A few years ago, my daughter handed me a copy of The Song of Achilles and insisted it was "too good" to ignore . I was skeptical. The story of Achilles has become a cultural cliché.
But Madeline Miller's novel turned out to be something different. It retells the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus, the man who was Achilles' companion.
The book won the Orange Women's Prize for Fiction in 2012 . Since then, it has become a phenomenon. For anyone looking at the song of Achilles book, the big question is simple: does it live up to the hype? And once you finish it, what should you read next?
What Is The Song of Achilles About?
The book begins with Patroclus as an awkward, exiled prince. He is sent to the kingdom of Phthia, where he meets Achilles, the golden son of a king and a sea goddess. The boys become friends. That friendship deepens into something more as they grow up.
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The story follows them through their training with the centaur Chiron, their involvement in the Trojan War, and the prophecy that hangs over Achilles . The narrative focuses on their relationship and its tragic end.
Why Readers Love This Book?
A Fresh Perspective on an Old Story
Miller gives voice to Patroclus, a character who barely registers in Homer's original . Through his eyes, we see Achilles not as an untouchable demigod but as a vulnerable young man . The relationship between them feels human and real .
The Writing Style
The prose is the book's strongest feature. Miller's writing is lyrical and beautiful . One reviewer noted that you can "picture every scene so vividly". The language evolves as the characters mature, shifting from simple childhood words to more complex sentences.
The Emotional Payoff
This book is famous for making readers cry . The tragic ending is devastating. Many readers call it "beautiful and tragic" .
The Characters Feel Real
Miller's treatment of Thetis, Achilles' mother, is also worth noting. She starts out hating Patroclus, but her actions toward the end of the story are complex and moving . The characters are not perfect or emotionless. They feel anger, heartbreak, and love .
Where the Book Falls Short?
Not every reader loves this book. Some people find it falls short of expectations.
The Romance Takes Over
This is a common criticism. If you pick up the book expecting an epic retelling of the Trojan War, you might be disappointed. The war itself is often in the background. The the song of Achilles book is, at its core, a romance novel set against the backdrop of ancient Greece .
The Pacing Feels Uneven
Miller spends a lot of time on domestic moments and tender exchanges. She rushes through the actual warfare . For a book about the Trojan War, surprisingly little time is spent on Troy itself .
Not All Readers Connect with It
Some readers find the characters flat and uninteresting . One Goodreads reviewer said they could not connect with the relationship, feeling it was underdeveloped . Another library patron gave up 9 chapters in .
It Works Better as Standalone Fiction
The book takes significant creative liberties with Homer's story. Character motivations shift dramatically from their classical counterparts . Some readers with knowledge of the classics find certain plot points hard to reconcile .
Who Should Read This Book?
The Song of Achilles is best for:
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Readers who love beautiful, lyrical prose
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People who enjoy romance-driven stories
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Fans of Greek mythology who do not mind a non-traditional interpretation
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Anyone looking for an emotional read that will stay with them
This book is probably not for you if:
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You prefer action-heavy war stories over character-driven drama
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You want a strict retelling of Homer's Iliad
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You do not enjoy LGBTQ+ romance
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You prefer stories where plot takes precedence over feelings
Editions of The Song of Achilles
| Edition | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Paperback | Mass market | ~$15–$18 |
| Hardcover | Standard hardcover | ~$25–$30 |
| Deluxe Edition | Hardback with special features | ~$35 |
| Barnes & Noble Collectible | Bonded leather | $35.00 |
| Audiobook | Narrated by Frazer Douglas | Varies by platform |
The Deluxe Edition was released in September 2025 and includes special features.
Books Similar to The Song of Achilles
When you finish The Song of Achilles, you will likely want more. Here are the best recommendations for books similar to the song of Achilles.
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The Author's Other Work
Circe by Madeline Miller
This is the obvious choice. It is Miller's second novel, focusing on the witch-goddess from Homer's Odyssey . It has the same lyrical prose and mythological depth. Most readers find Circe a slightly harder entry point, so reading Achilles first is usually recommended .
Similar in Subject Matter
The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker
A Trojan War retelling from the perspective of Briseis, a woman taken as a prize by Achilles . It is historically grounded and has a bleaker, more critical tone .
The Song of Troy by Colleen McCullough
An older book that retells the Trojan War from the point of view of everyone from Priam and Hector to Achilles and Agamemnon . Harder to find but worth the effort .
The Women of Troy by Pat Barker
The sequel to The Silence of the Girls, continuing the story after the fall of Troy .
A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
A retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of the women involved .
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
A retelling of the Medusa myth with a focus on the monsters and women of Greek mythology .
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
Retells the story of Ariadne, who helped Theseus defeat the Minotaur .
Similar in Voice and Style
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
A beautiful story with outstanding voice and lovable characters. Recommended for the writing style .
The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec
A Norse mythology retelling focusing on the giantess Angrboda, mother of Loki's children. It has that relationship-driven focus and mythic lyricism .
Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
A retelling of the backstory of Shakespeare's Hamlet, focusing on the death of his son .
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
A multi-decade family saga. Recommended for the patient prose and scope .
Queer Coming-of-Age Recommendations
If what you loved was the romantic, emotional tone:
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Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
These have the same "two people figuring themselves out" vibe .
The Final Thoughts
Yes, The Song of Achilles is worth reading. It is a beautiful, heartbreaking story that has changed how many readers see Greek mythology. The prose is stunning. The emotional payoff is immense.
But it is not a perfect book. If you go in expecting a war epic, you will be disappointed. If you do not connect with the romance, you may find the book flat. It works best as a literary romance. If you are looking for a fresh, human take on an ancient story, this book delivers.
Just keep a box of tissues nearby.
