First Published: 2011; Pros: A strong storyline, based on Greek mythology & legends, evokes strong emotions, a meaningful read.
The Song Of Achilles is a riveting tale of love, pride, war, betrayal & loyalty that comes true as a modern day classic in a most deserved way. It is a compelling read with a captivating narration of the legend of the Trojan War and the characters & events surrounding it.
Prominent Characters
The principal characters of this intense saga from Madeline Miller include – the celebrated warrior Achilles – the prince of Phthia. He is the son of King Peleus & Thetis (a sea nymph). He is later engaged by the Greek allies in the battle of Troy as being indispensable to their cause. Patroclus – son of King Menoitius – is exiled to Phthia after he accidentally kills a boy over a fight for dice. And it is there that he forms an ever lasting bond with Achilles – inseparable in life & death.
Menelaus is the king of Sparta whom Helen chooses to marry from amongst all suitors, Patroclus having been one of them. Agamemnon – the ruthless king of Mycenae & Menelaus’ brother. He leads the battle of Troy to reclaim Helen after she is allegedly taken by Paris – prince of Troy (King Priam’s son). Odysseus of Ithaca, Diomedes of Argos and Ajax of Salamis are other important Greek allies in the battle. Hector is the greatest warrior for Troy who has only one equal – Achilles who ultimately kills him.
Book Review
I had for long wanted to read The Song Of Achilles for several reasons. First up, I love historical fiction and works on mythology. And Greek mythology is always quite fascinating and intriguing. Secondly, the title of the book in some ways communicates of a classic, a historical legend – which I was extremely intrigued by. And that is only accentuated by the flurry of ratings and reviews to it’s credit – which couldn’t be without a reason.
To my relief, the book comes good on each of my expectations – if not bettering them. The story is neatly placed to concur the distinct phases in the lives of Achilles & Patroculs. And each phase left an indelible mark that remains etched in your memory. So here is what I truly admired in this book.
Patroclus’ first meeting with Achilles and how their bond develops over time is endearing. Their affection & their love as it grows is so real and relatable. The meaning of true love and how it feels. Love in purest – irrespective of class, irrespective of sex. I loved Madeline Miller‘s account of it.
The other heart warming part is their stay at Pelion whence being under the patronage of Chiron. The things they learn there. Their youthful joys of swinging on branches, swimming in the river, picking figs. How Patroclus carves the statue depicting a boy playing the lyre as a gift for Achilles on his birthday – it is an endearing sequence.
As the story progresses to the battle of Troy, we get numerous engaging parts that keep you completely attached to the characters. Be it their departure for Troy amidst all the fanfare, or their grand welcome at Aulis – Achilles’ first true experience of the adulation – the scenes are so well written, practically bringing them alive in your imagination.
The cruelty of war as observed by Patroclus is extremely sad but true nevertheless. Innocent people having nothing to do with Menelaus or Helen – the farmers, tradesmen – women & children – all were paying the price. The atrocities towards the women specially pierces your heart. And it is here that they save a girl Briseis from their own allies aka Agamemnon. The bond that Patroclus shares with her in due course of time is beautiful.
There is a lot that can be penned for this book. But if I were to sum up the key points that stood out for me, I would say – the soft heartedness & kindness of Patroclus vs the pride (false pride albeit) of Achilles. There is a saying in Sanskrit ‘Vinash Kale Viprith Buddhi‘. Meaning, when one’s destruction time is near, one goes against his/her brain or stops using it. That is exactly the case with Achilles. All his intelligence, his conscience and his thinking gets clouded by false pride which his own men have to pay for heavily.
On the other hand, Patroclus – heart broken with all the loss of life, the suffering and also in a bid to save Achilles’ honor goes to war not fearing for his life. These qualities of Patroclus shine time and again. As also when he betrays Achilles to save Briseis, but still cannot hate Achilles for his adamance. Stunning! Absolutely mesmerising tale as it unveils!
The highlight & true essence of the book is in the final few pages that narrate Patroclus’ conversation with Thetis. It is poetic and beautiful. Patroclus says Achilles should not be remembered by who all he killed. Instead, his softer side saving Briseis, returning Hector’s body, his skill with the lyre – these are things that should define his memories. It is not Centaur who ruined Achilles but you. Patroclus recalling his memories of the boy he knew is heart breaking and leaves you teary eyed. And at the end of it, Thetis marking the tomb with Patroclus beside Achilles, thus allowing him to reunite with Achilles in the underworld is simply outstanding! A stunning read.
Conclusion
I am not a fan of books on war. But this book – The Song Of Achilles – is special. I would have missed such a gem of a book had I rejected it outright as a war book. This book has become close to my heart for times to come. Madeline Miller depicts love in it’s purest, genuine form which is selfless and beyond life. The bits after Patroclus’ death – where he is still narrating the story as he sees. The state of Achilles, his love for him. Every bit of this book is memorable. I have no hesitation in saying, this is one fine, quality book – you can learn so much from it. Do not let it go unread!!!
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