The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
A beautiful new limited edition paperback of The Song of Achilles published as part of the Bloomsbury Modern Classics list The god touches his finger to the arrow's fletching. Then he breathes a puff of air - as if to send dandelions flying to push toy boats over water. And the arrow flies straight and silent in a curving downward arc towards Achilles' back. 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 the boys develop a tender friendship a bond which blossoms into something deeper as they grow into young men. But when Helen of Sparta is kidnapped Achilles is dispatched to distant Troy to fulfil his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend Patroclus follows little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.
A beautiful new limited edition paperback of The Song of Achilles published as part of the Bloomsbury Modern Classics list The god touches his finger to the arrow's fletching. Then he breathes a puff of air - as if to send dandelions flying to push toy boats over water. And the arrow flies straight and silent in a curving downward arc towards Achilles' back. 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 the boys develop a tender friendship a bond which blossoms into something deeper as they grow into young men. But when Helen of Sparta is kidnapped Achilles is dispatched to distant Troy to fulfil his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend Patroclus follows little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.
A beautiful new limited edition paperback of The Song of Achilles published as part of the Bloomsbury Modern Classics list The god touches his finger to the arrow's fletching. Then he breathes a puff of air - as if to send dandelions flying to push toy boats over water. And the arrow flies straight and silent in a curving downward arc towards Achilles' back. 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 the boys develop a tender friendship a bond which blossoms into something deeper as they grow into young men. But when Helen of Sparta is kidnapped Achilles is dispatched to distant Troy to fulfil his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend Patroclus follows little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.
A beautiful new limited edition paperback of The Song of Achilles published as part of the Bloomsbury Modern Classics list The god touches his finger to the arrow's fletching. Then he breathes a puff of air - as if to send dandelions flying to push toy boats over water. And the arrow flies straight and silent in a curving downward arc towards Achilles' back. 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 the boys develop a tender friendship a bond which blossoms into something deeper as they grow into young men. But when Helen of Sparta is kidnapped Achilles is dispatched to distant Troy to fulfil his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend Patroclus follows little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.
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The Song of Achilles: Bloomsbury Modern Classics
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originally posted on booktopia.com.au
This book broke my heart into a million pieces. It is a truly beautiful and intriguing reimagining of the life of Achilles that showcases themes of true friendship, lovers, enemies, innocence, kindness, and of course pure love. This book gives a glimpse of Greek mythology through a love story between an exile and a prince who are ready to be the best warriors of their generation, with thousands of emotions tied into every chapter. In the end nothing but love matters, love between the souls that is far from the boundaries of gender, looks, or age. There is so much thought put into every page, and lots of small lessons are tied with each passing event! This book is stunningly written, I could not recommend it more.
originally posted on booktopia.com.au
This book will break your heart into a million pieces. It's definitely a page turner, and once you start you really don't want to stop. If you're a young reader, only just getting into fiction, or interested in Greek mythology, then this is a great way to start, especially if The Iliad or The Odyssey seem too big of a task. The Song of Achilles is a retelling of the famous Trojan war, but from the point of view of Patroclus (who's a sidekick in almost all the retellings, but takes centre stage here). It begins with Patroclus being sent into exile by his father, where he meets Achilles. Here, the author, Madeline Miller, shows us their humanity, bringing the myths of gods and demi-gods to a highly relatable human level. After all the tragedies that eventually befall ... MoreThis book will break your heart into a million pieces. It's definitely a page turner, and once you start you really don't want to stop. If you're a young reader, only just getting into fiction, or interested in Greek mythology, then this is a great way to start, especially if The Iliad or The Odyssey seem too big of a task. The Song of Achilles is a retelling of the famous Trojan war, but from the point of view of Patroclus (who's a sidekick in almost all the retellings, but takes centre stage here). It begins with Patroclus being sent into exile by his father, where he meets Achilles. Here, the author, Madeline Miller, shows us their humanity, bringing the myths of gods and demi-gods to a highly relatable human level. After all the tragedies that eventually befall the characters of this book, one can't help but think how much there is to enjoy, in a beautiful loving, bond that transcends gender, and lasts beyond death. If you want to be emotionally destroyed in a beautiful way, this book will not disappoint.
