The Song of Achilles

Bookseller recommendation

“This book is my most absolute favorite. If I were stranded on an island, I would take this book and nothing else. It’s magically-heartachingly beautiful. ”

— Amber • The Press

Bookseller recommendation

“"He is half of my soul, as the poets say." Homer's Odyssey and Iliad were, needless to say, extremely formative for me; this book was perfect. The prose is beautiful (as is the character dialogue, which is really reminiscent of Greek drama), the characters pull you in against your best judgment, and the audiobook reading by Frazer Douglas was a wonderful experience. The end, though of course I knew it, had me crying... a lot. I really enjoyed how Briseis and Patroclus were represented in this book, especially. If you love classics, if you love Greek myths... this is for you.”

— Ellie • Page 1 Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I’ve read many versions of the Iliad, but none that felt as piercingly intimate as this. Miller retells the epic with a gentleness that makes the heartbreak hit even harder. This is mythology distilled into love, loss, and longing — a book that lingers like a bruise and a blessing.”

— Jessica • Archives Chicagoland

Bookseller recommendation

“Beautifully heartbreaking, like grieving the living. Please - listen and enjoy <3”

— Lindsay • Lily Papers Library

Bookseller recommendation

“Have you ever had a book rip your heart out , stomp it into a fine dust, and then thanked the book after? The Song of Achilles was THAT book for me. I have been obsessed with Greek Mythology since I was a little girl dreaming of vacationing on Mount Olympus. I never would have guessed that a story that I knew so well would hit twice as hard from Patroclus’ point of view, but I was WEEPING. ”

— Shelby • Buzy Beez Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“This is one of the best books I've ever read. Do your heart a favor and read this beautiful, tender, heartbreaking book.”

— Kelly • Mysterious Galaxy Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Did this book leave me devastated and sobbing? Yes. Is it one of my favorite books ever? Also, yes! Madeline Miller knows how to write historical fiction beautifully. This novel follows the tragic story of Achilles' and Patroclus. While Miller stays true to the classic legend, she adds to the romantic relationship between the two that was evident. This is one of the most romantic books I have ever read, and it has some of my favorite book quotes of all time. "He is half of my soul, as the poets say." This is a romantic tragedy, but you will not regret reading this 10/10 book. ”

— Anna • The Underground Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“A wonderful retelling of The Iliad from the perspective of Patroclus, companion to Achilles. With its simple yet powerful prose, it has become one of our favourite books of all time. The audiobook adds a haunting force to the epic tale. ”

— Coleen • Cosmos, Valour, and Vows

Bookseller recommendation

“In this beautiful retelling of the classic Greek myth, Madeline Miller writes one of the most compelling and heart-wrenching love stories of the 21st Century. It is an ode to the past while also incorporating modern understanding, and I was continuously blown away by the emotions Miller was able to evoke in me while I was reading. For those of you who grew up on the D'aulaires' Book of Greek Myths or the Percy Jackson series, this is a novel for you! ”

— Maddie • A Great Good Place for Books

Bookseller recommendation

“A sweeping emotional tale of war, passion, and devastation. You are given insight into a hero's life through the eyes of Patroclus in a way that has never been done before.You may think you know the story of Achilles and Patroclus but I promise you, you don't. Miller is able to ensnare your imagination and capture the human spirit in a way few authors before have been able to do.”

— Katrina • Anderson's Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Madeline Miller's retelling of the Iliad is beautifully written. From page one, I was sucked into the story, and it never let me go. Frazer Douglas' narration is impeccable, bringing the story to life in ways that I'd never dreamed possible. Such a beautiful audiobook, through and through. I can't count how many times I've listened to this edition. I cannot recommend this book enough. ”

— Caitlin • Grimsby Books