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The Song of Achilles

The 10th Anniversary edition of the Women's Prize-winning bestseller
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( 1,670,163 ratings, 179,211 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 ancient Greek myth of Achilles and the Trojan War. It explores the deep bond between Achilles and Patroclus, narrating their journey from friendship to love amidst the epic backdrop of war and destiny. The novel blends heart-wrenching romance with heroic adventure.
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Format: Hardback
$3900
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$4299
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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?

You might like this book if you enjoy beautifully written historical fiction with a focus on Greek mythology. The nuanced, emotional retelling of the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus offers a fresh perspective on the classic tale of the Trojan War.

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The Song of Achilles

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

OVER 1.5 MILLION COPIES SOLD

A 10th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION, FEATURING A NEW FOREWORD BY THE AUTHOR

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

A SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

'Captivating' DONNA TARTT
'I loved it' J K ROWLING
'Ravishingly vivid' EMMA DONOGHUE

Set in ancient Greece, The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller reimagines the tale of the legendary hero Achilles from the perspective of his closest companion, Patroclus. Patroclus, a young and exiled prince, finds an unexpected friendship with Achilles, the son of King Peleus, at the court of Phthia. Despite their contrasting personalities, with Patroclus being reserved and awkward, and Achilles being confident and perfect, their bond flourishes as they train in the arts of war and medicine.

As their friendship deepens into an undeniable romantic connection, their lives complicate further due to the disapproval of Achilles’s divine mother, Thetis, a cruel sea goddess with her own designs for Achilles’s future. The tranquility of their bond is shattered when Helen of Sparta is abducted, an act that triggers the Trojan War. Achilles is called to fulfil his destiny as a warrior, and Patroclus, driven by his deep feelings for Achilles, follows him to the war-torn plains of Troy. Here, amid the horrors of battle and the whims of gods, their love and loyalty are put to the ultimate test, raising poignant questions about honour, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be a hero.

'A book I could not put down' ANN PATCHETT
‘An exciting, sexy, violent Superman version of The Iliad’ GUARDIAN
‘Sexy, dangerous, mystical’ BETTANY HUGHES

The Song of Achilles is an evocative exploration of myth, love, and destiny, masterfully blending lyrical prose and historical detail. Whether you are familiar with Homer’s Iliad or new to Greek mythology, Miller’s retelling offers a poignant and timeless narrative that has resonated with both critics and readers worldwide.

Experience this beautifully crafted tale that has captivated hearts and minds, and discover why it continues to be an international bestseller.

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?

A captivating retelling of the Iliad through Patroclus's perspective, this novel mesmerises with its characterisation and lyrical beauty. Critics highlight its deep emotional impact, vivid descriptions, and inventive storytelling. Reviewers praise its fresh take on a classic narrative and laud it as an original, compelling, and seductive read.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781526648174

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 02 September 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 696g

Pages: 384

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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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