Harpercollins Publishers|February 15, 2012| Trade
Paperback| ISBN: 978-0-06-212612-2
Story Description:
The legend begins…
Greece in the age of heroes, Patroclus, an awkward
young prince, has been exiled to the kingdom of Phthia to be raised in the
shadow of King Peleus and his golden boy, Achilles. The best of all the Greeks, strong,
beautiful, and the child of a goddess.
Achilles is everything the shamed Patroclus is not. Yet despite their differences, the boys
become steadfast companions. Their bond
deepens as they grow into young men and become skilled in the arts of war and
medicine, much to the displeasure and the fury of Achilles’ mother, Thetis, a
cruel sea goddess with a hatred of mortals.
When word comes that Helen of Sparta has been
kidnapped,the men of Greece, bound by blood and oath, must lay siege to Troy in
her name. Seduced by the promise of a
glorious destiny, Achilles joins their cause, torn between love and fear for his
friend. Little do they know that the
Fates will test them both as never before and demand a terrible sacrifice.
Built on the groundwork of the Iliad, Madeline Miller’s
page-turning, profoundly moving and blisteringly paced retelling of the epic
Trojan War marks the launch of a dazzling career.
My Review:
I looked at this book many, many times on the shelf at
Chapters trying to decide whether I really wanted to read this book or not and
if it would be something that would interest me. I’m happy to report it is one of the best
decisions I’ve ever made! The novel is
packed with a story like no other. The
deep friendship that develops between Achilles and Patroclus, who eventually
become secret lovers, is a testament to the bonds of attachment and
companionship that often happened during this era. Protecting each other at all costs was a high
priority on their list. But when a crossroads has come and something needs to
be done it is Patroclus was steps up to the plate on behalf of Achilles and
what happens is truly heartbreaking bringing tears to my eyes.
The Song of
Achilles is timeless, rich with historical detail and full of
promised destinies that don’t ever quite come to fruition. I would highly, highly, recommend this book
to everyone.
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