The Song of Achilles - [short] Book Review
Miller’s debut novel recounts the epic tale of the greatest of Greek warriors, Achilles, narrated by his companion, Patroclus. Apart from highlighting the years of training and the terrors of Trojan War, the book in particular revolves around the romantic relationship between the pair. As someone who has not yet read Homer’s Iliad, Miller’s book was a surprisingly articulate discovery.
My first impression is naturally based on Miller’s prose style; she does not try to appear poetic and is mostly direct with her phrases. While this is fair to some point, when this is done too often, the book loses its charm and seems less expressive. The beginning of the novel revolves around Achilles’ training and the developing bond between him and Patroclus, evoking amusement and admiration. The second half of the book shifts its narrative steadily to practically taking up arms and combating the Trojans in liberating Helen of Sparta from Paris of Troy, leaving the readers anxious and frustrated.
I mostly admire how Miller crafted her book: Achilles, son of a celebrated mortal father and a bitter sea goddess, is told from a young age of what great honor he is to bring to himself and his kingdom with his art of combat in time to come; what this illustrates is that Achilles is deprived of a healthy childhood despite being surrounded by other young boys. I couldn’t help comparing Miller’s work with William Blake’s concept of a person’s soul going from the innocence of their childhood leading to the experiences they attain as adults. Achilles loses his innocence the first time he ends a person’s life, or perhaps he lost it well before when he initially began his training. And as he grows up to be a young man, his virtue is lost, and now comes the bitter experiences he gains.
The tone of the novel also subsequently alters; a shift from a blend of radiance and delicacy to a combination of gloom and injustice, with scenes changing from rigorous yet secure training and exploring sexuality to effectively combating and conceited demonstration of prowess.
Furthermore, I greatly enjoyed how well she portrayed the romantic relationship between Achilles and Patroclus. I marvel at how devoted Patroclus was to Achilles, from fleeing the palace for him to being unable to see him ruin his life and fighting in his stead. I admired Achilles’ determination towards his companion whenever his mother would verbally wound the latter, arguing they would never see eye-to-eye when it comes to Patroclus’s presence in his life. I also like how Achilles calls him his ‘companion’ ; someone who is not just his intimate partner, but also his friend, his ally, and his protector.
I finished reading this book overnight and might have shed some tears. I would recommend this book if you are interested in Greek mythology and want to read something that takes your mind off worldly affairs. The Song of Achilles is the tale of a doomed romance and how figurative honor blinds even the greatest of warriors, leaving behind regrets and misery. To reclaim the authentic honor, all that is required is to step down from the palace of arrogance and vanity. And Achilles achieves that towards the end, hence he is known as the greatest of Greek warriors.
