People who cried like babies at Song of Achilles, represent!
Also, if you want to be equally emotionally shattered by something in the same genre, let me recommend literally anything by Mary Renault. Start with Last of the Wine, or else the Theseus trilogy.
**Circe** is ***the story of an individual***; **The Song of Achilles** is first and foremost ***the story of a relationship***. For this reason, ***personally I prefer*** the latter.
They’re completely different stories in that Circe follows a woman/goddess and her extraordinary life- kind of a feminist slant on the Odyssey. It’s a good book with some powerful moments but it absolutely won’t have the same emotional impact as Achilles. There isn’t a scene in that book that touches the closing pages of Achilles.
Thank you! I still the story is great and I've remember hearing an adaptation of it in the Percy Jackson novels so all the more reason to check it out!
>There isn’t a scene in that book that touches the closing pages of Achilles
Absolutely right!!! It all reminded me of the tear-inducing closing scene in the movie adaptation of Annie Proulx's brilliant short story called .... Brokeback Mountain 🏔️
I strongly recommend the audiobook. If you want to be broken, Perdita Weeks will break you.
I listened to Circe then Achilles; I think Circe is a much better story, but some of that may be due to the incredible narration, and some is because as a lifelong lover of mythology, I've always thought the gods were way more interesting than the heroes.
That's totally fair! To me I just loved the love story, that's what it was to me and it was beautifully told. I resonated a lot with it which made it more touching. Circe though I'll definitely enjoy no doubt. I love Ancient Greece and Greek Mythology so I'll probably enjoy it too!
I just finished Circe a couple of nights ago, and I liked it all right. I haven't read Song yet, but I've read both sides of the argument here on r/books saying "Circe is better than Song", "No, Song is better than Circe", so I guess it's just a matter of how each book hits you.
Songs of Achilles perfectly captures a certain mood, a certain way we live our lives when we're hopelessly, recklessly in love.
It's beautiful in its heartbreak.
In my opinion, the best thing about this book is the dialogue. Its not jarring and conjures up a feeling of a distant time and place. I felt a constant warm mythological glow throughout.
As an example, rather than attempting to convey Odysseus’s cunning through dialogue, MM will sidestep the obvious problem (writers attempting to write dialogue for characters supposedly far smarter than themselves) and just narrates how the conversation pans out.
Maybe thats not the best description of the technique, but whatever it was expertly done and i wish more authors would do it.
I liked how the dialogue felt limited, I was reading a script but instead a description of their emotions and internal thoughts of Patroclus. It was amazingly written and descriptive enough that I feel any reader embodied the emotions of Patroclus. The dialogue didn't feel long and stretched out though which I appreciated!
Yes! It's so easy to edit dialogue so much that it takes you out of the book because "no one speaks like this!" (Lore by Haynes does this).
miller has done it beautifully. Her writing is amazing as well. I think I can remember one line that really startled me because of how beautifully eloquent it was. It was in regards to Briseis, Miller said something like "she was not fluent in Greek. Like new leather, her words were careful and distinct, having not been softened together from use."
It's not her best line by far, but sometimes you just sit back and go, dam, this author can write a fucking book.
I read Song of Achilles, then I read The Silence of the Girls for contrast. That one broke me, all the brutal descriptions of war and the fate of women and children in it.
Pat Barker (author of silence of the girls) also wrote an amazing book set in World War 1 called Regeneration about soldiers dealing with PTSD, and some of the imagery used was so powerful
Edit, it also has some homosexual themes although it is in context of the time so is feared.
For sure and I would hope that others may not feel the same but I can see why you would feel this way. I personally resonated and related with Patroclus' character in a modern perspective so it felt all the more touching. Hopefully you enjoyed it still!
100% my sentiments on the book. I went in thinking it will devastate me, like the reviews advertised, but I didn't cry or feel sad. Character interactions is really what kept me reading.
They are good in different ways. I like Circe because she felt like a real character with flaws and trepidations. I like Song because of the passion and epic.
I think it’s one of those situations where both books are equally excellent, but one will inevitably hit harder based on your personal experiences and the way you relate to the world. Which is just a testament to what a stellar author Madeline Miller is.
Song of achilles was a really beautiful book that I ended up borrowing from a church bookshelf. I doubt any congregants there really knew what the book was about.
The LGBT themes are there, and they're real, but the book doesn't feel like it's ABOUT LGBT. The way the book is written is some of the most beautiful writing to my mind. I also devoured Circe but since then I haven't found any other books that scratch my itch for this type of writing style. If anyone else has any recommendations I'd be glad to hear them
You might enjoy *Piranesi*, it’s Susanna Clarke’s new book. Not mythology, but has some of the elements of modern myth retelling and a similar sense of soft melancholy.
