The Song of Achilles

By Madeline Miller

5/5

“Had she really thought I would not know him? I could recognise 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.”

This book is absolutely breath-taking. Not many people know this but I am a huge fan of Greek mythology and so when I spotted this vibrant front cover in Waterstones I knew I had to read it. I did not have any knowledge of the story of Achilles and Patroclus before reading this book but I know that no matter what I learn or read about them next, it will not compare to this book.

The story is told from Patroclus’ point of view and the story spans around 20 years. Patroclus is exiled to live with King Peleus after accidentally killing a boy and it is there he meets Achilles, beginning their epic story of friendship and love. I was a bit unsure about Patroclus’ character at first as he appears weak but he flourishes within his relationship with Achilles and by the end of the book I utterly adored him. Achilles, on the other hand, had my heart from the very beginning – he is brave and beautiful, and his love for music and Patroclus is inspiring. There are many other important characters within this book but they are overshadowed by the intense relationship between Achilles and Patroclus. This is a story about them and all the other goings on come second to their story.

This book take my breath away; it made me smile, laugh and cry, and it has made its way into my favourite books. This story will stay with me for a very long time and I know I will go back to this book time and time again as this is a love story that I will never get tired of. I highly recommend this book to everyone, even if you do not know anything about Greek mythology.