It’s sad to have to write a negative review on a popular contemporary work like The Song of Achilles but quite honestly, I didn’t like Madeline Miller’s retelling of the Trojan War. I know I’m in the minority, but I couldn’t reconcile myself to her version of the story. A writer of course is free to explore and give her own interpretation of an old classic but a reader who has read the original may find herself discontent with this new interpretation. That is exactly what happened to this reader. After reading Homer’s The Iliad twice, I wasn’t pleased with Miller’s take on the story.
There were several reasons for my displeasure. The most dominant one was my dissatisfaction with Miller’s interpretation of the well-loved characters. I disliked her treatment of Achilles who was like a ninny with a childish pride for the most part rather than a god-like hero. I disliked the way she presented Odysseus, as a sly schemer. But the worst of all was her contradictory treatment of Patroclus. Towards the very end, he is portrayed as a weakling but suddenly he gains superpower and kills Sarpedon (the second-best Trojan warrior after Hector) before being killed by Hector. In addition to this, the characters, except Patroclus to some extent, felt emotionally flat. I’m sorry to say this but Madeline Miller completely destroyed the characters for me.
Achilles’s and Patroclus’s relationship as lovers was a deviation from Homer’s tale, which I didn’t so much mind. However, the relationship between them was portrayed as such that Patroclus was absolutely dependent and overly clingy on Achilles. That was just too much to take. Old or modern, reading about possessive relationships always leave a sour taste in my mouth.
The beginning of the story was done really well. I enjoyed her writing in the early chapters. However, soon I got tired of reading endless passages of the growing-up years of Achilles and Patroclus and their love. There was no real action in the story until the last third. And when it did happen the narrative becomes a long-drawn descriptive essay. On a positive note, Miller has done her research and explored alternative theories which were quite informative. Credit must be given where it’s due.
Finally, I’d like to stress that this review is based on my personal opinion. You may enjoy it for its own worth. So, those who haven’t read the book yet, please don’t let my review deter you.
Rating: 2/5
