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The legend begins...
Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the kingdom of Phthia to be raised in the shadow of King Peleus and his golden son, Achilles. “The best of all the Greeks”—strong, beautiful, and the child of a goddess—Achilles is everything the shamed Patroclus is not. Yet despite their differences, the boys become steadfast companions. Their bond deepens as they grow into young men and become skilled in the arts of war and medicine—much to the displeasure and the fury of Achilles’ mother, Thetis, a cruel sea goddess with a hatred of mortals.
When word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, the men of Greece, bound by blood and oath, must lay siege to Troy in her name. Seduced by the promise of a glorious destiny, Achilles joins their cause, and torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus follows. Little do they know that the Fates will test them both as never before and demand a terrible sacrifice.
Built on the groundwork of the Iliad, Madeline Miller’s page-turning, profoundly moving, and blisteringly paced retelling of the epic Trojan War marks the launch of a dazzling career.
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My Review: 5/5 Stars
As someone who LOVES Greek mythology and majored in Classical Studies, I cannot believe how long it took me to find this book. But man, was it amazing. Though the title is Song of Achilles, it's not just hi story. It's not even in his point of view. Patroclus. This book is Patroclus's story. The story of his life. From the beginning to the end and even beyond it. And well okay, it is also a bit of Achilles story. But really, it's THEIR story. Though Miller remains true to the myths and legends, she also explores another path. An untold story. This book is their story, Patroclus and Achilles. How they met, their friendship, how they lived, how they fell in love, how a love so deep was stronger than anything they faced, and how hard they fought to fight their fates.
This story gives a new view to who Patroclus and Achilles are. It changes your view on these characters for the better. And not just them, for a lot of characters that you've read about in these myths. Going into this story, I wasn't sure what to expect. If you are familiar with their story, you know the ending, and the tragedy of it. But despite knowing their story couldn't end well, it was still a beautifully told story. Patroclus never wanted to fight, he was no warrior. But his love for Achilles had him remaining by his side where that took them. And unfortunately, that took them to the shores of Troy, where it was told Achilles would die. The character development for Patroclus was just amazing to read. If you never thought too much about him before, that will change. He had always seen himself as weak and forgettable, but he is anything but. He finds himself and the confidence to fate for who he loves and what he believes in. And Achilles is shown in a softer light as well. Always the warrior, the arrogant hero. But when he was around Patroclus? Achilles has a heart.
Really, really great book. If you are a fan of Greek mythology, the Trojan War, any of it, I seriously recommend this book. You will not be sorry. It's definitely become one of my favorites.
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