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Delivery with Standard Australia Post usually happens within 2-10 business days from time of dispatch. Please be aware that the delivery time frame may vary according to the area of delivery and due to various reasons, the delivery may take longer than the original estimated timeframe. But what truly sets this book apart is the portrayal of love – a love that transcends time and societal norms. The relationship between Achilles and Patroclus is portrayed with such sensitivity and authenticity that it's impossible not to be moved by it. Their bond is the heart of the story, and it's a testament to the power of love in all its forms. I like that Miller starts off with Patroclus at age five, drawing you into the world of Achilles, the handsome demi-god with skills that would’ve made every Greek jealous except Patroclus. He admired Achilles, loved him from a distance for years until one day they kissed and the rest is history.
Word reaches Achilles and Patroclus too, for Achilles was born on this earth to be the greatest of all heroes. He and he alone could defeat Hector, the best of Troy. But the fates sing a cruel song and in his glory also lies tragedy. Achilles may choose to be a hero and all the Gods and the men knew he would be one but in his choice he would also face certain death for the prophecies never lie. Tied with Hector is his own fate. Tied to his heart is his love for Patroclus. What does his choose? An everlasting love or tragic glory? Patroclus tries of course. Tries to steer the way to love. Oh does he try, poor Patroclus, the simple soul who wanted nothing but Achilles. The dynamic between Achilles, his mother (Thetis) and Patroclus. While Thetis never thought Patroclus was good enough for her son and never understood their love, it is his telling their life stories and their mutual love that in the end softened her outer shell (ok, kind-of). She came to understand that Patroclus loved her son. I often switch up my review style, and I’ve decided to break the novel into 5 categories: Writing, Characters, Plot, Historical Accuracy, and Themes. Patroclus was a prince, exiled and sent to live at King Peleus’ court. Achilles’ father wasn’t keen on Patroclus and Achilles’ friendship because he was no longer a prince, but Achilles chose him and that was all that mattered. Everyone listened to what the prince said, and when Achilles speaks in the book, I really felt the power behind his words. His arrogance and air of entitlement can be an issue with some readers, but I see his character from a completely different perspective than most.When Helen of Sparta, later known as Helen of Troy, is allegedly kidnapped and taken to Troy this prompts Achilles’ need to fight. In The Iliad, Aphrodite promises Paris, Prince of Troy, a beautiful woman, and Helen was considered one of the most beautiful women of that time. This is not shown in the novel, but I thought I’d mention it to give you some context. The entire war and story is set in motion by Helen and Paris’ relationship that angers her husband Menelaus, who convinces his brother King Agamemnon to go to war. In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. Circe is a strange child – not powerful and terrible, like her father, nor gorgeous and mercenary like her mother. Scorned and rejected, Circe grows up in the shadows, at home in neither the world of gods or mortals. But Circe has a dark power of her own: witchcraft. When her gift threatens the gods, she is banished to the island of Aiaia where she hones her occult craft, casting spells, gathering strange herbs and taming wild beasts. Yet a woman who stands alone will never be left in peace for long – and among her island's guests is an unexpected visitor: the mortal Odysseus, for whom Circe will risk everything.
Madeline Miller says it took her 10 years to finish this book and I can imagine so. It is poetic and beautiful, as heartwarming as spring and as visible as the trees that change colors. She sings of a tender love, one that bloomed on the peak of Mount Pelion as two young boys learned the lessons of life under the watchful gaze of the centaur Chiron. Days are spent learning to fish and hunt; nights lazed around under a canopy of stars. Friendship and love was born in lakes that flowed with clear, sparkling water and around nighttime hearths in darkened caves. Two young boys, one a God, the other a mortal, with nothing but life ahead of them. Everything from Odysseus’ search for Achilles in a foreign court to the divine intervention from the gods was completely accurate. We see Apollo help Paris shoot the arrow that leads to Achilles’ death. He tells him that Achilles might be part god but he’s also man and even gods can be killed. I was afraid this book would take liberties with history. I was thoroughly pleased that did not happen here. While some things were not exactly the same, it was spot on for the most part, which made me smile every time I read another part that lived up to what I’d hoped. I had so many expectations before I opened the book on my Kindle, and I’m thrilled that I can Rave over The Song of Achilles for all the right reasons.
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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.
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