I have always been a Greek mythology enthusiast. I don’t know every detail of every story in the mythology, but I know quite more than an average 18-year old boy (with no background of the subject at all) should have. In line with that, I have read about the Trojan War from a book that provided sufficient details about the remarkable stories about Ancient Greece. It’s all raw stories, with more cold hard facts and less story-like components.
In the contrary, Madeline Miller – who is, safe to say, an expert with this matter with her double degree in Classics and all – presented a story about the Trojan War from the eyes of a boy whose own eyes were only for the hero that stirred the war. But more than the war, Miller’s debut novel The Song of Achilles showed the poignant events before the historic battle. It’s a refreshing retelling of the story of one of the most celebrated heroes in Ancient Greece, mighty and miraculous Achilles.
The Song of Achilles is told from the perspective of the exiled prince Patroclus who became Achilles’ therapon (brothers-in-arms) and philtatos (most beloved). The novel spans almost 20 years, beginning from Patroclus’ and all the other suitors’ oath to defend Helen and her chosen husband in times of crisis to the end of the war that Helen roused.
Usually, when a book tackles two huge and widely different topics, the author tends to give more emphasis to an idea, leaving the other in the shadows of obscurity and under-appreciation. But in this case, Miller handled both the swoony and passionate romance and the power-filled and vicious war with equal attention and appreciation. Its romance component is sufficient, not too sappy, neither too parched. While the Trojan War and the fight for power and domination, not only between the Trojans and the Greeks but also among the powerful kings and princes hailed from different nations is exemplary. You can feel the thickness of the air in the battlefield, the taste of spilt blood. It’s a beautiful imagery woven by a true master.
I can’t say any negative feedback or point to improve with this book because I have loved every chapter. It’s actually hard to believe that this is a debut novel because The Song of Achilles was presented in a manner that only a seasoned writer can do. Miller truly astounded her readers with mastery of the matter and personal Hecate-like magic of literary adaptation.
This is the second time that I’ve read the novel and still stung me like it’s the first time. Aren’t almost all of the Greek stories a tragedy? But Miller retold this tragic and classic tale with beauty and splendor that easily makes her one of the best. Needless to say, this will tear your heart so prepare a box of Kleenex or two.
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