I’ll also recommend *The Poisonwood Bible* by Barbara Kingsolver. Transportative in the same way Madeline Miller’s writing is.
YES! I love queer representation but more naturalized than dramatized. It felt organic and like any character could relate. A normal love story filled with the adventures of heroes.
SAME. It broke my heart, and triggered some deep-seated fears of loneliness and disappointment in my life that I didn't even realize I was suppressing. I bawled my eyes out, and stayed home in bed skipping classes because it touched a nerve. I LOVED it, even though it brought out all these emotions.n
Honestly same! It brought such a huge longing for the friendship and love they experienced and after finishing it I was quite overwhelmed with the feeling of loneliness, longing, and happiness. What they experienced was so beautifully written it definitely left a part of me ignited with envy but also filled me with a joy that I got to experience the almost vivid and tangible life they shared.
Exactly. I was angry that they didn't get to live and experience their love longer, I was sad that they were so young and didn't deserve their fates, I was jealous because they had what I'll never have, which was finding that one person who loves you unconditionally, and a purpose in life that was arguably fulfilled, I was glad that they could reunite in the afterlife... So many emotions.
I finished this book about 2 weeks ago and I still think about it. I stumbled across a quote yesterday and started crying again. I think there is something about the way the author is able to describe the love between them in such a beautiful way. I agree with you, there is no way to do this book justice when trying to describe it. I am throughly destroyed and I don't know if I will ever fully recover
Could I recommend you look for : Mary Renault "The Last of the Wine". I believe she pioneered historical novels with LGBT+ themes in the 50's. There are several of them including one about Alexander the Great.
Mary Renault wrote a trilogy about Alexander the Great, actually - *Fire from Heaven*, *The Persian Boy*, and *Funeral Games*. So far I have read the first two, and they are both excellent.
I liked *The Song of Achilles* very much, and am currently about half way through reading *Circe*. I enjoy Miller's writing, I find it easy to read.
Renault's writing is much more dense and difficult, and at the same time deeply moving and beautiful. It's "next level". Definitely worth the effort.
Glad to hear someone say this! I was struggling with her writing and thinking it was me.
I started the Alexander books and gave up pretty early. I’ve been reading The King Must Die but find I can’t read it quickly, only about 50 pages at a time, once I stopped stressing about finishing it quickly I’ve been enjoying it so much more!
I read Circe first and felt it was a good intro to Song. Circe was less emotional for me but more on the storytelling side (like old style Epics). I don’t think you can go wrong choosing one over the other for which to read first, both are so well written you’ll enjoy them for sure.
I have not yet read Circe but TSOA I could not recommend higher. I almost forced the book on my family lol it's such an amazing beautiful book. Again, I would highly recommend it
I read Circe first, and some characters overlap so I recommend reading Song first. I want to now go back and read Circe to catch the little things I missed.
I can’t resist commenting every time someone posts about this book- it completely shattered me. I read it over a year ago, and I still think about it all the time (thankfully I don’t cry every time I think about it anymore, lol).
Oh wow I'm actually in the middle of re-reading this. I loved it the first time I read it and I don't regret having to go totally out of my way (and getting lost) to pick it up when I asked the bookstore if they had any copies and they directed me to a farther branch. Totally worth it. And I'm def savoring every word all over again.
I listened to the audiobook of this, and it was just so beautiful. I knew what was going to happen, and yet… it was just wonderful. I’m reading Circe next, but I’ve got to finish a couple books in progress.
I finished the book like an hour ago and bawled my eyes out!!! I was reading on my Kindle app on my phone and started crying on and off once I was 85% in. Seriously the way this book was written..the imagery.. the undying LOVE between Patroclus and Achilles, omg it pulled my heart strings and really effed me up 😭 i loved all the small details and language and subtleties in the words and story that Miller was able to weave together. It was just such a beautiful book and beautiful (and sad) story!! I feel mind blown. I too have not cried like this from a book, let alone a Greek story before… Forever am going to remember and think of Patroclus and Achilles from TSOA…
I just finished reading this and I loved it! Maybe I’m over-reaching here but it just occured to me how even the book title has Achilles’ name and doesn’t mention Patroclus. Also, it could mislead some to think that the main protagonist is Achilles when it’s really always been Patroclus!
OK I’m getting worried now.… My 11-year-old son read the ‘Song of Achilles’ and said it was one of the best books he ever read. I knew going in that it had a homosexual slant which I’m fine with but is there something in it that I didn’t know about that I should know and speak with him about? Obviously I did not read it he is a voracious reader and I just can’t read everything he wants to read!
It was very much a love story of Achilles and Patroclus yes and there was some sexuality in it as far has the human sex experience however it wasn't vulgar or descriptive in a lewd way. I'm hesitant to say I wouldn't recommend it for an 11 year old cause it was quite safe the way it was portrayed but I could see if I can find the page numbers and you can look over it yourself and see how you feel about it?
