The retelling of an ancient tale, and doing it well, is a challenging task. Madeline Miller accomplished this goal in spectacular fashion. Woven within her retelling of a classic tale are the basic story elements and characters of the Iliad: the Greek warriors Odysseus, Achilles, and Agamemnon; the Trojans Hector, Paris, and King Priam; and the gods and goddesses Athena, Apollo, and Thetis.
Within this framework Miller tells the story of two companions, Achilles and Petroclus, who become lovers and the terrible wrath of Achilles upon Patroclus's untimely death on the battlefield. Staying true to the ancient tale while reinventing it with fresh details makes an enjoyable book and a must read.
Within this framework Miller tells the story of two companions, Achilles and Petroclus, who become lovers and the terrible wrath of Achilles upon Patroclus's untimely death on the battlefield. Staying true to the ancient tale while reinventing it with fresh details makes an enjoyable book and a must read.