I can’t think of a suitable opening line to review this astounding piece of art that is the book ‘The Song of Achilles’. I am in LOVE – with the book, the story, the narration, the plot line – all of it! I haven’t been the biggest fan of mythology for most of my life but over the past few years I’ve gotten hooked to reading retellings of Indian mythologies from a newer perspectives. Someone recommended this book to me a while back and I finally got down to reading it two days back. I literally wasn’t able to put my Kindle down once I started reading this book – the book just sucked me into its world and getting out was so difficult.
PLOT: The book is the retelling of events leading upto and of the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus. Patroclus is a prince who is exiled from his kingdom as a young boy for accidentally murdering a boy. He is sent to Phthia where he meets Achilles, the half-God prince of Phthia. Something about Patroclus attracts Achilles who chooses him to be his close confidant. As they grow up together, a close bond is formed between them that soon turns into a deep burning love for each other. Achilles was born to do great things and Patroclus is happy just to be around to see him achieve them. The story follows their lives and love from their childhood in Phthia to the battlefield of Troy.
REVIEW: I was familiar with the story of Achilles and the battle of Troy but didn’t know anything about Achilles and Patroclus’s relationship. Reading the book from Patroclus’s perspective let me view the entire story from a whole different angle. The book was focused on Achilles and Patroclus’s love and the other historical aspects as backdrops to their love story. Something about their story just had me spellbound and I found myself wanting to know more. (I literally googled extensively about it during and after reading the book) There were moments through out the book that moved me a lot – feelings and situations that anyone that has ever been in love will find relatable. The author has beautifully captured the evolving feelings of love from when its new to when it gets more familiar and relaxed. I can’t put into words how much I loved the book. The book evoked the same emotions in me that the song ‘Iris’ by Goo Goo Dolls does. *sigh* I have stayed away from romantic story lines for a while since most are cliched and annoying. I didn’t expect this love story to change that for me but it did. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about the book either – it is definitely a rare book that had me won over throughout.
VERDICT: Go read it NOW if you haven’t already! It will definitely put you in that romantic mood for Valentine’s day. 10/10
Which was the last book that really moved you? Leave your recommendations in the comments!
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Happy Panda 
I have been thinking about reading this book. I loved Circe by Madeline Miller and I wanted to read more of her works.😁
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OMG! I literally downloaded Circe last night. Hope it’s good. 😀
This book was amazing! So amazing! Like I felt bad when it was over – I wanted more.
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If you love mythology, I got a recommendation which is about the Trojan War told from the women perspective – a wholesome book.
“the silence of the girls”
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Definitely adding this to my TBR! Thanks for the suggestion ❤
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I will be your one of those friend who keeps the TBR list sky high🙈😂 xx
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hahaha – my HUGE TBR list is what motivates me to read more. Keep the recommendations comingggg
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I also loved The Song of Achilles because it was so true to Achilles and Patroclus relationship. I also did a lot of nerding out after reading and noticed that a lot of other retellings, including the film Troy had skipped over them being lovers. Have you read Circe by Madeline Miller? In my opinion it’s even better than The Song of Achilles!! xx
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Righttt? It was such a beautiful story. I’m still fan girling over it! I think it was the purity of their love. :’)
I literally just started reading Circe last night. I hope it is as good. 🙂
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One of the best reads, for sure. I read Circe afterwards and didn’t love it as much, but there are plenty who loved it more than Song. (I’m in the minority) But books are so closely related to mood and Circe wasn’t my mood when I read it, but it’s still a great book. So I’ll be keen to hear which one you liked better.
Also read her short story too, I need more Madeline Miller!!!
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I’m 1/3rd way through Circe. I love the story because it is sort of relatable. I was THE fat sister growing up – so was made to feel like the ugly one (not that it bothered me to be ugly I reveled in being a tomboy). But I don’t love it more than The Song yet. Let’s see – I should be done with it by tomorrow. 😀
Adding her short story to my TBR! After a really long time – I have fallen head over heels in love with an author.
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Yes. She’s gorgeous. Enjoy!
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