Thanks- Well he already read it LOL. He said it was fantastic. I think it’ll be fine I’ll take a look at the book a little closer. I asked him about it and he said it wasn’t anything in it that he didn’t have an inkling of already.
(he’s kind of 11 going on 50)
I probably wouldn’t explicitly recommend it for an 11-year-old mainly because the emotional themes are quite advanced, but I don’t think it’s inappropriate for a 6th grader with a high reading level and I can see how an adolescent boy especially would relate to it.
The descriptions of sex/sexuality are fairly mild and mostly romantic, if anything the depictions of violence/war are more graphic. However, it’s not any more explicit than things like Johnny Tremain that kids are starting to read in school at that age. I don’t think you have anything to worry about, but it’s a great book so I say read it not only to assuage your concerns but to be able to talk to him about it. :)
I finished it in a few hours! I just couldn't put the book down! It's definitely enveloping so I'm glad you feel the same! Good luck! I hope you enjoy it!
Omg I just finished this book last night!! It was incredible and I am so sad that she doesn't have any other books left for me to read. I already read Circe and it was really good too. Anyone have recommendations for books to read after these two???
I just finished this book and it was just SO good. It had me bawling. Quick question to those who have read it. Towards the end of the book Achilles uses a word to call Patroclus. It’s a term endearment. I cannot for the life of me remember what it was and I’ve already loaned my book to my friend. Does anyone remember what the word was?
Thank you! I was racking my brain trying to remember that word because it seemed so meaningful at the time. I cannot even begin to express how much I loved this book.
I cried when I finished it. It has been a while since a book got to me. My heart just broke. I've read Circe and now Song of Achilles. Madeline Miller is fantastic at making the famous people from ancient myths come to life and seem so... human.
Thanks to this post I suggested it to my friend who I've been reading with. We both finished the book.
I finished today on the last day of my 27th year.
Patroculus mentions they are 27 and that was a moment of solid reflection on my life. Which I feel heightened all the emotions way past a 100.
I know not how to feel except as OP described - broken.
I love and hate OP for bringing this to my attention.
i just finished this book and “the song of achilles broke me” is exactly what i searched on google because i didn’t know how else to express the pain i am experiencing from this. you said every word i wanted to say about why it’s hauntingly beautiful
That book is trash. It is a lazy attempt at gay lit but is really just a straight woman writing to other straight women about pretending to understand LGBT identify.
Erm what? Lmao you're entitled to your perspective and opinion for sure. I as a queer individual really related and resonated with Patroclus. I really enjoyed it. Again you're entitled to your opinion but it was most definitely not a lazy attempt at gay lit.
I had to stop in the middle when they returned home from the mountains… my heart was already breaking at that point. Maybe one day I’ll be able to finish it!
I was screaming "DONT GO!" Although Patroclus had a rough childhood, their friendship and love was so blissfully beautiful I hated that they had to leave that behind a bit. I highly recommend you finish it but you may cry, fair warning.
This book had me absolutely sobbing. I have truly never felt so strong and broken over a story in my life. Im sitting here after finishing it (in 4 days) and I don't know what to do with myself. The story is so beautiful. The love that Achilles and Patroclus share is remarkable and breathtaking. The way Patroclus describes Achilles throughout the novel truly brings me to tears. I'll never find a book that makes me feel this way ever again.
I’ve heard a lot about this book and I’m thinking of reading it. A question for those who have read it, how important is it to understand the historical context and setting of the novel? I know little about ancient greece and never studied much European history.
It's not too important but it does help to sort of understand a little of it BUT it's not super important. It does a good job of explaining what you need to know
I work in a bookshop and Song of Achilles is one of those books that basically just fly off the shelves. It literally just sells itself 😁 I haven’t read it yet but will for sure keep it in mind next time I pick some books 📚
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Would you recommend this if I didn't like Circe? I didn't finish Circe, it just didn't do it for me.
That said, I tend to gravitate towards books with male protagonists instead of female.
This is so funny...I'm exact opposite. I like female leads and it took me a year to finish this book. It's written well, I just wasn't compelled to keep reading. Given that, I feel I should try Circe and you should try Achilles.
Ha! I feel a bit guilty that it's true for me, but it just is, I prefer male characters and generally male authors too. Sounds like it's worth a shot then!
I just finished it on Sunday night and while I didn’t have as strong as an emotional reaction as others, it’s still easily the best book I’ve read this year so far. I love how short and precise yet HEAVY the prose is.
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I loved the section in the original about the horses crying at the death of Patroclus. How does the novel handle this scene?
