The Song of Achilles

Hardcover, 384 pages

English language

Published Jan. 29, 2021 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

ISBN:
978-1-5266-4817-4
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(1 review)

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 son, 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, and torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus follows. …

35 editions

Everyone says Where is Achilles, not How is Achilles

A great retelling of the story of Achilles from the point of view of Patroclus (even after... you know)

Light and easy to read, with a pace that will satisfy young or first time (to the story) readers. Some beatiful prose and emotive writing. This book certainly makes the characters seem real and believable - expertly dealing with divinity in an incredibly grounded way.

Apollo's intervention at the walls of Troy here is perhaps my favourite adaptation I've read so far.

Yes, it's a romance story, but it's also much more. You know what is coming - I've avoided a spoiler above but whether by film, TV, or book the story of what happens in the siege of Troy is not a suprise. The focus on relationships and emotions hits harder given knowledge of what is coming and the constant sense of inevitability.

Subjects

  • Historical Fiction
  • War & Military
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Myth Retelling