by: Madeline Miller
Goodreads description:
Achilles, “the best of all the Greeks,” son of the cruel sea goddess Thetis and the legendary king Peleus, is strong, swift, and beautiful, irresistible to all who meet him. Patroclus is an awkward young prince, exiled from his homeland after an act of shocking violence. Brought together by chance, they forge an inseparable bond, despite risking the gods’ wrath.
They are trained by the centaur Chiron in the arts of war and medicine, but when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, all the heroes of Greece are called upon to lay siege to Troy in her name. Seduced by the promise of a glorious destiny, Achilles joins their cause, and torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus follows. Little do they know that the cruel Fates will test them both as never before and demand a terrible sacrifice.
Helen says: 🤓🤓🤓 3/4
My New Year’s resolution was to learn about Ancient Greece and mythology. This book was not really what I expected, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would describe it as a YA version of Homer’s Iliad. I don’t mean to be disparaging because it was very well written. I am just thankful it was “dumbed down” enough for me to grasp what happened during the Trojan War. The author took some liberties, including a forbidden gay love affair between Achilles and Patroclus. It made for a good story! I loved it. On to Miller’s follow up – Circe – all about the Odyssey.
Holly says: 🤓🤓1/2
Almost DNF, but did. Well, just not my type of book – for entertainment or for education. It’s a love story (between Patroclus and Achilles) and a war story (the Trojan War to be specific), and I didn’t care much for either. If you are a fan of Greek mythology or want to learn more about Greek mythology, read it; otherwise, skip it. Sorry – I know it was a #1 NY Times bestseller and winner of the Orange Prize for fiction, so this book is appreciated by minds much sharper than mine, just not mine.
Helen and Holly Hit the Books 