Just Finished Reading: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (FP: 2011) [352pp]

He is anything but a hero in the Age of Heroes. Indeed, especially to his father, he is nothing short of an embarrassment. But an opportunity arose to get rid of that particular torn when, completely by accident, the young Patroclus kills a high-ranking guest. Now his father, the King, has two choices. He can kill his son to supplicate the offended family or he can exile his son forever. Being a practical man the King chooses exile. After all paying the child’s weight in gold to King Peleus – well known for taking in waifs and strays – is far cheaper than an elaborate funeral required for the death of a prince. So Patroclus begins his journey into Myth and Legend for King Peleus has a son too, although one who is the very antithesis of Patroclus – Achilles. Already spoken about in whispers despite his youth, Achilles is a golden child whose mother Thetis is a cruel sea goddess. Being half man and half god great things are expected of Achilles and anyone in his orbit is assured a place in perpetuity merely for handing him a cup or for holding his spear. Competition to be his companion is fierce and everyone is surprised when he chooses the newcomer Patroclus. Now tied together by Fate despite everything Thetis can do to keep them apart Achilles is persuaded against his better judgement to accompany the Greeks to the gates of Troy to take part in the greatest battle in history. Achilles is already aware that he will not be returning to Greece but knows he cannot die until the greatest amongst them falls. As Hero after Hero is incapacitated and the war starts to go badly for the Greeks Achilles begins to wonder, if the greatest has yet to fall are the Gods content to let mere mortals battle forever for their entertainment or, as is often the case, is the awful truth being hidden from them. Only time and blood will tell….

It’s interesting how, sometimes, coincidence throws up a set of books on a similar subject. That being the case here, where The Trojan Wars have now popped up in my reading three times in the past three months. Interestingly the two modern fiction adaptations look at the conflict through the very different eyes of Odysseus and, in this case, Patroclus. I haven’t read the original yet (in translation of course!) but I’m even more intrigued to compare these modern versions to the original. I decided fairly early on to classify this book as Fantasy rather than Historical (knowing that the original tale is most probably not completely based on historical fact) because of the presence of Gods and other fantastical creatures. The previous book, Odysseus – The Oath by Valerio Massimo Manfredi, certainly referenced the Gods but, as far as I can remember, none actual appeared. Here in this work the Gods (particularly the mother of Achilles) are meddling all of the time. Also in the Manfredi book even Achilles was more human than divine – if a particularly impressive version of humanity – whereas here Achilles is most definitely part supernatural in his abilities even, on one occasion, engaging a full god in personal combat and not being immediately bested and destroyed. Quite beautifully told from beginning to end this was essentially a love story between Patroclus and Achilles – usually shied away from in more modern adaptations (I’m looking at you Wolfgang Peterson) – against the backdrop of the Trojan War. But saying that there’s plenty of room not only for the battles, siege and internal Greek politics but also for a fascinating look at an ancient world both mysterious and familiar. Definitely worthy of its accolades and awards and definitely recommended if you have any interest in the legends of Achilles and Troy.

Awards

2012 Orange Prize (Winner)

2012 Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction (Winner)