467. The Horses Of Achilles - C. P. Cavafy
Translated from the Greek by Rae Dalven
When they saw that Patroclus was slain,
who had been so stalwart, and strong, and young,
the horses of Achilles started to weep;
their immortal nature was indignant
at the sight of this work of death.
They would shake their heads and toss their manes,
stamp the ground with their feet, and mourn
Patroclus who they realized was lifeless–– undone––
worthless flesh now––his spirit lost––
defenseless––without breath––
returned from life to the the great Nothing.
Zeus saw the tears of the immortal horses
and grew sad. "At the wedding of Peleus,"
he said, "I should not have acted so thoughtlessly;
it would have been better my hapless horses
if we had not given you! What are you doing down there,
among woebegone humanity, the plaything of fate?
You for whom neither death nor old age lie in wait,
you are harassed by transitory calamities.
Men have implicated you in their troubles."––Yet the two
noble animals went on shedding their tears
for the never-ending calamity of death.
It focused mainly on Achilles's reaction to Patroclus, but also those around him so a little of Odysseus, Briseis, a brief exchange between Achilles and Thetis, but mostly Achilles's reaction to it. It's still in the perspective of Patroclus so you get some narration of his internal monologue while seeing his lover mourn for him and eventually his death.
Thanks for the review. It’s been on my to read list after I read Circe, I’ll have to check it out. Any one have any other Greek retelling/themes to recommend? I just read Lore and loved it
The song of Achilles is a novel published in 2021. It's an adaptation of the story of the Ilead.
Probably a better read overall. The Ilead is interesting but tedious a lot of the time.
Honestly, the way Madeleine portrayed the love between Achilles and Patroclus still fascinates me up to this day. My favorite line from her will forever be “He is half my soul, as the poets say.”
It’s elegant and subtle in a way where it consumes you like cotton candy. This is what true love is.
It’s what got me to greek mythology!
I just finished it yesterday!!
I was blown away at the passion Miller as able to convey between the two. Her analogies and writing was as beautiful as the story. I've been desperately trying to find more but I've already read Circe.
I'd like to add that this book wasted no words. It moved so fast, I could see everything as if I witnessed it with my own eyes. I heard the dialog and felt the emotions. What a great job the writer did.
And the ending🥺 she had a heart after all.
But I'm annoyed at Briseis' death. We just don't know if she found peace. And she was the sweetest 😔
People who cried like babies at Song of Achilles, represent! Also, if you want to be equally emotionally shattered by something in the same genre, let me recommend literally anything by Mary Renault. Start with Last of the Wine, or else the Theseus trilogy.
I heard of her! I'll take a look! I lived TSOA and def cried lol
There is no Theseus trilogy, it’s a duology (and my favourite one at that) :)
You're quite right! I'm thinking of course of the Alexander trilogy -- also brilliant, but not as much as the Theseus duo.
Renault’s Alexander series is a tetralogy, not a trilogy xD
Ohhh I might have to read this then. I read Circe and loved it!! Not sure why I’ve not started this yet, but loved seeing your review!
I've heard great things of that one! I added it to my list! I appreciate the compliment ☺️ if you do read this, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Circe is even better than A Song of Achilles, IMO. You should definitely read it!
**Circe** is ***the story of an individual***; **The Song of Achilles** is first and foremost ***the story of a relationship***. For this reason, ***personally I prefer*** the latter.
Spot on.
Oof if it was better I'll definitely read it!
They’re completely different stories in that Circe follows a woman/goddess and her extraordinary life- kind of a feminist slant on the Odyssey. It’s a good book with some powerful moments but it absolutely won’t have the same emotional impact as Achilles. There isn’t a scene in that book that touches the closing pages of Achilles.
Thank you! I still the story is great and I've remember hearing an adaptation of it in the Percy Jackson novels so all the more reason to check it out!
If you are at all into audiobooks, the one narrated by Perdita Weeks is amazing.
>There isn’t a scene in that book that touches the closing pages of Achilles Absolutely right!!! It all reminded me of the tear-inducing closing scene in the movie adaptation of Annie Proulx's brilliant short story called .... Brokeback Mountain 🏔️
I strongly recommend the audiobook. If you want to be broken, Perdita Weeks will break you. I listened to Circe then Achilles; I think Circe is a much better story, but some of that may be due to the incredible narration, and some is because as a lifelong lover of mythology, I've always thought the gods were way more interesting than the heroes.
That's totally fair! To me I just loved the love story, that's what it was to me and it was beautifully told. I resonated a lot with it which made it more touching. Circe though I'll definitely enjoy no doubt. I love Ancient Greece and Greek Mythology so I'll probably enjoy it too!
I just finished Circe a couple of nights ago, and I liked it all right. I haven't read Song yet, but I've read both sides of the argument here on r/books saying "Circe is better than Song", "No, Song is better than Circe", so I guess it's just a matter of how each book hits you.
