• The Song of Achilles

  • A Novel
  • By: Madeline Miller
  • Narrated by: Frazer Douglas
  • Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (37,112 ratings)

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The Song of Achilles  By  cover art

The Song of Achilles

By: Madeline Miller
Narrated by: Frazer Douglas
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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)

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Editor's Pick

I will die on this hill
"Periodically I will check up on Frazer Douglas on Audible, just to see if he’s narrated anything else recently that I could devour. He’s like an elusive unicorn narrator, leaving me with this one perfect performance that I have to come back to again and again. My first experience listening to The Song of Achilles—the debut novel of Madeline Miller, who would later be known for her breakout best seller Circe—was transcendental. Really! I don’t use that term lightly. There’s not much that can live up to it in my eyes (even Circe *side-eyes other editors*)."
Melissa B., Audible Editor

What listeners say about The Song of Achilles

Average customer ratings
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Absolutely moving

What made the experience of listening to The Song of Achilles the most enjoyable?

This book is so exciting and passionate. The author does an excellent job a developing the characters and their attraction for each other. The story of their love will make you cry, it's so beautiful.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Achilles and Petroculus first kissed <3

Any additional comments?

So happy I bought this book.

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absolutely perfect.

I absolutely loved it! she's my new Favorite author! both circe and this book was wonderful.

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absolutely wonderful story telling!

This is what good books are made of! Absolutely loved the characters and the story line. And the ending!! omg what a beautiful ending!

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What a wonderful book.

I went with the reviews and I’m so glad that I did. I finished in record time and miss it already. A great story. I loved it.

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Beautiful.

This was simply beautiful. I finished it too quickly, I couldn’t stop listening. It was my first time listening to a book with normal speed, to savor each word, each second, each moment. And yet it was still not enough, I lost myself in it for hours after it was over. Beautiful. That is the word, this story left me with. I highly recommend it and I am sure I am going to listen it again after some time.

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I’m not crying, you’re crying

The best love story I’ve heard in a long time. I’ll listen to this again.

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Amazing!!!!

Beautiful! Narrator is outstanding. Description and imagery feels like you are in the midst of both gods and mortals. This book and the other, Circe, by this same author, are worth every penny and every second you listen.

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Hooked on every word.

I discovered this book after reading this authors more recently published book Circe. I enjoyed this book as much as that one. The narrator really brings this story to life with his soothing voice. I love different takes on well known stories. It is well written, a really great read!

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Narration is perfect

Frazer Douglas is one of the best narrators I've heard. He made the characters real. When you're done you won't be able to think of the book without hearing his voice. Excellent job!!

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very great story based on mythology, loved it

initially it was hard to get into it, the voice was a little dull at my first impression. eventually I got really into it and loved this take on the story of Achilles and Patroclus. Quick read too, highly recommend :)

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