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.