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The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (Bloomsbury)
For as long as I can remember, I've always harboured an interest in Greek mythology, so when I first heard about The Song of Achilles, I was incredibly excited.
The thing about Greek myth though, is that people are often reluctant to take on reading books relating to many of the adaptations of these tales because they're often convoluted, drawn out, confusing and most of all, there just seem to be way too many gods, goddesses and mortals to keep track of.
Naturally the one question that I couldn't help but ask, was how would Madeline Miller take an already known and complex story and adapt it in such a way that it not only breathes new life into an old story, but also manages to maintain the very essence of the mythology. Could she really pull it off?
The answer is absolutely. And then some more.
The story is essentially about the mighty warrior, but focuses on and is told through Patroclus's point of view. For those who don't know, Patroclus was Achilles' best friend, confident and, according to many, lover.
As a young prince, Patroclus is a chronically awkward boy who, after accidentally committing an act of violence, is exiled and sent to Phthia to live with King Peleus and his golden-haired son, Achilles. The two couldn't be more different, yet their paths manage to cross.
And much to everyone's surprise, Achilles takes the shamed outcast under his wing. What starts out as lessons in war, medicine and arts, soon grows and develops into a deep, abiding friendship; and later, something far deeper than any of them could have imagined.
But life for these two were never meant to be easy and when arrives that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Patroclus, out of duty, love and fear, follows his friend to Troy, for a war that will cost them everything they hold dear.
The power of this novel, lies not only in the fact that the author, who holds both a BA and MA in Latin and Ancient Greek, has a solid grasp of the subject matter, but unlike Homer's Iliad, she relies on focusing the story on internal characterisation, bringing an enthralling emotional element to a story that has always spoken of actions, rather than feelings.
Coupled with the beautiful, poetic prose that is at once romantic and lamenting, the book will have you rooting for both Patroclus, who is as honourable as he is awkward and Achilles, the flawed hero, who may just end up garnering your sympathy.
Achilles may be the war hero, but the real winner in this story is Patroclus.
I have a deep love for characters who are underdogs and Patroclus, in all of his timid, self-doubting awkwardness, embodies the very definition of it.
Because of this, his honourable nature shines to the forefront, casting him as the real hero in times when Achilles, in all of his golden-hued glory succumbs to the folly of arrogance.
The settings of this novel take you back to Ancient Greece, injecting you right into the middle of a mythical world that feels undeniably real under the skilful hands of Madeline Miller.
One feels almost as if you're on one of the battle ships, anchored on the shores of Troy, waiting with baited breath to see which way the wind blows.
Will the gods play their part, or leave the mortals to fumble in their own hay? That question I can't answer for you, but what I can say that this is at heart, a story about war and how it changes and shapes the destiny of those you love.
For Patroclus, whose life revolved around the handsome demigod, this couldn't be more true.
A final word? Just because you know how it ends, does not mean the end is necessarily the end. You'll have to read it to understand just what I mean.
Keen on reading this book? Click here to either review the book or purchase your own copy.
Are you a fan of Greek myth retellings? Which books would you recommend?
Sign up for women24's book club newsletter and stand a chance to win our top ten books from kalahari.com.
For as long as I can remember, I've always harboured an interest in Greek mythology, so when I first heard about The Song of Achilles, I was incredibly excited.
The thing about Greek myth though, is that people are often reluctant to take on reading books relating to many of the adaptations of these tales because they're often convoluted, drawn out, confusing and most of all, there just seem to be way too many gods, goddesses and mortals to keep track of.
Naturally the one question that I couldn't help but ask, was how would Madeline Miller take an already known and complex story and adapt it in such a way that it not only breathes new life into an old story, but also manages to maintain the very essence of the mythology. Could she really pull it off?
The answer is absolutely. And then some more.
The story is essentially about the mighty warrior, but focuses on and is told through Patroclus's point of view. For those who don't know, Patroclus was Achilles' best friend, confident and, according to many, lover.
As a young prince, Patroclus is a chronically awkward boy who, after accidentally committing an act of violence, is exiled and sent to Phthia to live with King Peleus and his golden-haired son, Achilles. The two couldn't be more different, yet their paths manage to cross.
And much to everyone's surprise, Achilles takes the shamed outcast under his wing. What starts out as lessons in war, medicine and arts, soon grows and develops into a deep, abiding friendship; and later, something far deeper than any of them could have imagined.
But life for these two were never meant to be easy and when arrives that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Patroclus, out of duty, love and fear, follows his friend to Troy, for a war that will cost them everything they hold dear.
The power of this novel, lies not only in the fact that the author, who holds both a BA and MA in Latin and Ancient Greek, has a solid grasp of the subject matter, but unlike Homer's Iliad, she relies on focusing the story on internal characterisation, bringing an enthralling emotional element to a story that has always spoken of actions, rather than feelings.
Coupled with the beautiful, poetic prose that is at once romantic and lamenting, the book will have you rooting for both Patroclus, who is as honourable as he is awkward and Achilles, the flawed hero, who may just end up garnering your sympathy.
Achilles may be the war hero, but the real winner in this story is Patroclus.
I have a deep love for characters who are underdogs and Patroclus, in all of his timid, self-doubting awkwardness, embodies the very definition of it.
Because of this, his honourable nature shines to the forefront, casting him as the real hero in times when Achilles, in all of his golden-hued glory succumbs to the folly of arrogance.
The settings of this novel take you back to Ancient Greece, injecting you right into the middle of a mythical world that feels undeniably real under the skilful hands of Madeline Miller.
One feels almost as if you're on one of the battle ships, anchored on the shores of Troy, waiting with baited breath to see which way the wind blows.
Will the gods play their part, or leave the mortals to fumble in their own hay? That question I can't answer for you, but what I can say that this is at heart, a story about war and how it changes and shapes the destiny of those you love.
For Patroclus, whose life revolved around the handsome demigod, this couldn't be more true.
A final word? Just because you know how it ends, does not mean the end is necessarily the end. You'll have to read it to understand just what I mean.
Keen on reading this book? Click here to either review the book or purchase your own copy.
Are you a fan of Greek myth retellings? Which books would you recommend?
Sign up for women24's book club newsletter and stand a chance to win our top ten books from kalahari.com.
