Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gore, brutality, treachery in a love story for the ages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE SONG OF ACHILLES finds the title character and his steadfast companion, Patroclus, bonding as children, long before the Trojan War that will be the death of them and so many others. As Patroclus tells the tale, they're longtime lovers whose bond will be sorely tested by hostile gods, treacherous men, and moral dilemmas, and they're just turning 16 as they sail off to a war in Troy they know they won't be returning from.
Is It Any Good?
Master world-builder and classical scholar Madeline Miller delivers a fiercely compelling tale of a doomed mythic hero as seen by the friend who has loved him from boyhood. Set against the treachery, brutality, and gore of the Trojan War, The Song of Achilles finds the legendary warrior and his lover Patroclus in a tender, deeply emotional connection that's sorely tested over a decade-long siege, betrayal, and bloodshed, and finding joy in unlikely moments. "He seemed so much the hero," Patroclus reflects as they set off for war, "I could barely remember that only the night before we had spit olive pits at each other." This epic retelling will enchant most older teen and adult readers, but especially lovers of Greek legends, great writing, and love stories.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Trojan War, and how it has launched so many tales over the centuries, including The Song of Achilles. What do you think storytellers find so compelling about it, and why does it remain relatable so long after the events?
Achilles and Patroclus try to behave with integrity, even as circumstances and the treachery of others make it all but impossible. Do you know people in real life struggling to do the right thing even when overwhelming forces seem to prevent it? What's the situation, and is there anything you can do to support them?
What do you think it is about fame, power, and glory that makes people do so many bad (or at least really heedless) deeds to get them? Have you ever wanted fame, power, or glory? What's appealing about these things?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Literary Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Integrity
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Ecco
- Publication date : March 6, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 18 - 18
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : February 25, 2026
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