The Song of Achilles

gripping and beautiful

This is so well written and such a gripping story it is worth getting. Has made me laugh and cry! The narration is clear and easy to get into. Though I am not sure the plot is everyone's cup of tea if you are even vaguely interested give it a go

11 of 11 people found this review helpful

excellent

Despite this book centering around male characters, as a woman I was able to relate to them and the main themes in the book. The story was thrilling and enjoyable, and the language well chosen in conveying the emotional content. I would highly recommend this read, and the narration was excellent.

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

Better than anything

Would you consider the audio edition of The Song of Achilles to be better than the print version?

I was worried that this version wouldn't hold it's own against the book, having already read it and created what the characters look and sound like in my head but this was just amazing. The voice of David Thorpe sounds as young as I imagined Patroclus to sound and it did this amazing and sometimes very emotional book the justice that it deserved. One isn't better than each other, they accompany each other perfectly

Who was your favorite character and why?

Choosing a favourite character in a book is like asking a mother to choose her favourite child. They all have their moments and they all have their flaws. Patroclus, as the narrator, gives you his side of all events but can be seen to be childish and naive at some points however he does grow a lot when they are stuck in Troy. Achilles can be seen to be big headed and almost too sure of himself but he has such a strong sense of humanity that, as the book progresses and you find out his fate, you just want to almost pluck him out of the book and protect him. If I did truly have to pick one it would be Chiron. He teaches the two men when they are only boys and gives them almost a sense of normalcy that neither experienced before they stayed with him and never experienced again once they left. He helped them grow into young men and thought Achilles how to be properly human, instead of just a Prince and the Son of a Sea Nymph.

What does David Thorpe bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

The emotion. Obviously when you read a book you feel the emotions of the characters as you read on but the voice of David Thorpe was heart wrenching at some point, especially emotional parts of the story. He added another depth to the original print book that I'm glad I haven't missed out on.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Their first meeting, their first kiss. Patroclus and Achilles first anything. Reading The Iliad along side this audiobook has really helped me add in anything that is missing and understand the characters as well as adding an element to the original epic that was only an undertone before. The ending always moves me because of how it's written but I won't say anymore so not to spoil it for any first time readers.

Any additional comments?

Even if you don't know the story of The Iliad I would really recommend this book, the way it is written and read is just amazing, something no one should miss out on.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Astonishing.

I was hoping for good writing. I found it. This book is lyrical and yet direct, astonishingly beautiful and well read too. It is also a work of great imagination throughout; the last scenes of war and loss are so rich with depth and with sadness that I am in Ms Miller's debt... she has enriched me.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Greek myth re-told

Where does The Song of Achilles rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I wouldn't list it among my favourites, but it's a good book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Song of Achilles?

The first romance scene between Achilles and his lover.

What about David Thorpe’s performance did you like?

He puts emotion into his reading.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Same as the book.

Any additional comments?

This is the siege of Troy as seen through the eyes of Patroclas, Achilles/s lover and companion. The author also gives us a fascinating glimpse into their early lives. I'd have liked more details about the physical relationship. That could have been more powerful, but Achilles is painted as a flawed man, perhaps his redeeming feature, his love for Patroclas. Patroclas is brave and loyal and in my opinion, the true hero of the book.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Very good

I recommend this one warmly: I like what Miller does with Homer's story very much. Despite being a tiny bit suspicious about any attempt to read modern sexual categories into a world where they do not belong, I was won over completely by her telling of the love story: tender but not mawkish, and the scenes of lovemaking don't for a minute seem out of place. Thorpe is a good reader for the most part (his Patroclus stutters more than is necessary, and he mispronounces Iphigenia...), but the voice he gives Odysseus is very good indeed.

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

Brilliant

A fantastic story, told simply and beautifully read. Well worth a listen - you won't regret it :)

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Wonderful retelling of the story of Achilles

Beautiful tale of the Greek hero and the siege of Troy, told by Patroclus Achilles' lover. The reading is sensitive and warm. Absolute perfection.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Spellbinding!

I loved everything about is book: the romance, the history, the betrayal, the love, the beautiful writing. It's one I'll be rereading over and over again.

David Thorpe's narration does justice to the characters and the story with a distinct voice for each character. Perfect!

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Beautiful all the way

Though the Antique period has always fascinated me, I'm not one for historical fiction usually. But I don't regret picking up this book. I was hooked from the start and David Thorpe, a narrator I already like, did a very good job. This is one of the most beautiful love stories I've read and a lovely fictional account of the Trojan war.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful