The story of the Greek demi-god Achilles is a tale as old as time, historically filled with bloodshed and misery. The demigod was well known for his thirst for violence, effortlessly striking down those who got in his way. Yet Madeline Miller managed to revive the thousand-year-old tale and made it anew. She rebuilds the image of Achilles, readers are then met with the different sides of his character, both the good and bad. Without straying too far from the original legend, she retells the story through the eyes of Patroclus.
If someone were to write a romance novel detailing the stories of one of the many Greek heroes, Achilles is not one’s first choice. It would be ideal to focus on the story of Paris, a man whose love for Helen ran so deep he went to war to keep her by his side, or Orpheus who went to the depths of hell for Eurydice. Yet Miller decided to write about the murderous greek hero Achilles and delves deeper into the relationship between him and his partner Patroclus. Patroclus is a side character in the original poem Homer’s Iliad, and often the two are merely portrayed as close friends who rely on each other for support and guidance. The relationship between the two has been contested for years and yet still there is no answer to the true nature of their feelings toward one another. Miller’s novel reveals the potential truth in their relationship, as we witness a romantic spark between them.
Over the course of the book, Achilles begins his journey to claim his foretold destiny of becoming one of the greatest Greek warriors. Everywhere he goes Patroclus is not far behind.
However, when Achilles begins his fight in the Trojan war we watch as the perfect world they’ve built for each other comes crashing down. The novel, unlike other renditions, gives Achilles a choice, either a short life filled with glory or a long one in obscurity. It is a choice between destiny and love. In the end, he chooses his destiny, dooming Patroclus to an early grave.
“And perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is gone.”
― Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles.
There is foreshadowing constantly reminding readers of the tragic ending of the story. Yet Miller feeds the reader with hopeful and joyous moments. We revel in the pure love between both characters, almost forgetting the true end of the classic story. We are transported into the very mind of Patroclus, we too fall for the image of Achilles. The two are complete opposites in their wants and desires, one yearns to achieve a glorious destiny while the other craves any semblance of peace in the chaos of their lives. However there is a balance, both hope for happiness in a world that actively tries to deny them so.
Patroclus never shined as bright as Achilles. He’s mortal, lacks the skills to excel in battle, and preferred nursing people back to health rather than killing. Yet, the depth shown in his character by Miller made him the true protagonist of the story. Furthermore, Miller’s poetic language in the novel is visually appealing to readers. Her writing is beautiful, packed with layers of meaning between each sentence. The words she writes flow so smoothly that it’s almost lyrical.
“I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell; I would know him blind, by the way, his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world.”
― Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles
The Song of Achilles is a tragic love story. It is a book that one becomes lost in, flipping page by page wondering if this tale perhaps will lead to a happy end. The love itself is not one you’d find in a cliche romance book. The relationship is natural, they are portrayed as flawed people who love each other unconditionally. Patroclus is truly Achilies’ heel, the only weakness in the demi-god’s seemingly unbreakable strength. Miller spent 10 years researching the lore behind the legend and by doing so expertly crafted a heart-wrenching yet impossible-to-put-down novel.
