The Song of Achilles

Enter the Greek ages and a re-casting of the story of Achilles in The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller.  A recently published book (2012), Miller focuses on the budding relationship of the two main characters, Patroclus (the exiled son of a King based on an incident) and the warrior, Achilles.  Patroclus a young prince is removed from his homeland after he accidently kills a young boy who is taunting him, when he pushes him and the boy falls and hits head on the rocks.  His father, who never is that connected to his son, thinking he is weak and scrawny, sends him far away to the land of orphaned boys.  It is there that the connection between Achilles and Patroclus begins when Achilles takes him under his wing.  A strong friendship is formed between the two, which later leads to a much more physical bond, a love between the two.  There is a sensual and physical love that grows deep, though Achilles mother is steadfastly against it.  The two are summoned to Troy when it is learned that Helen has been kidnapped.  Achilles joins the front lines as Patroclus is hidden in the background by Achilles who is always keeping a watchful eye on his beloved.  The war endures for a number of years and the two face challenges of other warriors, Aeschylus, Agamemnon (the God of gods), and a young woman whom they capture in one of the raids, who Patroclus befriends and teaches her the native language.  The final battle occurs when Patroclus is forced to be in battle and it is the worst possible outcome for Achilles.  Miller paints a beautiful story of romance and the seduction of the heart.  Between the depths of character development, she adds the historical battles/wars, feuding leaders and Gods and the expected breaking of the heart.  Well written and worth your time to read.  (I listened to this one.)  She makes Greek literature accessible to today’s audience.