originally posted on booktopia.com.au
Madeline Miller is a sweetheart and a goddess for this one. I love the song of Achilles, and I will always have a place in my heart just for it.This is one of those books that you never want to finish, you know it would break your heart but you still read it and after reading it you sit in your tears, and you wish it has a different ending or at least a resolution in the ending that goes like, "and then they lived happily ever after", but I guess we don't always get what we want.Not a summary but my wishes, likes, and dislikes:Anyway,I'm glad that Thetis later chose the right thing the do and redeemed herself. I didn't like how Briesis ended, I dislike phyruss and I kinda like that he died. I didn't have any dislike for Hector, he was a good man who was ... MoreMadeline Miller is a sweetheart and a goddess for this one. I love the song of Achilles, and I will always have a place in my heart just for it.This is one of those books that you never want to finish, you know it would break your heart but you still read it and after reading it you sit in your tears, and you wish it has a different ending or at least a resolution in the ending that goes like, "and then they lived happily ever after", but I guess we don't always get what we want.Not a summary but my wishes, likes, and dislikes:Anyway,I'm glad that Thetis later chose the right thing the do and redeemed herself. I didn't like how Briesis ended, I dislike phyruss and I kinda like that he died. I didn't have any dislike for Hector, he was a good man who was fighting for the honor of his family. I despise Agamemnon because he had a hand in what happened to Patroclus, although Achilles pride was a huge contributor (reminded me so much of Arthur and Merlin). I wish patroculus dad would've known the brave, strong man his son grew up to be. I wasn't happy for the man Achilles became after the death of Patroclus. I wouldn't say I was happy, happy at the end because I don't think they found peace, but I'm glad that at least they found something almost like peace in the darkness of the afterlife.✨"Go," she says. "He waits for you."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✨đŸ˜
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The Song of Achilles: Bloomsbury Modern Classics
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Delivery between 7–17 Aug $4
The Song of Achilles, Fiction Book, By Madeline Miller English - EPUB
Delivery between Wed – Thu $9.99
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Delivery $14.90
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, The Nile AU
Delivery between 7–10 Aug $5.99
This book broke my heart into a million pieces. It is a truly beautiful and intriguing reimagining of the life of Achilles that showcases themes of true friendship, lovers, enemies, innocence, kindness, and of course pure love. This book gives a glimpse of Greek mythology through a love story between an exile and a prince who are ready to be the best warriors of their generation, with thousands of emotions tied into every chapter. In the end nothing but love matters, love between the souls that is far from the boundaries of gender, looks, or age. There is so much thought put into every page, and lots of small lessons are tied with each passing event! This book is stunningly written, I could not recommend it more.
This book will break your heart into a million pieces. It's definitely a page turner, and once you start you really don't want to stop. If you're a young reader, only just getting into fiction, or interested in Greek mythology, then this is a great way to start, especially if The Iliad or The Odyssey seem too big of a task. The Song of Achilles is a retelling of the famous Trojan war, but from the point of view of Patroclus (who's a sidekick in almost all the retellings, but takes centre stage here). It begins with Patroclus being sent into exile by his father, where he meets Achilles. Here, the author, Madeline Miller, shows us their humanity, bringing the myths of gods and demi-gods to a highly relatable human level. After all the tragedies that eventually befall ... MoreThis book will break your heart into a million pieces. It's definitely a page turner, and once you start you really don't want to stop. If you're a young reader, only just getting into fiction, or interested in Greek mythology, then this is a great way to start, especially if The Iliad or The Odyssey seem too big of a task. The Song of Achilles is a retelling of the famous Trojan war, but from the point of view of Patroclus (who's a sidekick in almost all the retellings, but takes centre stage here). It begins with Patroclus being sent into exile by his father, where he meets Achilles. Here, the author, Madeline Miller, shows us their humanity, bringing the myths of gods and demi-gods to a highly relatable human level. After all the tragedies that eventually befall the characters of this book, one can't help but think how much there is to enjoy, in a beautiful loving, bond that transcends gender, and lasts beyond death. If you want to be emotionally destroyed in a beautiful way, this book will not disappoint.
Madeline Miller is a sweetheart and a goddess for this one. I love the song of Achilles, and I will always have a place in my heart just for it.This is one of those books that you never want to finish, you know it would break your heart but you still read it and after reading it you sit in your tears, and you wish it has a different ending or at least a resolution in the ending that goes like, "and then they lived happily ever after", but I guess we don't always get what we want.Not a summary but my wishes, likes, and dislikes:Anyway,I'm glad that Thetis later chose the right thing the do and redeemed herself. I didn't like how Briesis ended, I dislike phyruss and I kinda like that he died. I didn't have any dislike for Hector, he was a good man who was ... MoreMadeline Miller is a sweetheart and a goddess for this one. I love the song of Achilles, and I will always have a place in my heart just for it.This is one of those books that you never want to finish, you know it would break your heart but you still read it and after reading it you sit in your tears, and you wish it has a different ending or at least a resolution in the ending that goes like, "and then they lived happily ever after", but I guess we don't always get what we want.Not a summary but my wishes, likes, and dislikes:Anyway,I'm glad that Thetis later chose the right thing the do and redeemed herself. I didn't like how Briesis ended, I dislike phyruss and I kinda like that he died. I didn't have any dislike for Hector, he was a good man who was fighting for the honor of his family. I despise Agamemnon because he had a hand in what happened to Patroclus, although Achilles pride was a huge contributor (reminded me so much of Arthur and Merlin). I wish patroculus dad would've known the brave, strong man his son grew up to be. I wasn't happy for the man Achilles became after the death of Patroclus. I wouldn't say I was happy, happy at the end because I don't think they found peace, but I'm glad that at least they found something almost like peace in the darkness of the afterlife.✨"Go," she says. "He waits for you."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✨đŸ˜
First of all, this hardcover version is immaculate, it is truly a beautiful book especially when compared to the second-hand paperback I got from vinnies the first time I read it.BUT SECONDLYThis is one of my all time favourite books. Granted, the writing style is a bit different, but after a chapter or so getting used to it, it keeps you hooked the whole time. I honestly wish I could read this book for the first time again, I think about it daily.To summarise: this book made me sob in a way that even Marley & Me didn't, and this copy is gorgeous.
