The Song of Achilles
Fiction & Poetry, Modern & Contemporary Fiction
Paperback Published on: 12/04/2012
£8.99
Bookseller Reviews
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Gods and Lovers
Our memory of Troy has fallen not to the Greeks, but to those who said that teaching the classics to our children was to flog a dead, wooden horse. What ca... READ MORE
Homerotic
What a stupid choice this was for our staff book group. Like the man said - Frasier? Niles? I forget - the only thing better than an exquisite meal is an e... READ MORE
An outstanding and compelling love story
A deserved winner of the 2012 Orange Prize for Fiction, this book is fabulous. It is a retelling of the life of Achilles, the Greek hero who plays a pivota... READ MORE
Beautiful!
The Song Of Achilles is a beautiful, effortless read that keeps all the magic of the myths but manages to still feel fresh. I loved the descriptions of the... READ MORE
Greek Mythology Brought to Life!
I adored this book. If you love Greek mythology you'll love this!
Utterly Absorbing.
I was totally hooked by this book and actually read it in just a couple of days.
I enjoyed the writing style most, the arresting prose together with the m... READ MORE
One of my New Favourites
I had been recommended Song of Achilles so many times over the years and hadn’t picked it up, normally because I had another book on the go, but once I rea... READ MORE
A novel of love.
Sometimes you just save a book you know would enjoy for a rainy day. For me, this was Madeline Miller's Song of Achilles. The Song of Achilles is story of ... READ MORE
Synopsis
Winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction
'Page-turning ... Nothing strikes a false note in her intricately created world.' - The Guardian
Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles.
Despite their differences, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms into something deeper - despite the displeasure of Achilles's mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess.
But when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Achilles must go to war in distant Troy and fulfill his destiny.
Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus goes with him, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
- ISBN: 9781408821985
- Number of pages: 368
- Weight: 260g
- Dimensions: 198 x 129 x 22 mm
Customer Reviews
View allAmazing
Normally, a book like this isn't my piece of cake but I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Lots of avid descriptions with the right balance between a... READ MORE
Write, classics teacher, of the fate of Achilles!
‘The Song of Achilles’ is a difficult book to categorise. Is it a romance? Historical? Fantasy?
The story focuses on Patroclus, a relatively minor charact... READ MORE
The love of Achilles.
This award winning book takes an unusual view of the Trojan war. It is narrated by Achilles’ companion Patroclus, an important but underdeveloped character... READ MORE
The Song of Achilles
Rather than a fresh retelling of The Iliad, our protagonist is Patroclus, and it is a coming-of-age novel. At it's core is a love story. Who is this man wh... READ MORE
Great novel as well as informative
The Song of Achilles is a very well written novel that filled in a lot of gaps in my knowledge of the Gods and Wars. Easy to read and well researched. Plea... READ MORE
An entrancing dip into a fabled world
This prize-winning version of the Iliad is a brilliant and seductive read. There is a curiously childlike appeal in a story of a man striving to change the... READ MORE
a wonderful read
I can add but little to the great reviews of this book ; the re-telling of the greatest of romances between Achilles and Patroclus has stood well the test ... READ MORE
breathtaking
I have never read such a wonderful book. The writing is simply breathtaking and the characterisation of Achilles and Patroclus is astounding. I am in love ... READ MORE
Such a book hangover
(Taken from my blog julesbailey14.wordpress.com)
As I write this right now, I am currently experiencing a huge book hangover. I finished this book in the ... READ MORE
One of the best books ever written!
Yup, not much more to add to this! I LOVED this book so much! I cried so hard at the end, it took me by surprise. It was just an amazing journey to go to w... READ MORE
Temporary like Achilles-what about the heel?
Unusual take on the Iliad seen through the eyes of Achilles companion petrochus. While the epic poem is ambiguous as to how close the relationship was, the... READ MORE
A superb retelling of "a tale as old as time."
I'm always delighted to find a book I enjoy and can recommend to friends. It is a very special treat to find a book with those qualities which is also a su... READ MORE
Utterly brilliant
There almost isn't words to describe how I feel about The Song of Achilles. Even writing somewhat coherent review took me months. The Song of Achilles was ... READ MORE
Utterly wonderful
I thoroughly enjoyed this.
A new spin on an old (the oldest?) tale.
Evocative and dreamy - Deals with the surreal world of the demi god in a completely... READ MORE
Achilles lives!
A great read. These characters live - however strange some of them are. The story may be familiar to some but this retelling brings a depth and reality t... READ MORE
Fantastic
After reading the Iliad I became intrigued by the myth if Achilles and the clear devotion he had for Patroclus, his dear companion this provides an unlikel... READ MORE
A superb retelling of "a tale as old as time."
I'm always delighted to find a book I enjoy and can recommend to friends. It is a very special treat to find a book with those qualities which is also a su... READ MORE
Amazing read.
The best book i have read for ages . The story was brilliantly written and had me hooked from the first chapter. I liked the love story but it didnt deviat... READ MORE
Best book I've read in years!
By far the best book I have read in years, I enjoyed every page of this beautifully written book. The book flows at a fairly quick pace and really brings t... READ MORE
Mystical and beautiful
Whether you're familiar or not with Greek mythology, The Song of Achilles is a unique and accessible take on a well known story. Her characters are heartbr... READ MORE
A Classic Read
This was an absolute joy to read. I would definately recommend this book to almost anyone. Its full of passion and adventure, with an extra added twist by ... READ MORE
Vivid & Gripping
With vivid descriptions of scenes and characters, I felt like I was really observing the lives of Achilles and Patroclus as they happened. I was gripped fr... READ MORE
Absolutely absorbing story
This is a beautifully crafted novel telling the story of Achilles through the words of his lover and friend Patroclus. It is utterly absorbing from the fir... READ MORE
The Song of Achilles
A great reworking of a great myth. It was true to the original but from a fresh point of view and it made Achilles response to the death of Patroclus compl... READ MORE
History brough to life
This is a rare combination of both history brought to life and a love story within it. Patroclus and Achilles were central to the Iliad and the Trojan wars... READ MORE
Olives, sea and sandalwood.
