SONG OF ACHILLES BY MADELINE MILLER - BOOK TALK

★ The story is told from the viewpoint of Patroclus, who was banished by his father to reside
in Peleus' court and who quickly falls in love with his host's son, the superhuman Achilles.
From an early age, Achilles' demi-god status has given him an advantage over all of his
contemporaries in terms of speed, beauty, and skill.

★ The story is told from the viewpoint of Patroclus, who was banished by his father to reside
in Peleus' court and who quickly falls in love with his host's son, the superhuman Achilles.
From an early age, Achilles' demi-god status has given him an advantage over all of his
contemporaries in terms of speed, beauty, and skill.

This book captures the essence of life in words on a page, making it more than just a
book. I envy those who are reading this book for the first time because each page is
exquisite and brand-new. The strong sensation of melancholy heartbreak and loss that
overtakes you after reading the final sentence on the last page is a unique and exceptional
combination of emotions that will forever leave a trace on your character.Once you start
reading it, you won't want to put it down! It displays the qualities of genuine friends,
lovers, and enemies as well as bonds, kindness, innocence, and of course, unconditional
love.

Miller writes in tremendous detail without rambling or wasting words, which is why I love
her writing. While simultaneously delivering the unexpected, she gives her reader the
impression that they are fully informed about what will happen next.

★ WHO ARE THE CHARACTERS?

○ The main characters of the story are Patroclus and Achilles
○ PATROCLUS
■ A former prince and Achilles’s lover, Patroclus is the novel’s narrator. He is
fundamentally kind, which leads his father to dislike him. Patroclus’s mother
was intellectually disabled, and his father believes that both Patroclus and his
mother were weak. As a child, Patroclus accidentally killed a young boy
whose father demanded that Patroclus be exiled. Patroclus was sent to
Achilles’s kingdom, where he and Achilles first fell in love.
■ Patroclus is My New Favourite Greek
■ I’ve always felt that many of these Greek and Roman heroes of mythology
that we read about are pretty arrogant and egotistical. After all, while Helen
is credited with being the “face that launched a thousand ships” and the
cause of the Trojan War, it’s clear that Agamemnon wanted Troy and she just
happened to be his excuse. This is why while reading this book Patroclus
definitely become is my new favorite Greek. He simply wants to live his life,
make his own choices, and see the man he loves live a long life. I loved that
in Miller’s rendition, Patroclus doesn’t really even bother training for war, but
rather spends time learning about healing and medicine. And he has a true
caring and kindness for those around him. Although the Achilles we see in
 this book is definitely less arrogant then he is in other media, it’s Patroclus
that forces him to think about others and try to help them.

