The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller
This book is a contemporary re-telling of the story of Achilles and the Trojan War.
After reading the blurb, I came to the realisation that most of my knowledge of Greek mythology has slipped out of my memory over the years. I still knew a little about the Trojan War (mainly the bit with the wooden horse) and felt at least some familiarity with the character of Achilles, but decided it would probably be wise to conduct some revision before reading this book - in order that I could appreciate it properly!
Sitting in the back of the car with my siblings, I commenced my revision: "Does anyone know anything about the Trojan War?" It turns out both my siblings are founts of knowledge when it comes to Greek mythology. My awareness of the existence of the wooden horse was pitiful in comparison to their expertise. Between them, they filled me in on the details, including everything from the various names for the beautiful Helen of Sparta to the kind of relationship Achilles's parents had. Fully satisfied with this preliminary research, I read the book.
My verdict is that it was very good. I liked how there was so much emotion in it. After finishing the book, I found and read a fascinating Q and A with the author, where she expressed the fact that she wanted to go beyond what the characters do, and delve into why they do it. True to that intention, 'The Song of Achilles' explores the relationships and the motives as well as just the action.
In fact, it is at its heart a romance. The story is narrated from the perspective of Patroclus, an exiled prince - and in this book, he is presented as Achilles's lover. In the Iliad itself, their relationship status is not made explicit, but there is undeniably love between them; Achilles's demise is brought about by his desire to avenge the death of Patroclus. What Miller has done is made both Achilles and Patroclus into three-dimensional, emotional, realistic characters, exploring in depth the relationship they had, meaning that the final moments in the war when both characters die (bit of a spoiler there, apologies) are devastating.
I also think it's great that Miller doesn't shy away from the possibility of a same-sex relationship within this classic tale. Ideas about sexuality are so prevalent in our society today, and Miller has embraced this contemporary zeitgeist within an ancient narrative, championing this underrepresented group by creating such a beautiful - and powerful - homosexual love story.
Another thing that impressed me was that despite the narrator's death, the book continued for another few chapters. How is Miller going to deal with this one? I thought to myself, simultaneously reeling from Patroclus's death and noting the number of pages still left. I had never read a book before where the narrator actually died - would it have to change to third-person? In fact, Miller did it very cleverly. She still had Patroclus narrating, in first-person, but as a spirit, hanging between life and the underworld, watching the scenes from a distance as though through a window. He alludes to 'my body,' and although he still thinks and feels emotion, he cannot say or do anything. Which was really, really sad.
Achilles weeps. He cradles my body, and will not eat, nor speak a word other than my name. I see his face as if through water, as a fish sees the sun. His tears fall, but I cannot wipe them away. This is my element now, the half-life of the unburied spirit.
Overall, it was great. It was a very well-done re-telling - accurate, characterful, poetic and really quite tragic.