A Homeric Love Story: Reviewing 'The Song of Achilles'

"The Song of Achilles" is a beautifully written retelling of the Greek myth of Achilles, from the perspective of his lover and best friend, Patroclus.

As someone who has always been interested in Greek mythology, I was intrigued by the idea of a novel that focused on the relationship between these two characters, and I was not disappointed. The story is a powerful exploration of love, honor, fate, and mortality, and it left me feeling both deeply moved and deeply troubled.

One of the main themes of the novel is the tragedy of war, and how it gradually changes Achilles from a carefree young man into a ruthless warrior who is consumed by his own ego and desire for glory. Throughout the story, we see Achilles struggle with the weight of his destiny and the knowledge that he will die young, and we see how this knowledge drives him to become increasingly reckless and violent. As the war progresses, we witness the devastation and loss on both sides, and we are reminded of the human cost of conflict.

Dosan Seowon in Andong-Si

At the core of the novel is the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, which is both beautiful and tragic. Patroclus' love for Achilles is all-consuming, and he is willing to do anything for him, including giving up his own life. The two men are each other's world, and their love for one another is the anchor that keeps them going through the horrors of war.

"I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell; I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world."

Another theme of the novel is grief, and how it affects those left behind. When Patroclus dies in battle, we see Achilles overcome with grief and rage, and we see how his grief drives him to seek revenge against Hector, the Trojan prince who killed Patroclus. The scene where Achilles mourns Patroclus is particularly poignant, as we see the normally stoic hero completely break down in tears. It is a reminder that even the greatest warriors are still human, and that they are not immune to the pain and sorrow of loss.

Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect of the story, however, is the grief that Patroclus feels when he realizes that he will not be able to meet Achilles even in the afterlife. Throughout the novel, we see Patroclus struggle with his own mortality and the knowledge that he will not live as long as Achilles. When he finally dies, we see him desperately trying to reach out to Achilles from the underworld, but to no avail. It is a haunting and heartbreaking scene, and it underscores the tragic nature of their relationship.

Seonim Bridge in Jeju-do

"And perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is gone."

One thing that some readers may find challenging about "The Song of Achilles" is the inconsistency of the story with recorded history. While the novel is based on the Greek myth of Achilles, there are several instances where Miller takes creative liberties with the story. For example, she portrays Achilles as being much younger than he is typically depicted in other versions of the myth, and she also portrays him as being much more sympathetic and complex. Additionally, some readers may find the novel's portrayal of same-sex relationships to be at odds with the attitudes of ancient Greece. However, while these inconsistencies may be jarring for some readers, I found that they ultimately served to make the story more compelling and emotionally resonant.

While the novel may not be entirely consistent with recorded history, it is a testament to the enduring power of myth and the human desire to understand and make sense of our world.