Notes from the Shelf

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This post contains spoilers.

Book Summary

Before Achilles was the hero of the Iliad, he was a boy—bright, arrogant, destined for greatness. And before he became a legend, he was loved. The Song of Achilles tells the story of Patroclus, a quiet exile who is unexpectedly drawn into the orbit of the golden prince of Greece. What begins as an unlikely friendship deepens into a love that defies kings, gods, and fate itself. As war brews and destiny calls Achilles to Troy, Patroclus follows, knowing that their bond—tender, defiant, and doomed—will change the course of history.

Madeline Miller’s lyrical retelling brings an ancient myth to life with raw emotion and aching humanity, turning an epic of war into an intimate story of devotion, sacrifice, and the kind of love that echoes through time.

“Would it not be enough to grow old with the one you love, even if you live in obscurity?”

The Song of Achilles

My Thoughts

I thought this book was so well written and such a cute story despite the heartbreaking ending. I’m team Achilles and Patroclus were lovers, so I’m glad there were a lot of cute moments in the book with them that sort of highlighted that. To me it was very clear that they’re meant to be lovers in this book, although some people say the author left it ambiguous.

I was a little confused that they had to hide their relationship. I thought it was fairly accepted back then in Greece that people were gay, but maybe not. I also thought it was really sad that the greatest insult to a man was making it public that he wore a dress and that he could be killed over it.

I thought it was unhinged that Achilles dressed as a woman to hide away and also that he ended up getting married and getting his wife pregnant. Also, it’s wild that he almost gets married again and her dad sacrifices her to Artemis. I didn’t think the Greek gods needed sacrifices. I thought Achilles was kind of rude to Patroclus the whole time, like being off with women and never being able to be fully committed to Patroclus, but Patroclus still worshipping him anyway.

I found it was really amusing that the gods stopped the wind so they couldn’t get to Troy on their boats. The portrayal of the Greek gods was very good in my opinion, based on the classic myths.

Final Thoughts

The Song of Achilles blends myth and emotion in a way that makes this feel like an instant classic. I loved how personal it felt. Even when I found Achilles frustrating or confusing, the way Patroclus loved him made me feel for both of them.

This book isn’t just a retelling; it’s a reimagining centered around a voice often left out of the story. The gods, the war, the prophecy—they’re all here, but at the heart of it is this tender, tragic bond that quietly reshapes the epic. If you love mythology, queer love stories, or books that break your heart and still feel worth it, this one delivers.

If you’re interested in purchasing The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, consider purchasing it through Bookshop.org. Supporting this link helps sustain independent bookstores and keeps this blog thriving.

Other Queer Love Story Reviews:
Of Fire and Stars
Legends and Lattes

Other Classic Retelling Reviews:
What Moves the Dead
The North Wind
The South Wind

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