Some of my AP Lit students are reading this book because I required that they pick a book that either inspired spin-offs and remixes or is a spin-off or remix of a previous book. I think I read three Song of Achilles books and realized I needed to go ahead and read it.
What stands out to me about this book compared to reading other versions of the story here (the “””””friendship”””” of Achilles and Patroclus) is that by putting the story in first person, and treating it at least partially almost like The Great Gatsby, with that slight edge of distance, Miller has really opened up the possibilities. Knowing where Patroclus comes from, and the history of his name, and even in placing him at the courting of Helen (where her suitors were pledged to defend her honor, no matter who she chose) all adds a lot to the story. Obviously also removing any doubt or dancing around the romance between Patroclus and Achilles does the same, but that seems like the obvious point in the book, and I was interested in some of the other elements.
The second thing the book does that is brilliant and heartbreaking is the prophecy that guides Achilles, that he will die in the war.
I also enjoy the light touches of the divine in this book. Rather than make this a fully historical/psychological retelling like Mary Renault or a really indulgent one that goes full-tilt into the mythology, this book exists in a middle space. We primarily get that through Thetis, Achilles’s mother, but also in small ways with brief appearances by Apollo and Athena.
