The Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller, Bloomsbury

The Song of Achilles is a novel by Madeline Miller that explores the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles. It is told by Patroclus. It covers the Trojan cycle, from the suitors of Helen to the fall of Troy. I am familiar with the elements of the Trojan cycle and the Iliad itself but do not know much about the background of Patroclus outside the Iliad so could not say what parts are imagination. In the end I don’t think this matters. I was swept along by the book from page one.

The beginning covers the exile of the young prince Patroclus from the court of King Menoitius to that of Kind Peleus, father of Achilles. It follows the flourishing of their relationship on mount Pelion with the centaur Chiron. Fate eventually intervenes into this idyllic period of their life and takes them to the killing fields of Troy. Achilles has chosen to live the short life that will give him fame throughout the ages over the quiet life of anonymity. Whether this was really a choice is another thing. As Patroclus’ life moves more to saving lives, Achilles moves into the role of “Aristos Achaion”.

There was one thing at the back of my mind as I was reading the book. The book is narrated by Patroclus and anyone who has read or knows the story of the Iliad knows what happened to Patroclus at Troy when he dons the armour of Achilles. I won’t spoil the ending but I thought the ending of the book was ingenious in its solution. The best ending to a book I’ve read in a long time. All I can say is go read the book.