ACHILLES
○
■ Achilles is the prince of Phthia, Patroclus’s lover, and the best fighter in
Greece. According to prophecy, he is prophesized to attain fame during the
Trojan War. His battle skills are in his blood: his mother, the goddess Thetis,
was raped by his father, Peleus, making Achilles half human and half god. As
a teenager, when Achilles meets and falls in love with Patroclus, he’s honest,
kind, and has great skill with a lyre.
■ Achilles and Patroclus, a foster child in Achilles’s kingdom, fall in love as
teenagers, eventually training together on Mount Pelion before the Trojan
War begins. Thetis initially tries to keep Achilles and Patroclus apart and keep
her son away from the fighting, sending him to Scyros and forcing him to
have a baby with Deidameia in hopes of making her son a god. Eventually,
Achilles learns his mother’s reasoning for sending him away: the gods have
prophesized two possible futures for him. He can fight in Troy and become
famous or stay in Greece and be forgotten—however, if he goes to Troy, he’s
certain to die there. Achilles chooses to fight anyway, demonstrating that he
values his honor and legacy above life itself. In Troy, he transforms into a
cold-blooded warrior who’s highly skilled with spears. He also proves himself
stubborn and occasionally cruel: after the Greek commander, Agamemnon,
insults him, Achilles allows Agamemnon to assault Briseis, believing he’d then
have a reason to kill him. Patroclus foils this plan, but Achilles remains set on
revenge, refusing to fight for the Greeks unless Agamemnon apologizes. His
pride leads to the deaths of thousands, including (indirectly) Patroclus, who
wears Achilles’s armor into battle to save his reputation and is killed by the
Trojan prince Hector. Achilles was always prophesized to die after Hector, and
indeed, he’s shot by Paris soon after he takes his revenge. Despite Achilles’s
cruelties, his love for Patroclus is his one redeeming quality. His son, Pyrrhus,
is raised by Thetis away from humans, and he’s monstrous in comparison to
his father—largely because he’s unable to love. Achilles fundamentally
misunderstands honor, confusing it for pride, but Patroclus’s love saves him
from inhumanity
★ WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT THIS BOOK?
○ So you may ask why I love The Song of Achilles so much. I was able to finally pick
up The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller and I’m so glad that I did. I fell in love
with this book the moment that I started reading it. I don’t even know why it took
me so long to read, I had only heard good things about it, and it’s about Greek
history and mythology so why wouldn’t I love it? Anyway, today I thought I would
share five of my favourite things about The Song of Achilles, so let’s go.
○ Writing
■ The one thing that really sticks out for me in The Song of Achilles is the
writing. From the very first page, I was addicted. It’s poetic, captivating and
is still able to tell the story in a way that is easily understandable. Whenever
 I try and sell this at work, I always mention the writing. The prose is elegant
and simple at the same time and just works so well.

“And perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is
gone.”

■ The words throughout the novel, the emotions aren’t just felt with the
characters, but with the words themselves. There are scenes where the
emotions jump straight from the page. I think what I like most about the
writing of The Song of Achilles is that it is easy to understand. It’s a classic
story, told through beautiful writing that anyone can understand.

○ Patroclus
■ Patroclus is brave, strong, and innocent. He is mortal in a godlike world, and
stills stand out. I loved that the reader is able to see Patroclus from when he
was a child. We are able to see him grow into the man that he is before and
during the war of Troy. Patroclus has been through a lot, and that really does
play with his character arc. For most of the book, Patroclus is very innocent,
but I think I really liked that. It’s very rare that I read about an innocent
male character and that just made me connect with him more.

“When he died, all things soft and beautiful and bright would be buried with him.”

■ I loved Patroclus character arc as well. I loved seeing him grow and getting
to know more about him. But not only that, I loved Patroclus finding out
more about himself. His character arc was fantastic and really shone through
the book. Madeline Miller is able to capture such a strong character, in a book
that is strong on its own. She is able to put this person on a page, but he
comes across, so real.

○ Romance
■ The romance in The Song of Achilles is very complex and beautiful. We know
both Patroclus and Achilles right from the start and the reader is able to see
them slowly fall for one another. But it wasn’t just that, we see them form
such a close bond that it just made me so happy. They are polar opposites,
but that seems to play in their favour. Patroclus is very innocent and wants
the best for everyone, while Achilles was born a fighter. And all of these
personalities play into their interactions with one another.

“I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell, I would know him blind, by the
way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at
the end of the world.”

■ I’ve read a lot of reviews about others not liking Achilles and I can see why.
However, that’s who he is. He is a hero, who’s been brought up knowing he is
going to the best. And that plays a lot into his character. But Patroclus is able
 to hold Achilles in a lot and that was really nice. Their story is heartbreaking
no denying it, but it’s also so beautiful. The way that they cared for one
another and then fell for each other – oh gosh my heart.