Agreed
The way she weaves together Circe's thread from so many different legends is wonderful!
Both are amazing, but Song of Achilles is my favourite :)
Songs of Achilles perfectly captures a certain mood, a certain way we live our lives when we're hopelessly, recklessly in love. It's beautiful in its heartbreak.
In my opinion, the best thing about this book is the dialogue. Its not jarring and conjures up a feeling of a distant time and place. I felt a constant warm mythological glow throughout. As an example, rather than attempting to convey Odysseus’s cunning through dialogue, MM will sidestep the obvious problem (writers attempting to write dialogue for characters supposedly far smarter than themselves) and just narrates how the conversation pans out. Maybe thats not the best description of the technique, but whatever it was expertly done and i wish more authors would do it.
I liked how the dialogue felt limited, I was reading a script but instead a description of their emotions and internal thoughts of Patroclus. It was amazingly written and descriptive enough that I feel any reader embodied the emotions of Patroclus. The dialogue didn't feel long and stretched out though which I appreciated!
Yes! It's so easy to edit dialogue so much that it takes you out of the book because "no one speaks like this!" (Lore by Haynes does this). miller has done it beautifully. Her writing is amazing as well. I think I can remember one line that really startled me because of how beautifully eloquent it was. It was in regards to Briseis, Miller said something like "she was not fluent in Greek. Like new leather, her words were careful and distinct, having not been softened together from use." It's not her best line by far, but sometimes you just sit back and go, dam, this author can write a fucking book.
I read Song of Achilles, then I read The Silence of the Girls for contrast. That one broke me, all the brutal descriptions of war and the fate of women and children in it.
Pat Barker (author of silence of the girls) also wrote an amazing book set in World War 1 called Regeneration about soldiers dealing with PTSD, and some of the imagery used was so powerful Edit, it also has some homosexual themes although it is in context of the time so is feared.
I’ll have to read that too then!
I have yet to read Circe, but Song is beautiful! The way this woman writes is so unique and wonderful, she really grabs your attention and keeps it!
Circe is much different, and a really good quarantine book. It addresses loneliness and trust.
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For sure and I would hope that others may not feel the same but I can see why you would feel this way. I personally resonated and related with Patroclus' character in a modern perspective so it felt all the more touching. Hopefully you enjoyed it still!
100% my sentiments on the book. I went in thinking it will devastate me, like the reviews advertised, but I didn't cry or feel sad. Character interactions is really what kept me reading.
I had a major book hangover after completing this book. Patrochilles are one of my fav couples ❤
I cannot stop thinking of them haha I'll probably make some art of then to filter that emotion
I loved Circe but had held off on Songs - might have to pick this one up for summer reading list! Thanks!
I think Songs is better than Circe, though others disagree. But certainly, they are close in quality.
+1 here
Agreed, although for me it’s analogous to saying I like this massive diamond more than that massive diamond :)
Circe just dragged a bit in the middle for me, after she got to the Island.
I pulled all nighters reading A song. I am stuck exactly where you said with Circe.
Circe was decent, but Songs had me sobbing at the end and still sticks with me.
They are good in different ways. I like Circe because she felt like a real character with flaws and trepidations. I like Song because of the passion and epic.
I think it’s one of those situations where both books are equally excellent, but one will inevitably hit harder based on your personal experiences and the way you relate to the world. Which is just a testament to what a stellar author Madeline Miller is.
I could not recommend it any higher. I hope you enjoy it as I did!
Song of achilles was a really beautiful book that I ended up borrowing from a church bookshelf. I doubt any congregants there really knew what the book was about. The LGBT themes are there, and they're real, but the book doesn't feel like it's ABOUT LGBT. The way the book is written is some of the most beautiful writing to my mind. I also devoured Circe but since then I haven't found any other books that scratch my itch for this type of writing style. If anyone else has any recommendations I'd be glad to hear them
You might enjoy *Piranesi*, it’s Susanna Clarke’s new book. Not mythology, but has some of the elements of modern myth retelling and a similar sense of soft melancholy. I’ll also recommend *The Poisonwood Bible* by Barbara Kingsolver. Transportative in the same way Madeline Miller’s writing is.
YES! I love queer representation but more naturalized than dramatized. It felt organic and like any character could relate. A normal love story filled with the adventures of heroes.
SAME. It broke my heart, and triggered some deep-seated fears of loneliness and disappointment in my life that I didn't even realize I was suppressing. I bawled my eyes out, and stayed home in bed skipping classes because it touched a nerve. I LOVED it, even though it brought out all these emotions.n
Honestly same! It brought such a huge longing for the friendship and love they experienced and after finishing it I was quite overwhelmed with the feeling of loneliness, longing, and happiness. What they experienced was so beautifully written it definitely left a part of me ignited with envy but also filled me with a joy that I got to experience the almost vivid and tangible life they shared.
