Book Review - The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

One of the most tragically beautiful stories that I've ever read. Just a few pages in, I knew that I would be left heartbroken, but the story was so beautiful that it made the heartbreak worth it. The writing style is so captivating and descriptive that I felt like I was watching a movie, seeing all the events rather than reading words off a page. 

The Song of Achilles tells the story of the relationship between Patroclus, the exiled son of King Menoetious, and Achilles, the demigod prince of Myrmidons. Patroclus was exiled by his father and sent to the kingdom where Achilles was a prince. Achilles, up until that point, had rejected the idea of having a companion to grow up with. But once he met Patroclus he became interested in him since he was different than the other exiled boys his father took him. They became close friends and eventually lovers. Their love was just so pure and genuine. I loved that their relationship blossomed over the course of many years because it grew so naturally and I could actually feel the changes happening that turned their friendship into something more. 

The character development, especially for Achilles, was just perfect. Each character was extremely well written and so deep. It was heartbreaking to see how Achilles changed during the war against the Trojans. I loved Briseis' character and would love to read an entire book about her because she deserved so much better. I was so heartbroken by the events that happened because love ultimately was the destruction of both Patroclus and Achilles. However, it was such a beautiful story that I'd give anything to be able to read it for the first time again.