○ Greek Mythology
■ There is a lot of debate about whether this is a retelling or just another
version of the story. And I think it’s both. Throughout history, it wasn’t well
hidden that Patroclus and Achilles were lovers, but it also wasn’t explicitly
said. What Madeline Miller does shine on this relationship, rather than the
war.
■ And what I love most about this is just how true to the story Madeline Miller
was able to be. I love Greek mythology and history, I studied it in high school
and wish I could have gone further. But what I don’t always love about
retellings or versions of books, films, and even TV is the inaccuracy. And I
loved that Miller was able to capture this beautiful romance, with a beautiful
writing style, but also stay true.

“He is a weapon, a killer. Do not forget it. You can use a spear as a walking stick,
but that will not change its nature.”

■ The Trojan war went on for 10 years, and I liked that it wasn’t romanized the
hardship that the soldiers had to go through. It was brutal and wasn’t easy
for anyone. I’ve also seen while reading reviews about the way that they
treat women, slaves or anyone really throughout the story. And while it is
horrible, and I don’t ever condone it, it was true to the story – oh gosh that
is hard to say. But also know that there are some quite graphic and hard
scenes to read inThe Song of Achilles, especially for women.

“Name one hero who was happy.”

– “You can’t.” He was sitting up now, leaning forward.
“I can’t.

■ Going into the book, I knew how the story would end, but that didn’t make it
easier. It was hard to read and I cried, I cried. But then I also loved it.

○ Timeline
■ I’ve spoken about this briefly before, but I liked what Madeline Miller
regarding when to set the book in the timeline. I think it was very wise and
intriguing to start The Song of Achilles from when the boys were young. It
added more depth, and character to the novel. It allowed for
characterisation, a friendship that squeezed my heart. And also it didn’t leave
us reading about a war that lasted 10 years. Normally a lot of novels that
recount the Trojan War, are set when Paris takes Helen to Troy, and that’s
where everything starts.
■ Chiron had said once that nations were the most foolish of mortal inventions.
“No man is worth more than another, wherever he is from.”
 ■ Beginning the novel earlier also lets the reader really know Patroclus and
Achilles so much better. We just don’t know them by themselves, but
together. The reader is able to see them fall in love, have their hearts broken,
learn what it’s like to hero, a male in the time. It just worked so well.

○ I could go on and on about The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, but if you
haven’t read it and love Greek Mythology, please pick it up. And even if you don’t
and want to try some, it’s the perfect way to fall into it. The romance is beautiful
and heartbreaking.

★ FAVOURITE QUOTES

Okay look, it was my plan to just have one quote at the end, but this book is SO gorgeous that I
want to throw them all at you. So have a few:

○ “In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their
hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the
sun.”
○ “Name one hero who was happy.”
○ “I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell; I would know him blind, by the
way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at
the end of the world.”
○ “He is half of my soul, as the poets say.”
○ “Achilles’ eyes were bright in the firelight, his face drawn sharply by the flickering
shadows. I would know it in dark or disguise, told myself. I would know it even in
madness.”

The Song of Achilles is sad and beautiful and heartbreaking and pure, and the sheer mastery it
held over my emotions allowed it to burrow deep into my heart and build a cavern there where it
will forever remain. The Song of Achilles is the kind of book I want to write: beautiful of prose,
and with a command of language and characterisation that allows it to make homes in the hearts
of readers. That’s why The Song of Achilles is one of my favourite books. And honestly, if you
haven’t read it yet – do. It’s beautiful. “We were like gods at the dawning of the world, & our joy
was so bright we could see nothing else but the other.”
The story will tear you to pieces, but you will be happy when it’s all over. If you are just looking
for a fantastic read, then pick this up.

★ BOOK SUMMARY

The bestselling book The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller recounts the events of Homer's
Iliad. The book, which was released in 2012, reimagines the friendship between Achilles and
Patroclus, two legendary Greek Trojan war warriors. The story, told in the first person by
Patroclus, examines themes that are important to ancient Greek mythology, including the pursuit
of glory and the immutability of fate.