The Song of AchillesThe Song of Achilles retells the story of Greece's greatest hero from the point of view of his best friend Patroclus. The big twist: Madeline Miller casts the story as a romance between Achilles and Patroclus. While staying true to Greek legends and finds a way to cast new light on the human side of the trojan war.this was one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. It caused me to cry, it made me angry, it made me smile and it touched me deeply. I'm a total mess after reading this and my emotions are still all over the place, to say I regret reading it would be one hel1 of a lie though. 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 ... MoreThe Song of AchillesThe Song of Achilles retells the story of Greece's greatest hero from the point of view of his best friend Patroclus. The big twist: Madeline Miller casts the story as a romance between Achilles and Patroclus. While staying true to Greek legends and finds a way to cast new light on the human side of the trojan war.this was one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. It caused me to cry, it made me angry, it made me smile and it touched me deeply. I'm a total mess after reading this and my emotions are still all over the place, to say I regret reading it would be one hel1 of a lie though. 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 the sun."10/10 could never have asked for anything more beautiful than this book.
Usually I would only read a chapter a day, but lemme tell you, this book made me want to keep turning page after page, chapter after chapter. Madeline Miller has done a phenomenal job capturing Patroclus' perspective and if you have little to no knowledge about Greek mythologies don't worry cause Madeline has written it in the way that the characters are self- contained so you don't need to know who's who or what happened before because she explains it beautifully. This is the first ever book that broke my heart and I will never recover from it, it explores themes of friendship, love, grief and power. Amazing! im pretty sure this book invented the chef's kiss. Couldn't hype it enough. K BYE.
"We were like gods at the dawning of the world, and our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other."The Song of Achilles, set in ancient Greece 'in the age of heroes' follows the perspective of protagonist Patroclus and his life's journey up until the trojan war. Patroclus, strong willed, yet weak bodied, son of King Menoitius, is exiled to the court of King Peleus of Phthia where he comes into the acquaintance of Peleus' son, Prince Achilles. The unlikely relationship between the two evolves from a hazy friendship, later maturing into one of intimacy, tenderness, and love. Madeline Miller presents this elegant and devastatingly beautiful story, contemporarily reimagining Homer's mythological tale 'Iliad'. This reconceptualisation of a tale as old ... More"We were like gods at the dawning of the world, and our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other."The Song of Achilles, set in ancient Greece 'in the age of heroes' follows the perspective of protagonist Patroclus and his life's journey up until the trojan war. Patroclus, strong willed, yet weak bodied, son of King Menoitius, is exiled to the court of King Peleus of Phthia where he comes into the acquaintance of Peleus' son, Prince Achilles. The unlikely relationship between the two evolves from a hazy friendship, later maturing into one of intimacy, tenderness, and love. Madeline Miller presents this elegant and devastatingly beautiful story, contemporarily reimagining Homer's mythological tale 'Iliad'. This reconceptualisation of a tale as old as history presents modern and ancient philosophies of changing gender expectations and the influence of power and agency over the aspirations of both male and female characters. As far as queer literature goes, this is absolutely one of the most perfectly and beautifully crafted pieces ever written. I found that regardless of the gender of the two protagonists, this book merely showcased two people, who, were simply and utterly, in love. As a historically fictional and mythological retelling, Miller characterises the heroes, gods, and men over the course of the book, achieving this by emphasising the importance of honour, pride, and legacy. Personally, I discovered that the characterisation of Achilles after he receives a prophecy from the Fates before the battles at Troy, alludes to the suggestion that, after the battle, 'his honour is all that will remain'. Miller skilfully articulates historical jargon throughout the book, in such a way that it would be comprehensible to anyone who wishes to read it.After finishing this story, I would unequivocally recommend this book for anyone over the age of 15 interested (or not) in ancient Greek mythology. To those who wish to read this story, be prepared to have your heart - metaphorically - ripped into a thousand tiny pieces.
