The Song of Achilles

by Madeline Miller

Book Overview

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." --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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062060627
• ISBN13: 9780062060624
• Release Date: August 2012
• Publisher: Ecco Press
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.2" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

Never a Pause

If all the books in all the world were written by Madeline Miller, there would never be a pause in the books I would read.

Great read you wont be able to put down.

The author captures the main characters emotions so well. I felt ebery one and loved this book from start to finish.

One of the most memorable books I’ve ever read

Life changing book, one that I could read million times as if it were my first time setting eyes on it. Madeline Miller has a way of tying modern language into an Ancient Greek setting in a way that holds true to its historical accuracy while also keeping it relatable and readable to the reader. I will never forget the first time reading this and feeling the tears as Patroclus did for his lover.

Book was in poor condition, i would not consider it acceptable

Really not what I expected this book is quite torn up

I was skeptical but...

I was skeptical to read this book but it turned out to be a great read for me. It's part love story, part history, part man growing into a leader. I found it easy to read and devoured it, surprisingly!

Absolutely amazing book

After checking this book out from a local library, I just knew I had to get my hands on my very own copy. I've fallen in love with this site. I was able to purchase a Hardcover version for much cheaper than sites such as Amazon or eBay. The story itself is magnificent and left me in tears in the end. It is definitely a must-read, and it is a 10/10.

i love so much

very sad but good book it made me more interested in greek mythology so if you like that get this book 👍

Beautiful story

I loved this book! I'm usually not into fiction novels, but this one made me want to read more! The love story is so beautifully written and painted. The attraction, the protection & sense of belonging they share is so well described. The only hard part to get through is the chunk about the war (even though it's relevant). The ending is so amazing it made my heart so happy! A must read!

A gorgeous story of love that I will remember for a lifetime.

Such a beautiful and intimate depiction of Greek mythology. I was floored with the storyline, and the amount of detail she was able to spew onto these pages. I was hooked until the very end.

Absolutely nothing could’ve prepared me for that ending.

That book is….. beautiful and devastating. What a phenomenally written story. I just finished it, and I already wish I could experience reading it for the first time again. I bring this review to you in a puddle of tears. Good luck.

I loved this book!

A well written and interesting story! I loved this book and I am excited to read more from the author. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a strong story with feeling.

True To A Greek Epic Tragedy

A masterful retelling of this classic tragedy that stays true to its mythos but is more digestible for readers unfamiliar with the The Iliad. Warms your heart and wets your eyes. Always recommend.

Loved this book so much.

Romantic and beatiful writing. This is an epic love story.

Madeline Miller is a Genius

One of my all time favorites so many deeper meanings. She takes Greek mythology to a more modern understanding allowing readers to connect with past cultures and ideals. I have read majority of her books, and will continue to read them never restraining to put them down.

Best Author EVER!!!

This book was so intricate. The admiration that then turns into love is my favorite part. I love how these characters go through so uch but stay together and love each other from even an early age.

Bittersweet

It is a wonderful love story but sort of sad to think about when recognizing the fact that it happened centuries ago and their tombs have been lost. However I guess thats why this book was written, to tell a beautiful story thats been largely lost to time and prejudice.

Scratches the Greek Mythology Itch!

Loved this book from start to finish. Madeline Miller's words flow effortlessly in this page turner. I found myself unable to put it down and bringing it with me wherever I went! Would recommend for any lover of Greek mythology! LGBTQ friendly! Beautifully done masterpiece.

It's in my Top 10!

Don't read this at book in public, cause you will cry. Miller has a great writing style and I love how she portrayed all the characters. I never wanted the book to end! Good for any mythology buff. Could be considered a romance novel, but it portrays love delicately and genuine in a way that other books do not.

Great book that will get you hooked from the start!

Of the hundreds of books that I’ve read this book is by far my top 5. I cried from how beautifully everything was explained from the moment that Patroclus and Achilles met to the very end of the book. This is a book with great potential and I’m sure many more people will come to enjoy it, I 100% recommend it!

love love love !

this book is so good! after hearing so many people talk about it i decided to buy it and now it’s one of my favorite books i’ve ever read. it is beautifully written and nothing like i have ever read before. it had me crying through the whole ending and it hasn’t left my mind since finishing it. i highly recommend this book it is fantastic.

Beautiful!

I am in awe of this book! My heart is shattered! Madeline Miller brought the characters of Patroclus & Achilles to life in this novel. The story is told through the eyes of Patroclus who at the beginning of the novel is a Prince whose father cares nothing for him. After a twist of fate he becomes an exile and a short time later, the companion of a young Achilles. Love blooms between them despite a prophecy that threatens to take one of them away forever. Patroclus follows Achilles to Troy where fame and glory await him. Ten long years they spend together on the beach of Troy knowing that the prophecy looms. Two men's pride come into the war where Patroclus tries his best to intervene for the sake and love he has for Achilles. What happens after is a sob fest!!! If you know the story of Troy then you know the end but I promise, this was 10x better and you will lose yourself in it! Five stars!!

Achingly Beautiful

Song? More like poetry of Achilles, longing of Achilles, pining of Achilles, seduction and exaltation of Achilles! Miller brings the ancient past into our hearts and minds and word-smiths a world large enough to live in for eternity. At least, I left my heart with Patroclus.

I am still crying

Absolutely beautiful story, I sobbed and had my heart shattered even though you know what’s coming.

TSOA BookTok

This had me SOBBING once I finished. I do not recommend reading the ending around family unless you wanna get laughed at by your family like me. It was unbelievably good and this really brought me into reading. It was actually the first book to ever make me cry. BUY IT NOW!

Easy read !!

i haven’t read in some years so i decided start back up again when i kept getting this recommended to me. I was able to finish this book in 2 days!! so if you’re looking for something to get you back into reading and have a short attention span this is the book to get :)

Yes

This book hurt me, but it is SO good, I immediately ordered Circe by this author as soon as I finished this book. This book is one of my forever books now. (BTW quality was 10/10 looked brand new)

Best book I have read in years

I am an avid reader and can be picky about writing style so lots of books don't get very highly ranked by me. This one however is the best book I have read in years. I recommend this book to anyone over the age of 13 as it has some sensitive topics. Hands down recommend that everyone should read this book at least once.

A beautiful, beautiful novel

I loved every bit of it

Poetic, Tragic, and Heartfelt

Miller fabricates the well-known story of Troy into a poetic narrative with Patroclus on the forefront of the novel’s POV. Even as the conclusion adheres to the original Greek story, mythic history comes alive through Madeline Miller’s beautifully constructed novel of tragedy, loyalty, and love.

Amazing book

Beautifully written and a wonderful story. I loved it and had to pace myself from finishing it too soon.

One Of My Favorite Books!

i absolutely adore this book!! miller's way of writing is poetic and eloquent and i couldn't put it down. its filled with such beautiful quotes with a wonderful yet heartbreaking story. i'm really glad i bought this!