THE SONG OF ACHILLES

"My consolation is that we will be together in the underworld. That we will meet again there, if not in this life. I would not wish to be there without her." - The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller.

Another day, another book recommendation. Let's talk about The Song of Achilles for a minute. It has been the internet's favorite/famous book for a while now and have to say, sister, agree with the hype. Such a good book!!

In The Song of Achilles, we follow the story of Achilles and Patroclus, narrated through the voice of the shy, unpopular and tortured Patroclus. We start at the very beginning from when Patroclus is a little boy, to when and how he meets Achilles, the confusing feelings that both navigate through and eventually fall in a deep, eternal love and to the end; to the battle of Troy which is the test of their love, humanity and the many ruthless and careless egos of the Greek Gods portrayed in the book.

I loved the character of Patroclus, his character evolution has to be one of my many favourite things about the story. I also love that Madeline Miller decided to narrate the battle of Troy through the lens of Patroclus's kindness and mortal contemplations which at many times questioned the never-ending ego of the Gods and the war in discussion.

Achilles and Patroclus's love story reminded me of the many folk lore love stories present in the Punjabi culture as well. This is a story about an ever-consuming love that drowns any practical thinking or selfishness, written in a way that is a gift at every page; hard to put down and stays with the reader even after. I cried towards the end but Miller with her words, heals the reader with an unexpectedly sweet end.

Pick it up if you are in a reading slump or want to read a story about royalty, war, freedom, accepting one for who they are and ultimately connections that surpass the boundaries of the mortal world.