The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a heartfelt, and at times gut wrenching, novel
following the relationship between Patroclus of Opus and Achilles of Phthia in the moments leading up to the Trojan war. Millers novel emphasizes the adventures of youth, the burdens of duty, and the appearance of grim war in Greek myth. Through these motifs, readers experience the highs and lows of love, loss, and sacrifice in a way that truly captures and grips you throughout the novel.
Despite its title, the book centers on Patroclus, an exiled prince, who lives out his banishment in the home of Achilles. Patroclus’ perspective is intimate and insightful, putting readers in touch with his ever-present insecurities and granting us access to his inner contemplations. His emotions are heavy and appeal to our sympathy, but they also touch on elements of humility and human fallacy that we have all experienced at one point or another. Seeing the world though Patroclus’ eyes, readers witness what occurs when one is surrounded by greatness, loved by greatness, and what happens when one chooses to become great. Achilles character is a joy to come into contact with as well; charming, youthful, and carefree, Miller’s Achilles is hypnotic and provides a lovely fictional contribution to the collective myth of Achilles.
I was most struck by the imaginative and highly descriptive scenes throughout this novel—as I was with her other historical fiction, Circe. Miller has a lovely talent for illustration that appears subtly and powerfully in her writing:
The ship’s boards were still sticky with new resin. We leaned over the railing to wave our last farewell, the sun-warm wood pressed against our bellies. The sailors heaved up the anchor, square and chalky with barnacles, and loosened the sails. Then they took their seats at the oars that fringed the boat like eyelashes, waiting for the count. The drums began to beat, and the oars lifted and fell, taking us to Troy. (Miller, 190)
Her character building is grounded and strong, and could easily carry her narrative alone. But add to that her ability to paint such lovely and vivid scenes, and these different elements come together to create a beautifully crafted and captivating novel.
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