The Song of Achilles

A Novel

By: Madeline Miller

Narrated by: Frazer Douglas

Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

The legend begins...

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the kingdom of Phthia to be raised in the shadow of King Peleus and his golden son, Achilles. “The best of all the Greeks”—strong, beautiful, and the child of a goddess—Achilles is everything the shamed Patroclus is not. Yet despite their differences, the boys become steadfast companions. Their bond deepens as they grow into young men and become skilled in the arts of war and medicine—much to the displeasure and the fury of Achilles’ mother, Thetis, a cruel sea goddess with a hatred of mortals.

When word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, the men of Greece, bound by blood and oath, must lay siege to Troy in her name. Seduced by the promise of a glorious destiny, Achilles joins their cause, and torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus follows. Little do they know that the Fates will test them both as never before and demand a terrible sacrifice.

Built on the groundwork of the Iliad, Madeline Miller’s page-turning, profoundly moving, and blisteringly paced retelling of the epic Trojan War marks the launch of a dazzling career.

©2012 Madeline Miller (P)2012 HarperCollinsPublishers

Critic reviews

“[Miller] makes a persuasive argument for the timeliness of her subject. …Miller’s winning debut focuses on Patroclus, a young prince living in Achilles’ golden shadow. Miller also gives voice to many of the women who were also consigned to the shadows.” ( Publishers Weekly, Spring 2012 Preview, Top 10 Literary Fiction)

“You don’t need to be familiar with Homer’s The Iliad (or Brad Pitt’s Troy, for that matter) to find Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles spellbinding....her explorations of ego, grief, and love’s many permutations are both familiar and new....[A] timeless love story.” ( O magazine)

“A psychologically astute Iliad prelude featuring the heady, star-crossed adolescence of future heroes Patroclus and Achilles.” ( Vogue)

Passion

This novel will not allow you to sleep. The romance of Achilles and Patroclus is overtaking and lovely. No regrets reading it.

Good writing

But the narrator's voice is boring through the text. He does dialogues fine. You can tell people apart.

A new perspective

What an amazingly perceptive approach to one of history's greatest heroes and his lifelong companion. We get to see inside the relationship of two young boys who Will play pivotal roles at the battle of troy. It brings home that these were mere teenagers beginning their lives when the Trojan war started. The author and narrator provide great emotional insight into the characters.

I will never think of Achilles the same way. And even though I studied antiquities in college the role of Patroclus was full and vivid and important. I highly recommend this book.

Satisfied customer

Would you consider the audio edition of The Song of Achilles to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version

Who was your favorite character and why?

Patroclus, because he was loyal, loving, kind, and the true hero of this story

What about Frazer Douglas’s performance did you like?

It was excellent. A pleasant and well modulated voice.

Any additional comments?

It was superbe.

wonderful book

narrator was good, story was excellent , sometimes wish it would get on with it some run on was a bit much of nothing. but that was only a few times in the book. this was thrilling and romance and sadness a little of everything. I recommend this book.

An Old Tale Made New

What a beautifully written and deeply human retelling of the story of Achilles. A love story wrapped in the creation of a hero. On the nose about what and who history remembers.

Be ready for an emotional roller coaster!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this however this love story is not for everyone because of who it is about.

What other book might you compare The Song of Achilles to and why?

Oh I don't know, this stands alone for me right now. No comparisons needed.

What does Frazer Douglas bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice, rather his voices, of these characters was done so well! When I read a book I can "hear" the different voices in my head and Frazer Douglas may have outdid how I would've heard them! He was brilliant, his narration made the story come alive! The images were painted in brilliant color which made it real and full and rich! The
narration was a perfect match of story and voice brought together. When this happens it is near impossible to stop listening until its over!

If you could take any character from The Song of Achilles out to dinner, who would it be and why?

That's an interesting question... I think I would like to have dinner with the entire cast of characters!

Any additional comments?

This story is a little bit of ancient Greek myth history mixed with a romance that transcends time and place. It all comes together beautifully and is painted in living colors by an incredible rich and full narration!

Beautiful retelling of an old tale.

The narration is PERFECT! It's only second do a wonderful retelling of a worthy tale. My only issue was the retelling of Achilles death. I would recommend this to any lover of Greek Mythology.

Absolutely wonderful

When I bought this book, I reasoned the 11+ hour run time would last at least a few weeks - less than 2 days later I am writing this review, tears still wet on my eyelashes at the book's perfect ending. Everything is pitch perfect in this audiobook: the story's pace is engaging, the prose is poetic and gorgeous, and the narrator is perhaps the best I've ever heard. I have listened to many audiobooks, and this is the first time I've felt compelled to write a review, which says something. Do yourself a favor and get this book!

Enjoyable

Thoroughly enjoyed the book and the narration was superb. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in mythology.