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The Song of Achilles

By Madeline Miller
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4.31 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 1,893,192 ratings, 203,263 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller reimagines the Greek myth of Achilles through the eyes of his companion Patroclus. Set against the backdrop of the Trojan War, this beautifully written novel explores themes of friendship, love, and destiny. It's a poignant and gripping retelling that brings new life to classic mythology.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy beautifully written retellings of ancient myths, rich character development, and are fascinated by the legendary friendship and love between Achilles and Patroclus. Madeline Miller weaves a poignant and immersive narrative exploring themes of heroism, destiny, and the complexities of human relationships.

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Traditional Chinese edition of A Song of Achillis, Amazon Best Books of the Month, March 2012. In Traditional Chinese. Annotation copyright Tsai Fong Books, Inc. Distributed by Tsai Fong Books, Inc.

THE INTERNATIONAL SENSATION; WINNER OF THE ORANGE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a brilliantly crafted retelling of the ancient Greek epic of Achilles and Patroclus, transforming the classical myth into a profoundly moving love story. Set against the richly depicted backdrop of Greece during the heroically tumultuous age, the narrative follows Patroclus, an awkward and exiled young prince, who is taken to the court of King Peleus.

There, he meets Peleus's golden and perfect son, Achilles. Despite their differences, an unexpected and intense friendship blossoms between the shamed prince and the demi-god. As they grow into young men, perfecting their skills in the arts of war and medicine, their bond deepens into a tender yet forbidden love. Their relationship, however, faces dire challenges, not least from Achilles's mother, Thetis, a formidable sea goddess who disapproves of their closeness.

Their world is thrown into chaos when news arrives that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, prompting Achilles to follow his fated path to the battlefield of Troy. Torn between the prophecies hanging over Achilles and his own all-consuming love and concern, Patroclus decides to accompany him, unwittingly venturing into years of arduous trials that will test the depths of their devotion and courage.

This lyrical and evocative tale is richly infused with themes of love, honour, and the tragic cost of destiny. Miller's masterful storytelling has resonated with millions worldwide, selling over three million copies and securing a place on both the Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller lists.

OVER 3 MILLION COPIES SOLD

WINNER OF THE ORANGE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION

THE INTERNATIONAL SENSATION

'Captivating' – Donna Tartt

'I loved it' – J. K. Rowling

'Ravishingly vivid' – Emma Donoghue

Readers and critics alike have been enthralled by the vivid imagery and the profound emotional depth brought to this fresh retelling of a classic story:

'A book I could not put down' – Ann Patchett

'An exciting, sexy, violent Superman version of The Iliad.' – Guardian

'Sexy, dangerous, mystical.' – Bettany Hughes

An unforgettable journey through ancient Greece, The Song of Achilles is a timeless narrative that captures the ardour and agony of heroism and love.

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Lizzy's Pride Fiction Picks! What to read now you've watched The Odyssey

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller has been praised for its captivating retelling of the Iliad through Patroclus' perspective. It's noted for its compelling characterisation and originality, making it a hard book to put down and a worthy winner.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781408891384

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 21 September 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 256g

Pages: 368

Collections

100 Great Reads Ancient & Classical History Best Sellers at Book Hero Best Selling Books Fantasy Fiction General Fiction Historical Fiction In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books LGBTQ+ LGBTQ+ Romance Literary Fiction Madeline Miller Marnie's Top Reads Most Popular Books of All Time New Release Fiction New Zealand's Best Selling Books Sci-Fi & Fantasy

About the Author

Madeline Miller is the author of The Song of Achilles, which won the Orange Women's Prize for Fiction, was shortlisted for the Stonewall Writer of the Year 2012, was an instant New York Times bestseller, and was translated into twenty-five languages. Miller holds an MA in Classics from Brown University, and she taught Latin, Greek and Shakespeare to high school students for over a decade. Her second novel Circe was a number one international bestseller and shortlisted for the Women's Prize. madelinemiller.com

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