The Song of Achilles: A Novel

Words cannot express the ocean of emotions this book put me through. It's SO well done, and I absolutely loved it. A day after and I'm still thinking about this book, even contemplating just re-reading it. It's an easy read, with artful and poetic language that still clearly conveys what's happening. The dialogue and internal monologue is always an anticipated ingredient in this love story. Also, if you already know the Iliad and liked it, then you'll enjoy this. And if you're like me and the only thing you really know about the Iliad is that it's a Greek tragedy... then you'll also love this book. You'll be mentally prepared for the ending, but without knowing the actual events in the Iliad, you'll be reading a story completely raw. AND! You won't NEED to read the Iliad, because this is the same story, just with added dialogue and monologue to better convey a confirmed romance in a way the Iliad never did (though scholars have always suspected there was a romantic relationship between Achilles and Patroclus). And yes... you're given the closure you need at the end. And every page is worth the ending.

A different take on the story of Achilles and his exploits during the Trojan War. Most of the book stays true to the Homeric version but the first half of the book is about Achilles childhood and that's where I had issues. The book follows the story that Achilles and Patroclus we're lovers. I can live with that but how this live affair is depicted leaves a lot to be desires. Written in a flowery tone overloaded with romantic notions and mournful longings, these passages would make the most romantic poets blush. It was too much for me to swallow and ruined the book. I can enjoy a romance as well as anyone but the constant simpering and allusions to honey filled longings left me cold. This is a well written and researched book, but the flowery prose simply does not belong here.

Must say, the writing style is utterly gorgeous. I found myself completely hooked by the rhythm and poetic language choice. The story itself is a fun take on a classic, if a little trope-heavy or cliché at times. Following the lives of the characters is a joy with a heavy overcast of looming doom overhead. The latter quarter of the book did seem to drag slightly for me, but the promise of great catharsis at the end kept me going... and I'm truly delighted I continued.