Author: Madeline Miller

Year of Publication: September 20th 2011

PLOT: 3.5/5

CHARACTERS: 4/5

WRITING: 4/5

CLIMAX: 4/5

ENTERTAINMENT: 4/5

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Plot:

I can understand why Madeline Miller said it took her ten years to finish this novel. It is romantic and lovely, as comforting as spring and as evident as the changing leaves on the trees. She speaks about a delicate love that grew on Mount Pelion’s summit as two young boys learnt life’s lessons while being watched over by the centaur Chiron. The days are spent learning to hunt and fish, while the nights are spent relaxing under a blanket of stars. Around crystal-clear, glittering lakes and around evening hearths in shadowy caverns, friendship and love were created. Two young lads have just life ahead of them—one a God and the other a mortal.

The ruthless sea goddess Thetis and the legendary king Peleus’ son Achilles, known as “the best of all the Greeks,” is a powerful, fast, and alluring figure who makes an impression on all who meets him. The awkward young prince Patroclus was banished from his country following a stunning act of violence. By coincidence, they meet and develop an unbreakable friendship while running the risk of incurring the wrath of the gods.

When word spreads that Helen of Sparta has been abducted, all the Greek heroes are called upon to lay siege to Troy in her honour. They are trained in the arts of war and medicine by the centaur Chiron. Achilles joins their cause after being drawn in by the promise of a bright future, and Patroclus, divided between love and dread for his buddy, follows. They have no idea that the harsh Fates will put them both through a test unlike any other and require a horrific sacrifice.

Madeline Miller adhered to Homer’s homosexuality in a way that the Troy (2004) film’s creators were too afraid to accomplish.

Instead of penning a censored version of the story that reeked of homophobia, “Iliad” was written. The intense love that Patroclus and Achilles shared led to their separate deaths. They were soul mates rather than relatives or men of arms. This was diluted in the movie Troy, which was offensive to the LGBT community. Nothing further. There’s no less.

These two men’s attraction wasn’t something that was hurried or wasted. That was brilliantly presented after a slow, methodical buildup. They were childhood friends, and with just one look, Patroclus fell in love with Achilles. He wished to remain close to him. Together, the two experienced childhood, conflicts, learning opportunities, and personal growth. They grew dependent on one another and were indissociable. It was the most natural thing in the world for their sexual relationship to develop as they engaged in it.

There were problems, as in every partnership. There were some issues between the two. They argued and clashed, but only because they genuinely cared about one another. Achilles felt that the conflict was unworthy of his name and that Patroclus should put a halt to it; he desired a larger conflict to engage in. Patroclus decides to go against the wishes of his sweetheart and attempt to put an end to the conflict with a single blow of his sword in one of his boldest and foolish moves. He is not a god of war, hence he is not Achilles. He was powerless, outmatched, and destined.

What I liked about/didn’t like about the book?

The friendship between Achilles and Patroclus was what I adored the best, though. Even though she never explicitly stated it or let them express their affection for one another, it was clear in every single moment they spent together. I couldn’t get enough of those precious moments, and all I wanted was for them to be joyful.

My recollection of the incidents was sufficient to know what had to happen, but that in and of itself doesn’t ruin anything. She has been able to take everything we know about the story from the written sources and create a stunning and completely captivating environment. This epic tale of soul-binding love is so expertly depicted. I thought it was great that the story wasn’t seen through a contemporary viewpoint. She only narrates it. Ancient people had little use for ideas and concepts that we take for granted today, and they engaged in behaviours that we now consider abhorrent. There includes human sacrifice and enslavement, including sexual servitude, so certain parts are challenging, but nothing is gratuitous or overly graphic. Just read it; it’s lovely.

Who should read this?

Among the most romantic stories I’ve ever read. It might be the most effective one so far. I finished it in a single sitting. I just can’t get enough of the love and the sacrifice. And do not assume that it is a typical love story. The way the author incorporated morbid love and Greek mythology into it People don’t embrace love, but despite all, it endures. It contains all the elements of a complete story—love, emotions, actions, and adventure. Simply put, it has everything.

Final Verdict

Absolutely a book you should read. Madeline Miller and Greek mythology. She portrays the love between Patroclus and Achilles so beautifully.