Enthralling rendering of stories we think we might know a bit about. Elegantly paced, but thrilling, exciting and spine-tickling at the same time.
Beautiful
This book is so beautifully written i honestly couldn’t fault it. the love story was just heart warming and the depth of patroclus (the narrator) as a char... READ MORE
Wonderful piece of writing
Whether you know your classics or not, this is a wonderfully written take on a well-known tale. Told through the words and eyes of Patroclus, it is a story... READ MORE
Captivating
The most wonderful book I have read in a long time. Perfectly constructed, heart-breakingly beautiful and completely unforgettable. I immediately went out ... READ MORE
A stunning book
This book was recommended to me in store. I am so grateful that it was, as Greek mythology possibly wouldn't have drawn me in from the bookshelf. What a st... READ MORE
Could not put it down!
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INCREDIBLE - one of my favourite books
even after a very enthusiastic recommendation from my friend , i was still surprised how incredible this book turned out to be! not only is it written beau... READ MORE
This was amazing :
as someone who is beginning to study the Illiad in school, this has been so helpful as it gives you a better concept of the book. There's so much to explor... READ MORE
EXCELLENT
I have a renewed interest in all things Greek and am fascinated by the story of Achilles. I am thoroughly enjoying this well written book and can imagine b... READ MORE
Beautiful and captivating
This book was one that I just could not put down and would walk around doing everything one-handed whilst still reading. I read it in less than two days an... READ MORE
Beautifully told
I loved this book, from the first pages I was absorbed into the story of Patroclus and his relationship with Achilles. It was beautifully written and paced... READ MORE
AMAZING
This is honestly such an amazing book, only the hardest of hearts would fail to be moved by Miller’s emotive and well depicted characters
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Disappointing ending
As a young boy growing up in Cyprus, I was brought up with these stories and hold on to a love for them and the characters within them that I am sure Madel... READ MORE
An Emotional Retelling
First things first I absolutely love the way this is written. This is some of the most beautiful prose I've ever had the pleasure of reading and I do not s... READ MORE
couldn't put it down!!
this book...wow. it is so beautifully written, i read it all it one sitting!! the language used in this book is so breathtakingly stunning, i've never read... READ MORE
Wish I could rate it higher!
One of the best books I've ever read. Fell in love with the characters, the history and the setting. I love the way Madeline Miller breathes so much new li... READ MORE
Compelling
The Song Of Achilles is one of the best books I’ve read in the past month. Madeline Miller's writing was so poetic and the book was hard to put down. If yo... READ MORE
i loved this book
I loved the book. The plot was amazing. It was fast paced which i loved and had a beautiful plot. The ending did not disappoint and it was heart felt. I co... READ MORE
Great for mythology lovers
Prior to reading this book, I knew Greek mythology about the Gods, but not much about the Trojan War, Achilles etc.
But this book was easy to understand, ... READ MORE
A Lyrical, Magical, Inspiring piece of writing
Madeline Miller has a way with words that cannot be described. This book is truly enchanting. It tells the story of Achilles through the eyes of his compan... READ MORE
Heart touching
Miller has created a whole new perspective of the well known Greek hero Achilles. This tale is detailed in the most beautiful way making you feel as thoug... READ MORE
Loved this
Initially I found it hard to keep reading for some reason I just didn’t immerse myself in the story but by the time I finished I was crying!!!! Such a grea... READ MORE
A beautiful story of love and war, based on The Iliad
I finally read this book a week or two ago, and am so angry with myself that I didn’t read it sooner!
This is a beautiful book, narrated by Patroclus, tha... READ MORE
Sad, Beautiful, Tragic.
I cannot describe with words the feeling this book left me with. It was completely devastating, beautiful and romantic. The relationship between Patroclus ... READ MORE
Brilliant book!
This book was definitely an experience - following the high and lows of both Patroclus and Achilles.
Definitely a must read!
One of the only books I've w... READ MORE
Utterly intoxicating:-D
Without giving much away, Patroclus is my ‘Edward’ or my ‘Heathcliff’ or even ‘Tristan’ you are rooting for him immediately. The story was beautifully done... READ MORE
Stunningly Crafted
Without a doubt, one of the most beautifully written books I have had the pleasure of reading this year.
Beautifully tragic
My favourite book atm, It’s so heart breaking yet so heart warming, the author has done such an amazing job on this book and I wish I could read it again ... READ MORE
Good Holiday Read
This is the story of Patroclus, the male lover of Achilles, from his boyhood to meeting and training with Achilles to their eventual deaths in the war with... READ MORE
A masterpiece
I'm not okay.
The Song of Achilles has been on my radar for a while now, I've seen so many readers from all over the world sing its praises while also war... READ MORE
My favourite book
This book is my favourite book in the world. it's heartbreakingly beautiful. A love story like no other so incredibly beautifully written that it stays wit... READ MORE
Great Read
I really did enjoy reading this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Greek mythology.
already a favourite :)
I sobbed for an hour after i finished reading. A beautifully tragic tale, one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.
It’s a MUST read
honestly one of the top books i’ve read, great description that truly brings your imagination to life. A beautiful bond and love shown throughout the book ... READ MORE
Ultimately a disappointing read.
I was so excited going into this but it seriously did not live up to my expectations.
The only good thing I have to say is that the author seems to be ... READ MORE