Classical Greek mythology meets a new age of literature in this modern take on Homer’s

epic of the Trojan War. The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller, is a beautiful retelling of the

adventures of Achilles from a fresh, new point of view. The main character, Patroclus, is a

young prince exiled from his kingdom by his cold-hearted father, King Menoetius. Not long after,

he becomes a foster child of another well known King—Peleus, the father of Achilles. When

Patroclus and Achilles cross paths and famous Achilles choses Patroclus as his companion.

The two soon become fond of each other and form a bond deep enough to last a lifetime.

The boys grow up together—running, fighting, and learning life skills from the wise

centaur, Chiron. As they get older, their friendship grows into something more and their

romance blossoms. All the while Achilles’ mother, Thetis, goddess and sea nymph, disapproves

of their relationship and worries that Patroclus will taint Achilles’ reputation. With Thetis’ visits

also comes news of her son’s fate. The prophecy is this: Achilles will be greater than his father,

but he will also have a choice. He can stay away from war and live a long, ordinary life or lead

his men into battle and die young, winning fame and glory. His society is one built on honor, and

for Patroclus, this means that time with his beloved Achillles will run short.

Soon enough, the two are called home with news of the Trojan War. Now Patroclus must

prepare to fight not only for his own life, but against the Fates for the lives of the people he loves

most.

The historical accuracy and attention to detail Miller incorporates into her novel are

amazing. Having read Homer's Iliad (the book off which The Song of Achilles was based), I find

it interesting to see how Miller used the elements of a classic to structure her novel. Intertwining

her own ideas for character personalities and other details with the main plot points from the

Iliad, Miller creates something entirely new altogether. Another interesting element of the story

is that it is told from Patroclus’ perspective. This contrasts to the Iliad which is in third person

omniscient. This point of view sheds light on the tragedies and hardships of life in ancient

Greece and gives new meanings to well-known events.

Basing The Song of Achilles off of famous Greek mythology also deepens the complexity of the

novel by adding several layers of foreshadowing. The only negative side about the story’s focus

on Greek myths and legends is that it might not be as appealing to readers who haven’t read

the Iliad . For example, they might not get as many allusions or recognize as many characters

such as the kings, gods, and heroes. However, I really enjoyed this novel and still believe it

could appreciated by those who don’t already have external knowledge of the myths.

Taking these factors into account, I would rate this novel an 8.5/10. It had a great plot and

wonderfully interesting and complex characters. The ending, though expected, is full of twists

and turns that somehow manage to both shock and inspire the reader. I would recommend this

book to anyone interested in Greek mythology, historical fiction, classic literature, or romance

novels.

Checkout The Song of Achilles at the Newport Beach Public Library.