The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
The novel is a reimagining of the ancient Greek epic of the Trojan War, told from the perspective of Patroclus, an exiled young prince who becomes the beloved companion of Achilles, the greatest warrior of his age. Their deep bond and affection for one another transform into a powerful love that defies the expectations of their society and the will of the gods. As they grow into men, their fates become increasingly intertwined with the legendary conflict at Troy, where honor, sacrifice, and destiny culminate in a poignant and tragic conclusion. The story explores themes of heroism, glory, and the humanizing effects of love against the backdrop of war and the capricious whims of immortals.
The 640th greatest book of all time
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Total Points: 709
This book was first published in 2011
13 Lists
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- score: 105 -- 200 Books That Shaped 200 Years of Literature - 2021 (Weight: 105)
- score: 92 -- Readers Pick Their 100 Best Books of the 21st Century - 2024 (Weight: 89)
- score: 85 -- The 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time - 2020 (Weight: 81)
- score: 78 -- America’s 100 Favorite Books - 2024 (Weight: 70)
- score: 21 -- 100 Best Books of the 21st Century - 2024 (Weight: 20)
- score: 1 -- Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time - 2024 (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- People Are Sharing The One Book That Has Stood Out To Them In All Their Years Of Reading - 2022 (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- Women's Prize for Fiction - Yearly Book Award (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- 32 Best Romantasy Books of All Time - 2025 (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- 17 Books That You’ll Cancel Plans to Finish - 2025 (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- Australia’s Radio National top 100 books of the 21st century - 2025 (Weight: 1)