The Song of Achilles is a tragic retelling of Ancient Greek mythology. In this unputdownable novel, author Madeline Miller tells the story of two young men, and their bond that gets put to the test time and time again. Achilles, born “the best of all the Greeks’”, is the son of sea goddess Thetis and the legendary king Peleus. Patroclus is a young naive prince, exiled from his homeland after an act of surprising violence. After being brought together under unique circumstances, they form an indescribable bond. When Achilles receives news of a war that could change his destiny, he decides to join the fight- with Patroclus alongside him. Torn between love, fear, and an irreversible sacrifice, Achilles is followed by his fate and the wrath of the Gods. 

          I can confidently say The Song of Achilles is one of the best books I have ever read. With Madeline Miller’s astounding writing, and the heart wrenching story of fate vs. love, I couldn’t put this book down. Miller’s writing is truly intoxicating. Each paragraph is so beautifully crafted, leaving you wanting to devour page after page after page. While Greek mythology seems difficult to wrap your mind around, Miller makes it unbelievably simple, giving just enough detail about each character and their purpose in the story to create a plot that is intriguing and easy to follow. Given this, reading a book has never made me emotional, let alone cry before (even the extremely sad ones). Yet on the very last page of this book, I couldn’t help but burst into tears. I don’t know if it was the astonishing way in which the novel ended, or all of the previous tragic events hitting me right at the end that broke me- either way, I am certain that this story will bring any other readers to tears as well.

          With LGBTQIA+ representation, emotionally well developed characters, and a love story that will shatter hearts, The Song of Achilles is a five-star novel everyone should read.