Book Review - The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
It Gets a Three Star from Me - Not Horrible, But Didn’t Do It For Me
BookTok led me here, and honestly, I should have paid closer attention to the demographics of who was raving about this book. Looking back, the passionate recommendations came overwhelmingly from readers who clearly love their romance—and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that! I just went in expecting epic Greek mythology and found myself reading what's essentially a beautifully written romance novel with ancient warfare as backdrop.
If you're seeking passionate longing and star-crossed lovers, Miller absolutely delivers. However, I picked up The Song of Achilles hoping for a fresh take on Homer's Iliad. What I discovered was something quite different—a love story that uses the Trojan War as its setting rather than its focus.
What Works Well (or at least works)
Miller's prose evolves beautifully throughout the narrative. She begins with simple, childlike language that grows increasingly complex and lyrical as her characters mature. This subtle shift mirrors their journey from innocent boys to battle-hardened men. Her classical education shines through authentic details about Bronze Age Greek culture, from religious rituals to medical practices.
The author gives voice to Patroclus, who barely registers as more than a plot device in Homer's original. Through his eyes, we see Achilles not as an untouchable demigod but as a vulnerable young man wrestling with prophecy and mortality. Miller humanizes these mythic figures without stripping away their larger-than-life essence.
Thetis emerges as a fascinating antagonist—cold, manipulative, and desperate to secure her son's immortality. Her tension with Patroclus crackles throughout the story, creating genuine emotional stakes beyond the romance.
Where It Stumbles
The pacing feels uneven. Miller luxuriates in domestic moments and tender exchanges but rushes through actual warfare. For a story supposedly about the Trojan War, surprisingly little time is spent on Troy itself. The legendary conflict becomes the mere backdrop for relationship drama.
Romance takes center stage throughout. Miller draws from ancient sources, such as Plato and Aeschylus, who interpreted their bond as romantic, providing a solid literary foundation for her approach. Now, I typically love character-driven novels over action-heavy plots, but here's where Miller's focus felt narrow to me. Rather than fully developing these legendary heroes as complex individuals, most of their character development revolves around their romantic relationship. I found myself wanting to see more of what made Achilles "the best of the Greeks" beyond his devotion to Patroclus, or what drove Patroclus beyond his love for Achilles. The romance becomes their primary defining trait, rather than one facet of a richer characterization.
The novel works maybe a bit better as standalone fiction than as a companion to the Iliad. Miller takes significant creative liberties that venture far from Homer's well-worn paths, though she maintains key plot points. Character motivations shift dramatically from their classical counterparts. Although I did find my love of the Iliad rekindled after reading this, so maybe she deserves more credit than I initially gave her.
Bottom Line
The Song of Achilles excels as a literary romance, offering something meaningful for readers who love romance-driven stories. It is not a deep, character-driven book, which was disappointing to me. The mythological retelling aspect works well, though it serves the love story rather than standing as its own epic narrative.
If you're drawn to passionate romance set against an ancient Greek backdrop, this book will likely captivate you completely. Those hoping for Homer's brutal epic reimagined might find themselves wanting more warfare and less yearning, but that doesn't diminish what Miller accomplishes within her chosen focus. The novel reignited my appreciation for the original Iliad—sometimes the best compliment you can give a retelling.
Miller shows that she understands the hearts of these ancient characters. Whether that's enough depends on what you're looking for in their story.
Recommended for: Readers who enjoyed Circe, fans of literary romance, and mythology enthusiasts who don't mind a romantic interpretation of classical relationships.
Skip if: You prefer action-heavy retellings, traditional interpretations of Greek mythology, or stories where warfare takes precedence over relationships.
BookTok led me here, and honestly, I should have paid closer attention to the demographics of who was raving about this book. Looking back, the passionate recommendations came overwhelmingly from readers who clearly love their romance—and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that! I just went in expecting epic Greek mythology and found myself reading what's essentially a beautifully written romance novel with ancient warfare as backdrop.