The Song of Achilles

OVER 1.5 MILLION COPIES SOLD
A 10th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION, FEATURING A NEW FOREWORD BY THE AUTHOR

WINNER OF THE ORANGE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION
THE INTERNATIONAL SENSATION
A SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
'Captivating' DONNA TARTT
'I loved it' J K ROWLING
'Ravishingly vivid' EMMA DONOGHUE

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their differences, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms into something deeper - despite the displeasure of Achilles's mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess. But when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Achilles must go to war in distant Troy and fulfill his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus goes with him, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.
'A book I could not put down' ANN PATCHETT
'An exciting, sexy, violent Superman version of The Iliad' GUARDIAN
'Sexy, dangerous, mystical' BETTANY HUGHES

Staff Review
by Hannah Armstrong

Everyone knows the tale of the Trojan War. But it’s never been told quite like this. In this book, the relationship between figure of legend Achilles and his best friend Patroclus is front and centre. Patroclus is our guide through this world, and by reframing the story through his point of view we uncover something tender and beautiful at its heart. We are able to see these characters not as legends but as human beings caught up in something they can’t control. What matters more than the anger of the gods or the long and bloody war is the relationship between two boys who grew into men together, always by each other’s sides, equally vital to one another.

This is simply one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read, and it holds up under multiple rereads. Madeline Miller is a fantastic writer and storyteller, her prose simple and elegant, capturing every nuance of feeling with ease. The prose itself could be poetry, equal parts beautiful and tragic. This is not the kind of book that tries to surprise you - for those who go into it knowing the original story, it’s not difficult to guess where the characters will end up. Instead of feeling heavy with tragedy, this book manages to be sweet and exhilarating, tender and poignant, all at once.

It’s the kind of book that will absolutely make you cry, and will stay with you for a long time. I’m a little emotional about the fact that it’s been ten years since publication. I’m so glad this book has seen such a huge revival because it means so many more people will get to enjoy it - or have their heart ripped out by it. I hope it only continues to grow and grow, and I can’t wait to see all the photos come out of everyone gently cradling their special edition!