"We were like gods, at the dawning of the world, and our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other."Readers will be completely floored by the beauty and elegance of this story, a romantic retelling of Homer's Iliad.Coming across as a simple romance at first, The Song of Achilles centres around the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles - a friendship that soon blossoms into love. However, as the Trojan War begins, Patroclus slowly begins to realise and acknowledge Achilles' faults. This leads to steady character change for the pair, who both develop so much throughout their experiences, yet remain so humanly flawed.The novel explores themes of fate, pride and reputation, as well as the societal and political expectations of the ... More"We were like gods, at the dawning of the world, and our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other."Readers will be completely floored by the beauty and elegance of this story, a romantic retelling of Homer's Iliad.Coming across as a simple romance at first, The Song of Achilles centres around the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles - a friendship that soon blossoms into love. However, as the Trojan War begins, Patroclus slowly begins to realise and acknowledge Achilles' faults. This leads to steady character change for the pair, who both develop so much throughout their experiences, yet remain so humanly flawed.The novel explores themes of fate, pride and reputation, as well as the societal and political expectations of the time.Readers will be overwhelmed by the intensity of feeling this story manages to elicit. The Song of Achilles stays true to Greek mythology and legends, as well as the works of Homer, while also creatively filling the blanks in the storyline.Written in prose that is elegant in its simplicity, and emotion drips from the pages of The Song of Achilles. Readers will find it impossible not to become enthralled in the life of Patroclus and utterly entranced by the depth of emotion and insight woven into this story.I will be singing the praises of this book until the end of my days.
This is my first greek mythology book. Considering I haven't read greek mythology, I take into account that I can not compare them to one another but at the same time, I feel you shouldn't compare books as they are different from one another. But this book in my opinion in reading greek mythology was interesting and made me understand and learn more about this type of genre.In fact, if you ever choose to read this book, it will shatter your heart into a million pieces. The plot revolves around two boys growing up with and realising that their love for each other is far more than the traditional brotherly love that is anticipated between two men. The Song of Achilles features an exiled prince who is so charming and skilled that he is ready to be the greatest warrior ... MoreThis is my first greek mythology book. Considering I haven't read greek mythology, I take into account that I can not compare them to one another but at the same time, I feel you shouldn't compare books as they are different from one another. But this book in my opinion in reading greek mythology was interesting and made me understand and learn more about this type of genre.In fact, if you ever choose to read this book, it will shatter your heart into a million pieces. The plot revolves around two boys growing up with and realising that their love for each other is far more than the traditional brotherly love that is anticipated between two men. The Song of Achilles features an exiled prince who is so charming and skilled that he is ready to be the greatest warrior of his generation, a prophecy, a never-ending conflict, and a thousand emotions related to each chapter of the book. This book also includes some Greek mythology and is fascinatingly fantastic.Would I read it again yes definitely, I think I still need to understand the concept of greek mythology to get into it,but it was a good read.
I purchased this book on the strength of it's many recommendations, and the reviews that praised its interpretation of Greek myth (I'm very interested in history), but right from the start I didn't like it. By the ten-page mark, I was thinking that the writing style could be a deliberate choice as it is through the eyes of the main character - a child at that point, so I persevered, but by and large it didn't change:(It was only when I was two-thirds of the way through that the story started to be interesting (IMHO), and the characters became a little more fleshed out.The historical/mythological details were well researched, and helped with the storyline somewhat, but they still weren't enough to grab my interest.I can only guess that it received those glowing ... MoreI purchased this book on the strength of it's many recommendations, and the reviews that praised its interpretation of Greek myth (I'm very interested in history), but right from the start I didn't like it. By the ten-page mark, I was thinking that the writing style could be a deliberate choice as it is through the eyes of the main character - a child at that point, so I persevered, but by and large it didn't change:(It was only when I was two-thirds of the way through that the story started to be interesting (IMHO), and the characters became a little more fleshed out.The historical/mythological details were well researched, and helped with the storyline somewhat, but they still weren't enough to grab my interest.I can only guess that it received those glowing reviews due to it essentially being a love story between Patroclus and Achilles, and while homosexual love isn't all that surprising a topic to anyone who knows the Ancient/Classical Greek context (which is the only way that we know of the Mycenaean Greek context:), it is not a topic that is well represented in modern literature. My "fairly disappointing" rating is not in any way from a homophobic point of view - love is love, regardless of the genders/sexes involved.All in all, I was expecting more from a book with such glowing reviews.
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