Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. It’s Friday, and it’s time for another review. Today, I am sharing my thoughts on Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles.

The Song of Achilles was initially published in 2011 by Ecco Press and is 300 pages long.

The Plot
The story reimagines the legend of Achilles—Greece’s mightiest hero—from the viewpoint of Patroclus, a young prince exiled by his father. Sent away to Phthia, he crosses paths with Achilles, the golden child of the kingdom, destined for greatness as the son of the sea goddess Thetis and the mortal king Peleus. Over time, the two form a deep bond, training under the wise centaur Chiron while discovering their feelings for each other.

Characters
Patroclus
Patroclus is the narrator, and we experience the story through him. He is not your typical Greek hero—no brawny muscles or superhuman strength here—but that’s precisely what makes him compelling. Exiled from his homeland after an accidental killing, he begins the story as a quiet, uncertain boy who often feels out of place, gradually growing into a kind and empathic young man as the plot progresses.

Achilles
Achilles is everything a Greek hero should be—stunningly handsome, impossibly skilled in battle, and blessed by the gods. From the moment he enters the novel, his radiance feels almost otherworldly. However, behind the divine sheen, Achilles is as profoundly flawed as he is compelling. He craves glory—it is, after all, the prophecy that frames his existence—but he also yearns for human connection. The love he shares with Patroclus reveals a softer, more vulnerable side, making his descent into hubris all the more tragic.

Thetis
Thetis is Achilles’ mother. She is a goddess with a fierce and unrelenting ambition. She is cold and calculating, thinking only of Achilles’ destiny. She hates Patroclus, believing him to be beneath Achilles, and she isn’t afraid to let it be known.

Chiron
Chiron, the centaur who trains Achilles and Patroclus, is one of the few benevolent characters in the novel. He’s wise, patient, and deeply kind, always encouraging his students to think of more than just themselves.

Chiron’s presence in the plot is brief, yet his influence on Patroclus and Achilles is profound.

Briseis
Briseis enters the story as a prize of war. She is a Trojan woman taken captive by the Greeks and saved at Patroclus’ prompting by Achilles. She is clever, resourceful, and brave, never letting the cruelty of her circumstances define her.

Throughout the novel, she forms a strong bond with Patroclus, and though their relationship is platonic, it’s one built on mutual respect and understanding. She offers some of the only moments of reprieve during the story’s darker, more brutal parts.

Odysseus
Odysseus is clever and silver-tongued, providing much-needed levity in a story full of tension. While he doesn’t dominate the narrative, his wit, cunning, and pragmatism make him a memorable character who offers a counterpoint to Achilles’ glory-driven ideals.

Agamemnon
Agamemnon is prideful, power-hungry, and often reckless, embodying a more toxic form of leadership than Achilles. His clash with Achilles serves as one of the central conflicts in the story’s second half, setting off a chain of events that leads to the novel’s heart-wrenching finale.

Hector
Though Hector’s role in the story is fleeting, his presence looms large. He’s a Trojan prince and Achilles’ rival. Their destinies are entangled, which allows for an interesting conflict and builds to one of the story’s rawest moments.

Writing Style
Madeline Miller’s writing is exquisite. Her prose is lyrical and almost poetic, yet accessible. I picked up the book expecting a dull story since I’m not usually a big fan of historical fantasy. But boy, was I in for a ride.

The story is entirely intoxicating; I couldn’t put the book down, and whenever I had to stop reading to do “life things’” I kept feeling drawn back. I couldn’t wait to finish it, to find out what happens to the two main characters, and then once I turned the final page, I regretted finishing so fast.

One thing I absolutely adored was Miller’s use of sensory details. She has a way of painting scenes and emotions with such precision that you’re transported directly into the world of ancient Greece. Whether she’s describing the lush isolation of Mount Pelion, a battlefield during the Trojan War, or the quiet intimacy of two souls connecting under the night sky, Miller’s words bring every moment vividly to life.

The pacing is another standout of the book. The Song of Achilles is an epic story that spans years, and Miller takes her time building the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, making it feel organic and profound. Even so, it is never slow. Not for a second did I wish the story would move more swiftly.

The story develops at such an organic pace that by the time the Trojan War arrives, you’re so deeply invested in their bond that every small decision or moment of tension hits you like a tidal wave. The emotional payoff wouldn’t be half as impactful without this careful development.

Final Thoughts
When I picked up The Song of Achilles, I didn’t expect a good story and certainly didn’t expect it to leave me completely shattered. The book is not just a retelling of Greek mythology—it’s an exploration of what it means to be human, to love deeply, and to face the inevitability of loss.

If you’ve read The Song of Achilles, let me know your thoughts. Were you also as utterly wrecked by the ending as I was? And if you haven’t yet picked it up, consider this your sign to add it to your reading list. Trust me—you won’t regret it.

I am giving The Song of Achilles a full 10/10. In fact, I’d give it 20/10 if only my need for order and correctness would allow.

Thank you, as ever, for reading my review!

Until next time,

George

© 2025 GLT

Categories: Book Reviews, Reading

Tags: book review, Fantasy, Greek Mythology, Historical, review, The Song of Achilles