Achilles, "the best of all the Greeks," is the son of sea goddess Thetis and king Peleus. He is strong, fast, agile, beautiful, and charming to all who meet him. Patroclus is an awkward young prince who has been exiled from his homeland after a violent accident. They were brought together by chance but they forge an inseparable bond and incredible friendship. When the word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, all the Greek heroes are sent for to attack Troy and get Helen of Sparta back. Enticed by the promise of potential glory and power, Achilles joins their cause, and out of love for his friend, Patroclus follows him. However, they don’t know that the Fates will test them and their love in many ways.
The Song of Achilles is very different from what I usually read so in many ways it was refreshing and I enjoyed getting to read a historical fiction novel. This book was very deep and insightful which I liked. I enjoyed seeing the characters develop throughout the novel and also seeing the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles grow. The book was a little slow in the middle and I got a little bored however I think near the end it became more interesting. Throughout the book Madeline Miller did a great job of answering the question of “How much are you willing to sacrifice for your significant other?” Overall, this book taught me that love is about sacrifice and trying to help your significant other become better as well as trying to better yourself.