Madeline Miller’s first novel from 2011, Song of Achilles, is a romantic coming-of-age tale that takes place over the course of many years. In this gripping retelling of Homer’s The Iliad, told from the perspective of Patroclus, the relationship between him and Achilles is further explored as the pair grow from boys to men and eventually, fight together in the Trojan War. As their adventure progresses, they cross paths with several famous mythological figures such as the wise centaur Chiron, the arrogant Agamemnon, and the cunning Odysseus. With every binding beat of fate, the two must stay together even when it feels as though the Gods themselves are trying to tear them apart.

Miller’s spell-binding writing style will have you hooked page after page. Her strong use of poetic devices effortlessly adds labyrinthine elements to her words. For example, as Patroclus described his inevitable anguish, she wrote, “It is like a tomb. I rose and rubbed my limbs, slapped them awake, trying to ward off a rising hysteria. This is what it will be, every day, without him” (pg. 168). When reading Patroclus’ emotions, the melancholic words translate off the page and into your own heart. The complex simile evokes in you the pounding heartache and anxiety expressed by Patroclus. Miller is also very well versed in her use of imagery. When Patroclus spoke of Achilles’ callous sea nymph mother, Thetis, her intimidating disposition is painted before your eyes. She is described as having skin that “shone luminous and impossibly pale, as if it drank light from the moon” and her voice is like “the grinding of rocks in the surf” (pg. 53). The characterization of Thetis is immediate with the chilling description Miller gives to her. Miller is able to compose emotions with total accuracy and provide startling imagery in her descriptions which makes her writing style exquisite.

In addition to her savvy writing skills, her characterization skills are praiseworthy. In the original story of the Trojan War told through Homer’s The Iliad, the character Patroclus is not written as an individual. He is instead viewed as only an accessory of Achilles, but Miller is able to take Homer’s static character and make him dynamic. We get to see Patroclus’ many attributes such as his kind-heartedness and loyalty while also shedding light on his faults like his anxiety and submissiveness. Also, unlike his original presence in The Iliad, Patroclus undergoes character development as he matures. As a young boy, Patroclus never spoke up, not to his superiors or even to Achilles, having traumatized himself the only time he ever did. This can be seen when he is in Sparta as a young boy presenting himself to the kings in the room as one of Helen’s suitors. He said his “face burned with shame” and that he “knew how he must look to these men” (pg. 11). This habit sustained itself throughout much of Patroclus’ young life until his love for Achilles pushed him to finally take risks. When Achilles, in an act of fruitless pride, relinquished Patroclus’ friend, Briseis, to Agamemnon, Patroclus made a deal to get her back. This deal saved Achilles from moral dishonor, even if Achilles himself saw the action as a betrayal. Agamemnon said it himself: “You betray him by warning me”. And when asked why he made his choice, Patroclus simply said, “Because he is wrong” (pg. 292). The way in which Miller was able to not only bring depth to an otherwise flat character but also allow for his harbored love to change him is truly exceptional. This approach she took to Patroclus is a superb example of her proficiency in characterization.

Miller’s ability to build on the original “comradery” of Achilles and Patroclus is what makes Song of Achilles the masterpiece that it is. For decades, historians have been debating the relationship between the two Greek soldiers. Some say they were star-crossed lovers, others platonic companions. What the latter argument refuses to recognize is the idea that romance does not have to be explicitly stated; it can be indirectly conveyed through language. Homer’s obvious yet indirect language allowed Miller to fill in the blanks of their doomed love. Her colorful language lights up the two men’s bond like a luminous rainbow (pun intended). Among the most moving of quotes by Miller includes: “In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out the sun.” (pg. 369). The simplicity of Achilles and Patroclus' love for each other feels like a breath of fresh air from the knot of debates that surrounds them. It’s alleviating to see a story fully embrace Achilles’s inherent gayness instead of trying to disguise or erase it (a crime the movie Troy was guilty of). Miller spun a gay relationship of pure love that is heart-warming to read.

If not only for the beautiful style of writing and engaging character development, Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is an absolute must-read. In the book, Achilles and Patroclus are further explored as lovers and that alone is positively tantalizing. If you are a Greek mythology lover, this book would especially pique your interest as it expertly incorporates all aspects of the Trojan War in a modern, contemporary way. And perhaps if novels with strong feminist themes are also something you fancy, pick up Madeline Millers' second novel, Circe, which is a retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey from the perspective of the enchantress that cursed the clever seafarer. Nevertheless, Miller’s writing style is truly remarkable and deserves to be recognized by many readers to come.