The Song of Achilles is a 2011 historical-fiction novel written by American novelist Madeline Miller. Have you checked this one out yet? A Diachronic View.” Sex in Antiquity: Exploring Gender and Sexuality in the Ancient World, (2015): 115–136. jollyasaroger: a playlist for “song of achilles” by madeline miller . Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2019. It has been argued that the ancient Greeks did not even have the same words for colours that we do. Yet, I think I was misled because the story is really about gay love. Since this is a retelling of a classic story (a genre to which I am predisposed), we already know how it's going to play out: Agamemnon will steal a slave girl claimed by Achilles, leading to the hero refusing to fight for the Greeks, leading to Patroclus donning his armor and being slain by Hector of Troy, leading to Achilles killing Hector and dragging him around the walls of his city, only to be killed himself by an arrow from Hector's brother Paris. Certainly, the Ancient Greeks were not homophobic the same way modern and contemporary society is – homosexual and homosocial relationships were not only accepted but were fundamental to maintaining social connections between men. A miracle this is. The reader first encounters it in the character of Deidamia, whom Achilles ignores and treats with disdain, especially following the sexual assault orchestrated by his mother, and with whom Patroclus has sex out of pity after she has been scorned by Achilles. What's different is what comes before and between. So, I bought this book with trepidation, not knowing what to expect. Please try your request again later. It is a cult favorite among YA and Adult readers alike for its interpretation of the Iliad, particularly the legend of Achilles and Patroclus. 2012. I was asked for, known for my quick hands and how little pain I caused”. The Song of Achilles is her first novel. That’s how I felt with The Song of Achilles. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. I got nothing against love stores whoever the lovers are but I don't enjoy romance novels, historic, contemporary or pseudo-mythological, especially where the partners are unequal. The Song of Achilles is her first novel and was the winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction 2012. This means that Patroclus himself has the opportunity to learn the art of war from this great centaur who taught Heracles how to fight, but Patroclus doesn't either. Starting this book I was at a strong 3.5 stars, then it bumped up to 4, and then the end had me in such a mess that it suddenly became 5. Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2017. He is fostered by Peleus, father of Achilles, and is at first ignored by Achilles and all the other boys fostered by Peleus. AGAPE | BEAR’S DEN 02. An action-packed adventure, an epic love story, a marvelously conceived and executed page-turner, Miller’s monumental debut novel has already earned resounding acclaim from some of contemporary fiction’s brightest lights—and fans of … We see Achilles brilliance, arrogance, and power, but we also got to see the boy underneath, the one that only Patroclus was privy to. The open focus on a gay relationship in a historical setting, especially one as academically controversial as that between Achilles and Patroclus, was at the time less-than heard of. Achilles, "the best of all the Greeks," son of the cruel sea goddess Thetis and the legendary king Peleus, is strong, swift, and beautiful— irresistible to all who meet him. One day, Patroclus accidentally kills a young boy. Madeline Miller's The Song of Achilles looks at The Iliad from a fresh perspective: that of Patroclus, Achilles' closest companion. Were Miller a layperson or an amateur historian, this would sting less, but Miller used her two Classics degrees as a selling point for the book. A 2020 article titled “Eros and Tragedy: How ‘The Song of Achilles’ Revolutionized Classics” interprets the book as actively pushing back against Ancient Greek stereotypes of gay relationships. Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. A thrilling, profoundly moving, and utterly unique retelling of the legend of Achilles and the Trojan War from the bestselling author of Circe A tale of gods, kings, immortal fame, and the human heart, The Song of Achilles is a dazzling literary feat that brilliantly reimagines Homer’s enduring masterwork, The Iliad. Here are my thoughts on The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller! What were your thoughts?! A tale of gods, kings, immortal fame, and the human heart, The Song of Achilles is a dazzling literary feat that brilliantly reimagines Homer’s enduring masterwork, The Iliad. I love Patroclus as the narrator because his voice humanised Achilles in a way no one else could. At Troy, Patroclus and Achilles form what they deem a ‘family’, welcoming Briseis and other enslaved women within their camp with the intention of shielding them from the same type of violence Agamemnon and other Greek generals would have shown them. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in. Seduced by the promise of a glorious destiny, Achilles joins their cause, and torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus follows. You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition. The novel won the 17th annual Orange Prize for Fiction. 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