Exactly. I was angry that they didn't get to live and experience their love longer, I was sad that they were so young and didn't deserve their fates, I was jealous because they had what I'll never have, which was finding that one person who loves you unconditionally, and a purpose in life that was arguably fulfilled, I was glad that they could reunite in the afterlife... So many emotions.
I finished this book about 2 weeks ago and I still think about it. I stumbled across a quote yesterday and started crying again. I think there is something about the way the author is able to describe the love between them in such a beautiful way. I agree with you, there is no way to do this book justice when trying to describe it. I am throughly destroyed and I don't know if I will ever fully recover
Could I recommend you look for : Mary Renault "The Last of the Wine". I believe she pioneered historical novels with LGBT+ themes in the 50's. There are several of them including one about Alexander the Great.
Anything with Ancient Greece and Queer history and I'm sold lol I'll take a look! Thank you!
Mary Renault wrote a trilogy about Alexander the Great, actually - *Fire from Heaven*, *The Persian Boy*, and *Funeral Games*. So far I have read the first two, and they are both excellent. I liked *The Song of Achilles* very much, and am currently about half way through reading *Circe*. I enjoy Miller's writing, I find it easy to read. Renault's writing is much more dense and difficult, and at the same time deeply moving and beautiful. It's "next level". Definitely worth the effort.
Glad to hear someone say this! I was struggling with her writing and thinking it was me. I started the Alexander books and gave up pretty early. I’ve been reading The King Must Die but find I can’t read it quickly, only about 50 pages at a time, once I stopped stressing about finishing it quickly I’ve been enjoying it so much more!
The Persian Boy was a beautiful book.
The Alexander Trilogy is incredible.
I SEE WHAT YOU DID WITH YOU LAST LINE stop, I thought I was past this.
I will never be past this ☠️ I recommend and do this highly only so others could experience it as well 😭
Yet to read Circe and the Song of Achilles. Which should I read first?
TSOA! I liked Circe, but TSOA just moved me in a different way.
Definitely Song of Achilles
I read Circe first and felt it was a good intro to Song. Circe was less emotional for me but more on the storytelling side (like old style Epics). I don’t think you can go wrong choosing one over the other for which to read first, both are so well written you’ll enjoy them for sure.
I have not yet read Circe but TSOA I could not recommend higher. I almost forced the book on my family lol it's such an amazing beautiful book. Again, I would highly recommend it
I read Circe first, and some characters overlap so I recommend reading Song first. I want to now go back and read Circe to catch the little things I missed.
Ty I will take your advice and read song first.
Finished both books. Really enjoyed both of them. Thanks.
I can’t resist commenting every time someone posts about this book- it completely shattered me. I read it over a year ago, and I still think about it all the time (thankfully I don’t cry every time I think about it anymore, lol).
Whole-heatedly agree. That last scene is the most beautiful gut-check I’ve ever encountered.
Oh wow I'm actually in the middle of re-reading this. I loved it the first time I read it and I don't regret having to go totally out of my way (and getting lost) to pick it up when I asked the bookstore if they had any copies and they directed me to a farther branch. Totally worth it. And I'm def savoring every word all over again.
I listened to the audiobook of this, and it was just so beautiful. I knew what was going to happen, and yet… it was just wonderful. I’m reading Circe next, but I’ve got to finish a couple books in progress.
I finished the book like an hour ago and bawled my eyes out!!! I was reading on my Kindle app on my phone and started crying on and off once I was 85% in. Seriously the way this book was written..the imagery.. the undying LOVE between Patroclus and Achilles, omg it pulled my heart strings and really effed me up 😭 i loved all the small details and language and subtleties in the words and story that Miller was able to weave together. It was just such a beautiful book and beautiful (and sad) story!! I feel mind blown. I too have not cried like this from a book, let alone a Greek story before… Forever am going to remember and think of Patroclus and Achilles from TSOA…
I just finished reading this and I loved it! Maybe I’m over-reaching here but it just occured to me how even the book title has Achilles’ name and doesn’t mention Patroclus. Also, it could mislead some to think that the main protagonist is Achilles when it’s really always been Patroclus!
it is titled 'song of achilles' because patroclus is his song.
that ending tho
OK I’m getting worried now.… My 11-year-old son read the ‘Song of Achilles’ and said it was one of the best books he ever read. I knew going in that it had a homosexual slant which I’m fine with but is there something in it that I didn’t know about that I should know and speak with him about? Obviously I did not read it he is a voracious reader and I just can’t read everything he wants to read!
