By Madeline Miller
SPOILERS
Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. By all rights their paths should never cross, but Achilles takes the shamed prince as his friend, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine their bond blossoms into something deeper – despite the displeasure of Achilles’ mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess. But then word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus journeys with Achilles to Troy, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.
REVIEW
THEMES: ADVENTUREOUS, EMOTIONAL, HISTORICAL, ROMANCE, MEDIUM-PACED.
What a beautiful book.
The writing is descriptive, simple and engrossing.
The protagonist(s) are so loveable but are not immune to flaws, I feel as I was not able to separate myself and almost became Patroclus, which is a rare feat.
The love between Patroclus and Achilles was incredible. They speak of each other in a fervent, yet gentle manner. The slow build is a masterpiece – at first, you’re not sure whether its friendship or romance.
The plot is a captivating page-turner; I found it difficult to put down. If I could read it anew I would. The pace was also spot-on – them meeting, learning together with Chiron, Achilles being hidden away and the battle, so much happened yet Miller was able to portray it all in a timely manner, that did not linger nor rush.
Miller did an amazing job at emulating infatuation, so well in fact that you are blind to Achilles flaws. It took me until the end of the book to realize Patroclus deserved better, but since you are reading from his view, you only see what he sees.
To enhance the experience, listen to some Hozier – especially Hymn to Virgil (only listen to after reading).
My only con would be the ending, it felt rushed, and some elements did not feel consistent with the rest of the book. What I mean by that is Pyrrhus’ character, it felt like Miller wanted to wrap the book up so she glossed over his entire part, personally it should have just been left out. I also found it implausible that Thetis detested Patroclus but did him a kindness in the end, I know it benefitted her son, but it seemed Miller made a concerted effort to show how merciless she was – just to erase it with a ‘happily ever after’ ending. In saying these negatives, they weren’t enough to put me off – If anything I never remember the ending and only think of the good sections.
I would recommend this to anyone, it is truly one of my favourite books of all time.
Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.
The Book Slump 