The Song of Achilles: The 10th Anniversary edition of the Women's Prize-winning bestseller

Product Information

When Helen of Sparta, later known as Helen of Troy, is allegedly kidnapped and taken to Troy this prompts Achilles’ need to fight. In The Iliad, Aphrodite promises Paris, Prince of Troy, a beautiful woman, and Helen was considered one of the most beautiful women of that time. This is not shown in the novel, but I thought I’d mention it to give you some context. The entire war and story is set in motion by Helen and Paris’ relationship that angers her husband Menelaus, who convinces his brother King Agamemnon to go to war.

While you may think that Achilles is the hero or what the story is about, it is really about Patroclus, who loved him unconditionally regardless of his flaws. Yes, Achilles was beautiful, musically talented (lyre) and a skilled warrior, but he was also aloof and at times difficult. And while Patroclus saw his shortcomings, he loved him in spite of them. Eventually even giving his life to make sure that Achilles remained whole. So Circe sets forth her tale, a vivid, mesmerizing epic of family rivalry, love and loss – the defiant, inextinguishable song of woman burning hot and bright through the darkness of a man's world. Achilles is such a tough, strong-willed character that overpowers Patroclus’ more sensitive side, but the two of them work so well together. When Achilles is about to go off the rails, it’s always Patroclus that can rein him in. Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their differences, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms into something deeper - despite the displeasure of Achilles's mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess. But when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Achilles must go to war in distant Troy and fulfill his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus goes with him, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.

Reviews

The story of Achilles and Patroclus is told with such depth and tenderness that you'll feel like you're right there with them on their journey. Miller's prose is poetic, and it effortlessly transports you to the ancient world of Greece, where gods and heroes mingle with mortals. Her characters are so vividly drawn that you'll find yourself emotionally invested in their fates. Word reaches Achilles and Patroclus too, for Achilles was born on this earth to be the greatest of all heroes. He and he alone could defeat Hector, the best of Troy. But the fates sing a cruel song and in his glory also lies tragedy. Achilles may choose to be a hero and all the Gods and the men knew he would be one but in his choice he would also face certain death for the prophecies never lie. Tied with Hector is his own fate. Tied to his heart is his love for Patroclus. What does his choose? An everlasting love or tragic glory? Patroclus tries of course. Tries to steer the way to love. Oh does he try, poor Patroclus, the simple soul who wanted nothing but Achilles. I’ve always loved Patroclus and Achilles together. They are The Iliad, at least they are for me. Homer never mentions they’re lovers in his work, but some historians believe the reason Achilles was so distraught over Patroclus’ death was because they were in a relationship. His pain would’ve been real whether they were friends or lovers. Who wouldn’t mourn the loss of their best friend, someone they grew up with? But that’s the spin Miller takes on my favorite classic that really intrigued me.

Inizio con il dire che è uno dei romanzi più belli che abbia letto, una storia che non mi dimenticherò facilmente. Apprezzatissimo anche da autori del calibro di J. K. Rowling e Donna Tartt, questo libro si è rivelato una piccola gemma, e non solo per la bellissima storia d'amore e d'amicizia che racconta. Questo romanzo è una perla sia dal punto di vista stilistico che per quanto riguarda l'accuratezza di ciò che viene raccontato. Avrei tanto voluto che fosse esistito quando ero al secondo liceo e stavo studiando i testi di Omero. Ai tempi studiavo l'Iliade e poi dimenticavo tutto, ricordando grosso modo solo i fatti più importanti e i personaggi maggiori. "La canzone di Achille" è una fantastica rivisitazione dell'Iliade: i personaggi, gli eventi narrati, la cronologia, ogni cosa è impeccabile e spiegata alla perfezione. Si vede che dietro quest'opera c'è un grandissimo lavoro di studio e di approfondimento dei testi classici.L'autrice ha una laurea triennale e un Master in greco antico e latino alla Brown University, e insegna entrambe da più di dieci anni. Inoltre ha anche studiato presso la Yale School of Drama, specializzandosi nell'adattare racconti classici per un pubblico moderno. La stesura di "La canzone di Achille", che tra l'altro è il suo romanzo di esordio, ha occupato più di dieci anni. Insomma, di certo è un'autrice che sa il fatto suo e sa maneggiare benissimo i testi classici. L'autrice dichiara di aver usato come fonti Omero, Ovidio, Platone, Eschilo, Sofocle, Apollonio Rodio e Virgilio. Un'autrice che ha letto e studiato approfonditamente l'Iliade e che, come molti di noi, è convinta che tra Achille e Patroclo ci sia stata più di una grande amicizia. Parla di un'amore totale, assoluto ed eterno, e lo fa con estrema dolcezza e delicatezza, senza tabù. Achilles knows his destiny is to be the best fighter to ever live, and when his mother Thetis, a sea goddess, tells him he will die if he goes to Troy, he chooses fame and glory over homecoming. He was raised with the assumption he would be the greatest warrior the Greeks had ever seen. While this is true, his pride is a problem that starts to wear on the Greek companies in Troy after Achilles is unable to come to a truce with Agamemnon. Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their differences, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms into something deeper - despite the displeasure of Achilles's mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess. The never-ending ache of love and sorrow. Perhaps in some other life I could have refused, could have torn my hair and screamed, and made him face his choice alone."