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)

Captivating

This book was completely captivating, takes the heart on a journey. Feeling excitement, happiness, and grief right along with the characters. Will be listening again & again.

excellent all around

excellently written and beautifully rendered as an audiobook. the performance was well done, including voice changes from character to character.

Wow

This book was amazing. You go into it thinking gods and heroes are awesome because pop culture. And then it tears that construct down and replaces it with the harsh reality of times these myths were created. You really get to feel that Achilles isn't a hero in the modern sense. Where as Patroclus steals the show as you follow a should be nobody who is in love with this person.

Good story, great narration

Narrator was simultaneously engaging and relaxing. Story was also great. Good audiobook all around. Will listen to this author again.

gorgeous prose

just beautiful, simply and effortlessly written, no pretension. performance is perfect for the voice of the story.

A story I didn't know I needed!

Seriously what a great read -- steamy and fascinating. I am so here for learning more mythologay! (We need more gay history and mythology stories written like this!)

Transporting

Madeline Miller is by far the best storyteller I have ever been enraptured by. Totally lost track of COVID-19 reality while listening. Frazer Douglas was outstanding as well. What a delight.

Interesting

The beginning is strange. Talking about the two boys lives growing up. but where it gets interesting is when they get older. For me I found the 2nd half much more entertaining. Overall a great listen!

Very interesting

I loved the book! Very well written. Enjoyed listening on my way to work every morning.

Loved it

This book is totally asphyxiating. She builds and builds and builds the reader's investment in the characters and their relationship, making the impact of the Trojan war event so impactful.