Sol Garcia | THE RIDER
Every once in a while, there is a book that will absolutely capture your heart. By the time the story ends, you might wipe some tears away and sigh, “What a good book that was.”
Madeline Miller’s “The Song of Achilles” (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2011) is not one of those books. Miller’s debut novel is more than that, as cliché as it may sound. “The Song of Achilles” will shatter your heart, but it is worth every single sob–and there will be many. Have some tissues ready.
“The Song of Achilles” is a retelling of the Trojan War, but no background knowledge is necessary. The story starts with the narrator, Patroclus, as a young Greek prince. While he may have been born royal, Patroclus is anything but in his father’s eyes. Instead, Patroclus is a disappointment with his scrawniness and lack of strength or talent. At age 5, Patroclus’ father hosts a traditional game event, and that’s when Patroclus first sees him–Achilles. Achilles is around Patroclus’ age, but with one glance, it is obvious he is worthy of being a prince. It should be no surprise that this majestic prince is also a demigod. Achilles takes the prize home that night, as Patroclus’ father says, “That is what a son should be.”
As a prophecy may ruin a future, spoilers may ruin a book. The following paragraphs contain spoilers.
The next time Patroclus and Achilles meet, Patroclus has become an exile, sent to the kingdom that Achilles’ father rules. Patroclus seems to despise Achilles for being the prince he could never be. Nevertheless, Achilles comes to appreciate Patroclus and befriends him. Patroclus soon becomes Achilles’ therapon, the closest companionship a prince can have with another man.
As they grow up together, side-by-side every day, Patroclus and Achilles become inseparable. All feelings of envy from Patroclus are gone, replaced by longing and a passion. One so deep, it must have been created by the Fates or Aphrodite herself. For Achilles, though, he must prioritize his foretold destiny. Thetis, the nymph goddess and mother of Achilles, ensures her son will live up to the prophecy that he will be the greatest warrior of his generation. She must protect her son’s legacy, even if that means pushing away his loved ones.
Before they know it, the Trojan War has begun–the opportunity for Achilles to fulfill his fate. However, becoming a hero requires enduring hardships, and it will forever change Patroclus and Achilles.
The book is written in a straightforward style with unparalleled imagery. Every time the warrior prince plays the significant lyre, you can almost hear music playing. Every detail that Patroclus admires about Achilles is so vivid, you can perfectly picture the man Patroclus cherishes. Although “The Song of Achilles” starts rather slow-paced, it flows so easily, you will want to finish the story in a single sitting.
One of the most beautiful aspects of “The Song of Achilles” is the juxtaposition between the two characters. Patroclus has always been in the shadows of Achilles, while just the name of the demigod is enough to frighten enemies. Even though Patroclus doesn’t always value himself, Miller purposely chooses him as the narrator to show everyone has a story. The rest of the world may see Achilles as a force to be reckoned with, as the best hero alive, but Patroclus sees Achilles as the man who is great for his heart, not for his ability to fight.
During the war, juxtaposition is effectively used again. Patroclus becomes a war medic. Almost as if blessed, he is able to help so many who are at death’s door. Patroclus is a restorer of life. On the same battlegrounds, Achilles exhibits godliness as he is able to defeat any opposing fighter. Achilles is a bringer of death.
While Valentine’s Day may have passed, read this love story, for it will always remain a legacy. However, its descriptions of sexual assault, death and war themes may be triggering.
In 33 chapters, Miller is able to create an immense love between two well-developed characters, each with their own insecurities, wishes and an eternal yearning for each other.
“The Song of Achilles” receives the sunny rating of: ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼ ☼.
Reviews are based on five suns.