Patroclus recounts his birth and early years in the first pages of the book. Patroclus, the tiny and
mistreated son of King Menoitius, is a letdown to his father. As a potential bridegroom for his
daughter Helen, Menoitius presents Patroclus, age 9, to Tyndareus' court. Patroclus must sign a
blood pledge promising to uphold Helen's marriage even if his suit will unavoidably be rejected.

Patroclus is exiled at the age of ten for accidentally killing a nobleman's son. He travels to Phthia
as a result of his banishment, where he encounters Achilles, the boy of King Peleus and the
goddess Thetis. Patroclus catches Achilles' attention, and he asks him to be his friend. As they
approach adolescence, the two get closer and their friendship develops into passion. Thetis,
however, is not in favor of their union. She feels that her son, who is destined for grandeur, is
not worthy of a companion who is a mortal of such little renown. She snatches Achilles off to
train with the legendary centaur Chiron, who is credited with molding Hercules and other Greek
heroes. Following Achilles, Patroclus spends two joyful years studying with Chiron.

When Achilles is 16 years old, Peleus sends for him and informs him that the various kingdoms
of the Greek-speaking world have been requested to provide military assistance by the
Mycenaean king Agamemnon. Helen, the wife of his brother Menelaus, has been kidnapped by
Paris, the Trojan ruler, and Agamemnon intends to lead an expedition to Troy to retrieve her.
Peleus anticipates Achilles will serve as the delegation's leader. Thetis is aware of a prophecy,
nevertheless, that claims Achilles will perish if he visits Troy. She transports him to the
Lycomedes realm on Scyros Island. Achilles hides there while posing as a lady. Thetis marries
Achilles to Deidameia, the daughter of Lycomedes, in an attempt to break her son's relationship
with Patroclus. As a result, she becomes pregnant.

Patroclus, who was heartbroken to discover his sweetheart was no longer with him, learns
Achilles' location from Peleus and heads to Scyros. Up until the arrival of the Greek kings
Odysseus and Diomedes, the couple stays covert. Achilles, unlike Patroclus, did not swear an
oath to guard Helen, but he is unable to resist the allure of achieving immortal renown via
military prowess. Achilles decides not to engage Hector in battle after learning of the prophecy,
which states that he would die after the Trojan prince.

At the meeting place of the Greek army, Aulis, Achilles engages Agamemnon in combat right
away. Agamemnon expects to be treated first among the Greeks since he is the expedition's
leader, whereas Achilles believes that he is superior because of his better military prowess. Due
to a lack of wind, the Greek forces are stuck in Aulis. Iphigenia, the daughter of Agamemnon, is
to be offered as a sacrifice to the goddess Artemis, according to a priest. She is brought to Aulis
by Agamemnon under the pretext that she will wed Achilles. Achilles is shocked to see her throat
cut at the altar and thinks that his dignity has been tarnished by his participation with human
sacrifice. He is unaware that the marriage is a sham.The sacrifice increases the hostility between
Agamemnon and Achilles, even though it accomplishes the desired result by delivering the winds
required for sailing to Troy.

The Greeks start their siege of Troy, a fortified city built by the god Apollo and guarded by thick
walls. They carry out raids on nearby farming settlements in an effort to starve the city's food
supply and overrun it with migrants. The Greeks also end up with slaves who are local women.
Achilles takes possession of Briseis, a young woman, at Patroclus's pleading in order to prevent
her from ending up as another warrior's bed slave. Achilles, meanwhile, realizes his full potential
as a warrior in the heat of combat. Patroclus focuses on his work at the hospital as Achilles
enjoys his prowess in war. Patroclus tries to help Achilles despite being terrified by the
implications of his violent art because he understands that it is Achilles' chance to become
immortal.

