The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

5 amazing, undeniably sob-worthy stars

I have seldom been so touched by a book like this. Before reading, I would have attributed it to a more adult Percy Jackson with you know, actual, historical figures. I was not expecting to fall in LOVE with the characters, with the writing, with the way that Miller could just... break my heart? (That's how you know I'm messed up. I love her for breaking my heart).

TW: very casual mentions of rape and abuse

I will admit I was shocked by the mentions of rape. They were very very casual like I said. You know, I understand that women weren't really worth shit back then outside from bearing children and putting out but god damn. Those poor women. 

SPOILERS!!!

Okay. So a short overview then character descriptions first because if I don't give myself some semblance of structure I will never write a coherent review. 

The Song of Achilles

This story begins with the tales of Patroclus, son of Menoituis. His father brings him forward as a supposed, hopeful husband of Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world, daughter of Tyndarreaus. Although Patroclus was very very young, I believe around the age of 10... Menoiutuis was firm with his instructions: He was to go and put himself forward, giving gifts to her to sway her father's decision. However, Tyndarreaus almost immediately calls out Patroclus for his age and honestly it's pretty clear that he will not be chosen. Tyndarreaus allows Helen to choose, and she chooses Melenaus. Odysseus puts forth the claim that all the men standing there need to give their oath to protect Melenaus' kingdom should anything happen. The men all give their word and Patroclus and his father leave empty handed. His father is very upset with him. The story skips a bit and shows Patroclus defending himself against a boy, accidentally killing him. The boy's parents ask for death or exile, so Patroclus is sent to the land of Phthia, where the king Peleus resides. 

The scene opens with him meeting Achilles and from there, a wonderful friendship, although extremely frowned upon and uncommon, blooms between the boys.

Achilles' mother, Thetis, a sea-nymph that was brutally raped by Peleus, tries throughout the book to keep Achilles away both from harm and Patroclus. The boys fall in love, experiment and the parallels throughout the story proved quite interesting. 

I particularly admired Odysseus for trying his hardest throughout the life span of Achilles life to protect him. Although their methods for getting Achilles to come fight were kind of questionable, I understand why these measures were necessary. Throughout the book, Achilles is referred to as aristos achaion, meaning best of all the Greeks. In his childhood, Thetis prevented anyone from seeing Achilles fight, but it is clear through his skill on the battlefield that although he didn't have any experience against real opponents that he is truly given the gift from the gods. 

Something I disliked about this book was how much the gods intervened. I get that maybe in their time the gods happened to mess with fate more but like Apollo touching Paris' arrow to kill Achilles. Like bro, get a life. I just don't understand. The Olympians warring against Troy and Greece, understandable. Taking away the wind so the Greeks couldn't get to Troy? Upsetting, but I'll allow it. APOLLO SITTING ON THE WALL OF TROY, STRIPPING PATROCLUS OF HIS ARMOR AND LETTING EVERYONE KILL HIM? UN-AC-CE-PT-ABLE THE FUCK APOLLO. STOP IT!

Anyways.

Although I knew how this book would end from the beginning, I found myself crying at my huge 4th of July party (yes, I know it's the 26th, my family is weird). Like, sitting in a lawn chair, enjoying the band and fucking sobbing. (Live, laugh, love). I feel like it takes a certain type of skill, certain type of artistry to make me cry when I already know the ending. I knew that Achilles would be the ending of himself because of his pride and stubbornness. I hated him at the end. Like literal hate.

On to the characters.

Patroclus

I'm putting him first because I liked him infinitely more times than Achilles. He was pure in all the ways that the godling lacked. He saved him more times than he deserved and all but went on that chariot knowing he would likely die. It made me feel better that either through adrenaline or a blessing of the gods, he had a much better sense of spear-throwing. He killed some of the best people on the battlefield. 

I was filled with undeniable rage when Pyrrhus decided that Patroclus was just a commoner and neglected to put his name on the memorial. Pyrrhus was a self-serving ********. I can't say what I'm thinking right now. Think of the children. 

Achilles

Hi godling! How's your sense of pride treating you in the Underworld? Was your pride worth Patroclus' life? How about you get on your knees and beg for forgiveness because if it were up to me you'd be burning on the Fields of Punishment as we speak. I understand that heroes are multi-faceted and complex and oh so handsome but stupid. Just utterly stupid. Peleus' lessons didn't teach you shit, huh? Odysseus pleading? The stories? Nothing. Ha hahaha. I hate you.

Chiron

I think it says a lot that I'm putting him third. He was one of my favorite characters. He taught Patroclus well. He was instrumental in Patroclus' physical and mental survival through all the years of the Trojan War. I love you Chiron. Elysium Fields for you!

Peleus

Love you. I wish your time lasted longer.

Odysseus

I loved you more. You are awesome. I'm reading Homer's Iliad and Odyssey next so I can better understand you :)

All the other stupid kings

Most of you can go to Hell. Not the good Hell either :D

Thetis

Ah, I almost forgot about you. I love you. I hated you a lot. A ton. Like why treat Patroclus so badly. I guess I can understand that you were nervous. Your son falling in love with someone would definitely change his focus a fair amount. And your backstory. Oh, the bullshittery! I hate that Poseidon and Zeus wanted you so badly and then from the stupid prophecy you guys are just like OH JUST RAPE THETIS, PELEUS. stop. alright. just stop.

This was a five-star read. I haven't read something so beautiful in a long while.

Cheers!