Book Review: The Song of Achilles

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Author: Madeline Miller

Year: 2011

Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Romance Novel.

Pages: 416

Review

"The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller is a retelling of the ancient Greek epic "The Iliad." The book explores the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus and has been praised for its masterful prose, bold reinterpretation of the classic story, and strong LGBTQ+ representation. The use of love as both a blinder and clarifier in the character's development was also noted as a unique and intriguing aspect of the book. Overall, readers seem to enjoy the modern take on a timeless story and appreciate the nuanced handling of the LGBTQ+ themes.

Summary

The Song of Achilles is a retelling of the Iliad by Madeleine Miller with a gay romance as the central focus. The author presents the characters of Achilles and Patroclus with modern emotional nuance while still preserving the classic themes of Ancient Greece. The representation of the LGBTQ+ community is well done and respectful. The author's use of love as both a blinder and clarifier in the interpretation of the characters is noted as a unique aspect of the book. Overall, the author successfully makes the retelling of the classic story her own while preserving the core themes of the original.

Themes

The "Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller explores several themes, including:

  1. Love and loyalty: The central relationship between Patroclus and Achilles is a central theme of the novel, examining the depth and complexities of the bond between two people.
  2. War and violence: The book portrays the violence and horror of war, showing how it affects the individuals involved, as well as their families and loved ones.
  3. The role of gods and fate: The gods play a significant role in the story, influencing the events of the war and the fate of the characters.
  4. Heroism and bravery: Achilles is depicted as a great hero, but Miller also questions the nature of heroism and the toll that it takes on those who embody it.
  5. Identity and self-discovery: The novel explores the characters' journeys of self-discovery and the challenges they face in defining their own identities, both in terms of their relationships and their place in the world.

Overall, the "Song of Achilles" is a complex and nuanced exploration of love, war, and the human experience.

Why should you read it?

The "Song of Achilles" is a highly acclaimed novel and is considered a must-read for fans of historical fiction, classical literature, and LGBT literature. The book offers a fresh and insightful retelling of the classic Greek myth of Achilles and Patroclus, with a focus on their intense relationship. The themes of love, war, destiny, and the power of storytelling are all explored in depth, making the book both thought-provoking and emotionally impactful. Additionally, author Madeline Miller's writing style is vivid and engaging, with lyrical prose that brings the ancient world to life.

Happy reading.

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