The Song of Achilles- Madeline Miller

To base one's first novel on a story as famous and repeatedly told as that of "the best of all Greeks",  Madeline Miller has achieved a tremendous and courageous feat. Achilles, the hero of the legendary Trojan War, was the son of the fierce sea-nymph Thetis and the renowned King Peleus. Prophesied to become one of the greatest warriors to be born, he was prepossessing, alluring, and charmingly humorous. 

The novel begins with the story of Patroclus an awkward Prince and son of Menoetius, who was exiled to Peleus' court after killing a nobleman's child in anger. Thus, Patroclus meets Achilles and as fate would have it, goes on to become his life-long companion, friend, and lover much to Thetis' dismay. 

Patroclus and Achilles are trained by the wise centaur Chiron in the art of war, medicine, and survival. After the kidnapping of Helen of Sparta, Achilles and the Kings of Greece are forced to join the King of Mycenae, Agamemnon's army to fight the Trojans. Promised with immortal fame and prosperity, Achilles, followed by Patroclus, goes to war unbeknownst to the cruel test of the Fates. However, after being grossly disrespected and insulted by Agamemnon, Achilles withdraws from the Greek coalition and refuses to fight even when the Greeks are on the verge of losing the war. 

Miller has managed to write beautifully about a character with unquenchable anger but who is also a devoted lover. What makes the story different from its previous re-tellings is that it's been told from the perspective of Patroclus who was only a secondary figure in the tale of Aristos Achaion. 

Unfortunately, the book does not live up to its hype. Miller tries to provide more details of the unknown relationship of Achilles and Patroclus, however, apart from a few details already available in Iliad, the story seems to lack purpose. Miller has managed to portray the story of Achilles poetically and passionately which makes it difficult to put down the novel. The impending doom of the two lovers, betrayals, and loss of friendships is what makes the epic terrific and suspenseful for the reader.