At a distribution of captured women, Chryseis is claimed by Agamemnon. She is the daughter of

the Apollo priest Chryses. Chryses provides treasure and appeals to the Greeks for the return of
his daughter, but Agamemnon humiliates him and exiles him. Apollo responds to Chryses'
request by sending a plague to decimate the Greeks. A gathering is called by Achilles to demand
that Agamemnon give Chryseis back. Agamemnon takes possession of Briseis as vengeance.
Achilles withdrew himself and his forces in rage at what he felt to be an affront on his honor. Up
until Agamemnon apologizes and bows before him, none of them would engage in combat. Zeus
is persuaded by Thetis to assist the Trojans in defeating the Greeks so that they will regret
allowing Agamemnon to dishonor Achilles even more.

After that, the Greeks suffered terrible defeats. The Greeks' defensive wall is breached by the
Trojans, who then start to set fire to their ships, which are their last means of escape. After
treating the men's bodily wounds, Patroclus, who has become close to them, becomes upset. He
devises a way to pass for Achilles by donning his armor after failing to persuade him to rejoin
the fight. Patroclus is persuaded by Achilles to come back after the Trojans have fled. Patroclus,
disguised as Achilles, directs a charge that causes the desired retreat. In the heat of combat,
Patroclus is consumed by bloodlust and fails to retreat. Hector later kills him when he kills one of
their top leaders.

Achilles, who had lost all desire to live, rejoins the fight and ends Hector's life. Paris then
murders Achilles shortly after. At the insistence of Patroclus's son, whom Thetis has sent to Troy
to take his place as the new patriarch, the Greeks construct his tomb but omit Patroclus's name.
Thetis eventually gives in and puts Patroclus' name on the tomb, allowing Patroclus and Achilles'
shadows to blissfully meet in the afterlife. Until then, Patroclus' shadow wanders the earth.

DRAFTS:

Well, what’s there not to love? The romance, the writing, the character development, everything
was pretty much flawless from start to finish. I’d honestly hate to contribute to an “overhyped”
novel, because I don’t want to raise your expectations any higher than the hype already has. But
honestly, this book deserves all the love and more!! I went into this book fully knowing of its
tragic and heartbreaking elements, the very ones that make this book so loved in the book
community, and yet, I still felt it. Felt the aching pain and attachment for the story and the
characters. With that said, The Song of Achilles is a book that will definitely leave a mark on you.
After reading the last page, I swear I could hear my own heart beating against my chest and feel
the painful throb on my temples. However, no tears where shed. Maybe it was because I
devoured the second half of the book in about three hours instead of taking my time to ease the
momentum of the story a little? Perhaps that could have contributed to my painful yet numbing
state that I was in by the time I finished the book (seriously, I closed the book and just stared
into space for ten minutes waiting for the pain in my chest and my head to subside). Either way,
this is a story that I know will stay with me for a very, very long time.

It’s amazing how the author is able to integrate such strong character arcs and yet still create
such a luscious narrative on the world of Greek Gods and wars. The pacing is appropriate, the
story is intense, the writing is poetic, and you root for the main characters. It’s a story filled with
reckless decisions, and you ache for so many characters, no matter their prominence in the
book. The emotions and hardships portrayed in this novel is truly palpable, and while some parts
of the book are painful to digest, you just can’t stop flipping those pages. It’s an addictive roller
coaster ride.

I don’t know about you guys, but I normally do not remember the names and roles of every
single character in a story, more so characters with long and unconventional names. But for
some reason, that is not the case with The Song of Achilles. I remember most of the names and
roles, and even got some of their family trees memorized! I was that invested in every single
one of the characters and their stories. It somehow felt like I had a deep connection with all of
them, no matter how ruthless or misogynistic some of the characters may be. It surely goes
without saying that the writing and characters of the book are what stands out the most. The
bond between the main characters is so tangible and raw. Following their beautifully written
story since the beginning makes you care so much. WAY too much! Personally, this book gets a
5/5 stars from me, and perhaps you will feel the same way if you were also truly invested in the
characters, just like I was. I think to really enjoy the novel, you need to immerse yourself in the
book completely, because it’s a feelsy story, I tell ya!

HIGHLY, highly recommend picking this book up if you haven’t already thought of doing so!