never ending happily. But also testing the limits of how no one, especially Greek heroes, live forever, because once Achilles  gained all that glory he realized the one person he truly cared and fought for was gone. 

If you know Greek Mythology well already and especially about Achilles and Patroclus story then you’re somewhat prepared. Because this is a retelling of nearly accurate historical studies, and while there are different takes on if they were friends or lovers. One thing for sure is that both of them meant the entire universe to each other. To others this may seem like the typical tragic romance war story, but I think it’s different with shedding light on an LGBTQ couple that was not often ignored in Greek Mythology. 

I enjoyed reading more about Greek Mythology and learning more about these two lovers. But also helping me as a reader understand how much fate tries to tear one another away, and yet both still fight to stay by each other’s side. Patroclus is definitely everyone’s character trait of feeling nothing but a supporting character when in reality you play a bigger role and mean something to the main protagonist that leads him to becoming the hero known through all of Greek Mythologies Wars.  

I of course did not like how this would end based on the historical studies, since I somewhat spoiled myself when researching more about these characters. 

This book is perfect for anyone wanting to read a story of an LGBTQ Greek Mythology couple, since there aren’t that many accurate stories out there about this type of history. I would definitely recommend not searching any of these gods, because they can spoil the book, until you’ve finished reading. Also the intended audience is young adults or anyone older who would be interested in learning more about these two characters and perspectives of how the Trojan War affected others. 

I give this book 📚📚📚📚📚- for being such a unique instinct of the Greek Gods (5/5).

Love, Gia

GFB Ambassador