Experience one of the most beloved modern retellings of Greek mythology in The Song of Achilles by New York Times bestselling author Madeline Miller. Winner of the prestigious Orange Prize for Fiction, this breathtaking novel reimagines Homer's The Iliad through the eyes of Patroclus, creating an unforgettable story of love, destiny, sacrifice, and heroism.

Banished from his homeland, the awkward young prince Patroclus finds an unlikely companion in Achilles, the legendary son of King Peleus and the sea goddess Thetis. As the two grow from childhood companions into inseparable friends and devoted lovers, they are trained by the wise centaur Chiron and dream of a future beyond war.

But when Helen of Sparta is taken to Troy, Achilles is called to fulfill the glorious destiny foretold by prophecy. Bound by loyalty and love, Patroclus follows him into the brutal Trojan War, where gods, kings, and fate collide. As the conflict unfolds, the two men must face impossible choices that will forever shape history—and test the limits of their love.

Beautifully written and emotionally devastating, The Song of Achilles is a timeless literary masterpiece that blends mythology, historical fiction, romance, and epic adventure into one unforgettable novel.

Why You'll Love The Song of Achilles

• New York Times bestseller
• Orange Prize for Fiction winner
• Stunning Greek mythology retelling
• Heartbreaking LGBTQ+ love story
• Beautiful literary prose
• Rich historical and mythological world-building
• Emotional, character-driven storytelling
• Modern classic perfect for book clubs

Tropes & Themes

• Greek mythology retelling
• Friends to lovers
• Epic romance
• LGBTQ+ romance
• Fate vs. free will
• Found family
• War and sacrifice
• Historical fantasy

Perfect For Fans Of

• Circe
• Lore Olympus
• Jennifer Saint
• Natalie Haynes
• Pat Barker
• Greek mythology
• Literary fiction
• Historical fantasy

Book Details

Title: The Song of Achilles

Series: Standalone

Author: Madeline Miller

Format: Paperback

Genre:

• Historical Fiction
• Literary Fiction
• Mythology
• Historical Fantasy
• LGBTQ+ Romance

Awards:

• Orange Prize for Fiction Winner
• New York Times Bestseller

Pages:
416

Publication Date:
August 28, 2012

Dimensions:
8.0 × 5.25 × 0.95 inches

Accelerated Reader:

• Interest Level: Upper Grades (9–12)
• Reading Level: 4.7
• AR Points: 14

About the Author

Madeline Miller is the New York Times bestselling author of The Song of Achilles and Circe. A scholar of classics with a master's degree in classical studies, Miller is celebrated for her lyrical storytelling and captivating retellings of Greek mythology. Her novels have been translated into dozens of languages and have earned worldwide acclaim.