The Song of Achilles, a review

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a novel that attempts to retell the story of the Greek hero Achilles and his alleged lover Patroclus, based on Homer’s Iliad. However, the novel fails to capture the essence and spirit of the original epic or any story, and instead presents a shallow, sloppy homosexual romance that ignores the complexity and tragedy of the characters and the war.

The novel is narrated by Patroclus, who is portrayed as a weak and passive character, who has nothing to offer but his devotion to Achilles. At one point, Patroclus shoves a child ( a tormentor ) and flees, leaving him to perish. Patroclus is constantly overshadowed by Achilles, who is depicted as a flawless and godlike figure, who can do no wrong. The novel does not explore the flaws and conflicts that make Achilles a compelling and tragic hero, such as his pride, his rage, his grief, and his fate. Instead, the novel focuses on the romantic and sexual relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, which is often melodramatic and unrealistic.

The novel also neglects the historical and cultural context of the Trojan War, and the role of the gods and fate in the events. The novel simplifies and distorts the motives and actions of the other characters, such as Agamemnon, Hector, Odysseus, and Briseis, and reduces them to stereotypes and plot devices. The novel does not convey the sense of horror and glory of the war, and the moral and ethical dilemmas that the characters face. The novel also ignores the poetic and symbolic aspects of the Iliad, such as the similes, the epithets, the speeches, and the themes.

In summary, The Song of Achilles is a disappointing and superficial novel that does not do justice to the original masterpiece of the Iliad. The novel is more of a fan fiction than a serious literary work, and it does not offer any new or meaningful insights into the characters or the story. The novel is not recommended for anyone who appreciates the beauty and depth of the Iliad, or who wants to learn more about the ancient Greek culture and mythology.