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Song of Achilles, The

A New York Times Bestseller

“At once a scholar’s homage to The Iliad and startlingly original work of art….A book I could not put down.” â€”Ann Patchett, author of The Dutch House

A thrilling, profoundly moving, and utterly unique retelling of the legend of Achilles and the Trojan War from the bestselling author of Circe

A tale of gods, kings, immortal fame, and the human heart, The Song of Achilles is a dazzling literary feat that brilliantly reimagines Homer’s enduring masterwork, The Iliad. An action-packed adventure, an epic love story, a marvelously conceived and executed page-turner, Miller’s monumental debut novel has already earned resounding acclaim from some of contemporary fiction’s brightest lights—and fans of Mary Renault, Bernard Cornwell, Steven Pressfield, and Colleen McCullough’s Masters of Rome series will delight in this unforgettable journey back to ancient Greece in the Age of Heroes.

“A captivating retelling of The Iliad and events leading up to it through the point of view of Patroclus: it’s a hard book to put down, and any classicist will be enthralled by her characterisation of the goddess Thetis, which carries the true savagery and chill of antiquity.” — Donna Tartt, The Times

BUY THE BOOK

416 pages

Average rating: 8.07

2,465 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Anonymous
Apr 03, 2025
10/10 stars
What an amazing story!!! I have always been into Greek Mythology and I have seen the moving Troy, years ago, but this book blew that movie to pieces in my opionon. I couldnt put the book down.

This is a story about Achillies and his life long friend and love, Patroclus. Told through the eyes and thoughts of Patroclus and what a story! We get to see them as boys, how the hole things starts and the oath that is taken by the Kings. Threw their training with by the centaur Chiron and how they forge a bond in friendship. You grow to hate Achillies mother, Thetis and Apollo. This story has heart, bravory and compassion. The auther, Madeline Miller, truly does a wonderful job at making you truly feel for these two and the pressure Achilles continues to have from the gods and the Greeks. I was amazed at the ending, this was not in the movies, lol. It was truly a remarkable read and encourage anyone that loves Greek Mythology to pick this one up.

So worth the read!
Courtasaurus Rex
Mar 22, 2025
10/10 stars
Rating - 4.5
Genre - Historical fiction, Mythology

I loved this book! I love how the reader is made to understand the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus without needing in-depth details.

I know the story of Achilles and Patroclus, and Madeline Miller still made me cry with their story.

This book is absolutely worth the read for mythology lovers.

harith95
Feb 22, 2025
10/10 stars
Perfect rendition of ancient Greek God and Goddess by Madeline Miller Looking forward for more of her masterpiece
Arisuz
Feb 17, 2025
10/10 stars
Beautiful retelling of the classic story ! I cried for sure !
sammi_lynn98
Jan 23, 2025
10/10 stars
I was told that this was a good book, but not THIS good! Because I’m unfamiliar with the Greek story, I absolutely loved this book. I listened to the audiobook during my commute to and from work- I could not stop listening to this. The audiobook’s voice actor wasn’t cheesy whatsoever (unlike a good chunk of audiobooks in the world), and of course, I laughed and cried. Patroclus and Achilles, you have my heart forever; thank you for this book being the one that got me back into reading❤️

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