The book “Song of Achilles,” by Madeline Miller, is a retelling of Homer’s Iliad through

Patroclus’s perspective. The book is about Patroclus, a Greek prince who has been exiled to

another kingdom by his father. There, he meets prince Achilles, son of King Peleus. The two

form an unbreakable bond, where they become each other’s closest companions. In their teenage

years, word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped. All the heroes of Greece are called

upon to lay siege to Troy in her name. Achilles, the best of the Greeks, joins the fight at the

promise of glory. Patroclus agrees to go with him, and now both of their lives are in fate’s hands.

I thought the book was beautifully written. The characters aren’t detailed as perfect, which

makes them more loveable. Achilles is arrogant and a glory seeker. Patroclus is awkward,

simple, and not meant for the battlefield. Yet, I loved both of the characters and their “flaws”.

The author also portrays the growth of multiple characters throughout the story, allowing readers

to fully appreciate each character's arc and development. Additionally, each page of the book is

filled with imagery, metaphors, and scenes that really hit you in the heart. There were so many

quotes that I could reread over and over again.

“The never-ending ache of love and sorrow. Perhaps in some other life I could have refused,

could have torn my hair and screamed, and made him face his choice alone. But not in this one.”

I felt there were also many underlying themes and messages that could be interpreted from the

book. One of my favorite quotes from the book reads, “What is admired in one generation is

abhorred in another. We cannot say who will survive the holocaust of memory … We are only, a

brief flare of the torch.” People all have different perspectives of life and what they believe is the

right thing to do. Everyone is just trying to live their lives and be remembered in this world for

something great.

Some readers might be deterred by the fact that the book is a vivid retelling of the Iliad. The

book incorporates many Greek elements, storylines, and characters that might feel overwhelming

to readers who have never read Greek mythology before. However, this element might be a

blessing in disguise. Readers will be left with greater feelings of suspense and surprise at each

twist and turn of the book’s plot. Additionally, the book ends with a character glossary that

allows curious readers to get a better understanding of the Greek gods and heroes mentioned.

To conclude, I would definitely recommend “Song of Achilles” to teen readers who are into

Greek mythology, readers looking for an epic love story, or ones who are just looking for a book

that they could read in one sitting. The book is definitely a page-turner and one you won’t be

able to put down. Lastly, “Song of Achilles” is a standalone book, however, Madeline Miller has

also written a book called “Circe” that is based on the Odyssey, if you are interested.

Check out Song of Achilles  from the Newport Beach Public Library.