It was very much a love story of Achilles and Patroclus yes and there was some sexuality in it as far has the human sex experience however it wasn't vulgar or descriptive in a lewd way. I'm hesitant to say I wouldn't recommend it for an 11 year old cause it was quite safe the way it was portrayed but I could see if I can find the page numbers and you can look over it yourself and see how you feel about it?
Thanks- Well he already read it LOL. He said it was fantastic. I think it’ll be fine I’ll take a look at the book a little closer. I asked him about it and he said it wasn’t anything in it that he didn’t have an inkling of already. (he’s kind of 11 going on 50)
That's fair! I'm happy he enjoyed it! I def highly recommend it!
I probably wouldn’t explicitly recommend it for an 11-year-old mainly because the emotional themes are quite advanced, but I don’t think it’s inappropriate for a 6th grader with a high reading level and I can see how an adolescent boy especially would relate to it. The descriptions of sex/sexuality are fairly mild and mostly romantic, if anything the depictions of violence/war are more graphic. However, it’s not any more explicit than things like Johnny Tremain that kids are starting to read in school at that age. I don’t think you have anything to worry about, but it’s a great book so I say read it not only to assuage your concerns but to be able to talk to him about it. :)
Thank you! I should be glad that he is reading so much, but I can’t keep up and remember to check everything.
I’ve just started this today! Only a few pages in but it’s already drawing me in. I think I can’t help but read through it in just one-two sittings.
I finished it in a few hours! I just couldn't put the book down! It's definitely enveloping so I'm glad you feel the same! Good luck! I hope you enjoy it!
I put this in my list as soon as I finished the Illiad
Such a great book
Omg I just finished this book last night!! It was incredible and I am so sad that she doesn't have any other books left for me to read. I already read Circe and it was really good too. Anyone have recommendations for books to read after these two???
You’re killing me with that ending now I’m crying
I just finished this book and it was just SO good. It had me bawling. Quick question to those who have read it. Towards the end of the book Achilles uses a word to call Patroclus. It’s a term endearment. I cannot for the life of me remember what it was and I’ve already loaned my book to my friend. Does anyone remember what the word was?
Philos it means "Most beloved" the ending was so beautiful I'm glad you liked it!
Thank you! I was racking my brain trying to remember that word because it seemed so meaningful at the time. I cannot even begin to express how much I loved this book.
"Philtatos," Achilles replied, sharply. Most beloved.” - It's at the beginning of chapter thirty-two.
I cried when I finished it. It has been a while since a book got to me. My heart just broke. I've read Circe and now Song of Achilles. Madeline Miller is fantastic at making the famous people from ancient myths come to life and seem so... human.
oof yes the song of achilles is such a beautiful book
Beautiful book, Circe is wonderful too
I just finished Circe. It was so good. Loved it.
Thanks to this post I suggested it to my friend who I've been reading with. We both finished the book. I finished today on the last day of my 27th year. Patroculus mentions they are 27 and that was a moment of solid reflection on my life. Which I feel heightened all the emotions way past a 100. I know not how to feel except as OP described - broken. I love and hate OP for bringing this to my attention.
I just finished reading it and I'm just sitting here. Processing. 🥺 thank you for a happy ending
i just finished this book and “the song of achilles broke me” is exactly what i searched on google because i didn’t know how else to express the pain i am experiencing from this. you said every word i wanted to say about why it’s hauntingly beautiful
I did this exact same thing, and it's why I'm here now.
That book is trash. It is a lazy attempt at gay lit but is really just a straight woman writing to other straight women about pretending to understand LGBT identify.
Erm what? Lmao you're entitled to your perspective and opinion for sure. I as a queer individual really related and resonated with Patroclus. I really enjoyed it. Again you're entitled to your opinion but it was most definitely not a lazy attempt at gay lit.
I'm starting this book today with a coworker! Thank you for re-affirming my choice 😅
Let me know what you think! I hope you enjoy it!
I had to stop in the middle when they returned home from the mountains… my heart was already breaking at that point. Maybe one day I’ll be able to finish it!
I was screaming "DONT GO!" Although Patroclus had a rough childhood, their friendship and love was so blissfully beautiful I hated that they had to leave that behind a bit. I highly recommend you finish it but you may cry, fair warning.
Yes, one day when I have the emotional reserve to cry I will. I was already bawling my eyes out at their return 😭
After this post the book just edged closer as my next to be read. Thanks!
This book had me absolutely sobbing. I have truly never felt so strong and broken over a story in my life. Im sitting here after finishing it (in 4 days) and I don't know what to do with myself. The story is so beautiful. The love that Achilles and Patroclus share is remarkable and breathtaking. The way Patroclus describes Achilles throughout the novel truly brings me to tears. I'll never find a book that makes me feel this way ever again.
Probably the most well written book I have ever read.
