The Song of Achilles
Ok so I read 'The Song of Achilles' yesterday (yes it only took me a day)
I was a bit sceptical- having studied the Iliad for a year and absolutely adored it I wasn't sure how this novel would compare to the original Iliad.(I also don't often go for books on shortlists- generally because they are written in some phonetic way or the plot is totally bonkers/boring.)
However, given my newly discovered love for classical literature I decided to give it a whirl- I mean I totally ship Patroclus and Achilles so a book about their relationship couldn't be all bad- could it?
So, I adored it, I took me all of about 4 hours to read and I cried my eyes out, it is devastatingly beautiful in its lyrical prose. The characters are true to their Homeric nature without being totally copied, nor is the story itself too similar or too different. It gives answers to questions that are not answered in the original and gives a wonderful back story to the two heroes.
I can't wait for her next book whatever it may be- I have high hopes. I urge you to read 'The Song of Achilles' whether you know the Iliad or not it is still a wonderful novel.
Thankyou for bringing this book into my life :) Madeline Miller!!!!!