The book The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller takes place in the Golden Age of Greece. Patroclus, a young prince who is exiled from his home in Phthia, moves in with King Peleus and his son, Achilles. Achilles is a champion, perhaps the best of all the Greeks; he is everything Patroclus is not. Patroclus and Achilles never talk at first but then one day Achilles starts mentoring and teaching the exiled Patroclus. Friendship blossoms. The book follows the adventures of the champion demi-god and his protege as they participate in the battle of Troy.

This storyis a must read for anyone who loves literature and history, especially Greek history. The Song of Achilles has been called “The Iliad through Patroclus’ view,” although the book’s title comes from the song that Achilles sings throughout the story.  Miller weaves together  Greek mythology and history in the well-crafted tale.

Overall, The Song of Achilles is an excellent read. I can easily understand how it won the 2012 Orange Prize for Fiction. Although a great adventure, it can also be described as a tearjerker. Even though I knew the tragic ending of Achilles and Patroclus, it still made me sad to read about their doom.

Out of five stars, I would rate it a four because it left me hanging at the end and  the narration by Patroclus was occasionally messy and a bit weird.

NOTE: A great movie to watch that relates to The Song of Achilles is Troy, starring Brad Pitt as Achilles and Garrett Hedlund as Patroclus.