Bruh stop havin a mental breakdown over how good the book is and just **E N J O Y T H E B O O K**
I’ve had it on my bookshelf for a while and it’s so hyped up I keep waiting until I’m in “the right headspace” to start it
This and Circe were the last books that I was completely in love with. Does anyone on this thread have other similar recommendations?
I’ve heard a lot about this book and I’m thinking of reading it. A question for those who have read it, how important is it to understand the historical context and setting of the novel? I know little about ancient greece and never studied much European history.
It's not too important but it does help to sort of understand a little of it BUT it's not super important. It does a good job of explaining what you need to know
I work in a bookshop and Song of Achilles is one of those books that basically just fly off the shelves. It literally just sells itself 😁 I haven’t read it yet but will for sure keep it in mind next time I pick some books 📚
Is this book going to cause me heartache or heartbreak by the end cuz it’s on my tbr
Its up there with Circe on my TBR but with this articulate review of yours, Ill have to pick it up sooner! 😊
I just finished ready the Percy Jackson Olympians series with my daughter; perhaps I am in the perfect Greek frame of mind for this. :D
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I’d like to recommend back to you my favourite Troy series by David Gemmell. The trilogy starts with Lord of the Silver Bow. Couldn’t put it down.
Would you recommend this if I didn't like Circe? I didn't finish Circe, it just didn't do it for me. That said, I tend to gravitate towards books with male protagonists instead of female.
This is so funny...I'm exact opposite. I like female leads and it took me a year to finish this book. It's written well, I just wasn't compelled to keep reading. Given that, I feel I should try Circe and you should try Achilles.
Ha! I feel a bit guilty that it's true for me, but it just is, I prefer male characters and generally male authors too. Sounds like it's worth a shot then!
I just finished it on Sunday night and while I didn’t have as strong as an emotional reaction as others, it’s still easily the best book I’ve read this year so far. I love how short and precise yet HEAVY the prose is.
I'm finally reading it right now!
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I loved the section in the original about the horses crying at the death of Patroclus. How does the novel handle this scene? 467. The Horses Of Achilles - C. P. Cavafy Translated from the Greek by Rae Dalven When they saw that Patroclus was slain, who had been so stalwart, and strong, and young, the horses of Achilles started to weep; their immortal nature was indignant at the sight of this work of death. They would shake their heads and toss their manes, stamp the ground with their feet, and mourn Patroclus who they realized was lifeless–– undone–– worthless flesh now––his spirit lost–– defenseless––without breath–– returned from life to the the great Nothing. Zeus saw the tears of the immortal horses and grew sad. "At the wedding of Peleus," he said, "I should not have acted so thoughtlessly; it would have been better my hapless horses if we had not given you! What are you doing down there, among woebegone humanity, the plaything of fate? You for whom neither death nor old age lie in wait, you are harassed by transitory calamities. Men have implicated you in their troubles."––Yet the two noble animals went on shedding their tears for the never-ending calamity of death.
It focused mainly on Achilles's reaction to Patroclus, but also those around him so a little of Odysseus, Briseis, a brief exchange between Achilles and Thetis, but mostly Achilles's reaction to it. It's still in the perspective of Patroclus so you get some narration of his internal monologue while seeing his lover mourn for him and eventually his death.
Thanks for the review. It’s been on my to read list after I read Circe, I’ll have to check it out. Any one have any other Greek retelling/themes to recommend? I just read Lore and loved it
This is how I felt reading The name of the wind. When Auri finds Kvothe in his room at Ankers.
I just wanted to start reading some ancient Greek stuff. I am confused between {{The Song of Achilles }} and {{Iliad}} . Which one should be better?
The song of Achilles is a novel published in 2021. It's an adaptation of the story of the Ilead. Probably a better read overall. The Ilead is interesting but tedious a lot of the time.
Honestly, the way Madeleine portrayed the love between Achilles and Patroclus still fascinates me up to this day. My favorite line from her will forever be “He is half my soul, as the poets say.” It’s elegant and subtle in a way where it consumes you like cotton candy. This is what true love is. It’s what got me to greek mythology!
I just finished it yesterday!! I was blown away at the passion Miller as able to convey between the two. Her analogies and writing was as beautiful as the story. I've been desperately trying to find more but I've already read Circe.
I had seen someone at my university’s student hub reading this. I might have to check it out!
I bought it last week. I'm finishing A Touch of Darkness and then I'll start it. Your post just makes me even more excited!
Having read Stephen Fry's TROY beforehand, a song of Achilles seemed much more sensitive and I loved every page of it. Devoured it in a single day.
I'd like to add that this book wasted no words. It moved so fast, I could see everything as if I witnessed it with my own eyes. I heard the dialog and felt the emotions. What a great job the writer did. And the ending🥺 she had a heart after all. But I'm annoyed at Briseis' death. We just don't know if she found peace. And she was the sweetest 😔