Big Books of 2026
The Song of Achilles

Questions About The Song of Achilles

by Madeline Miller (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The Song of Achilles, please sign up.

Answered Questions (150)

i would like to ask you something:when you read that book, don't you think that you might never experience such an innocent,pure and strong love.Thats my problem when i read about myths or ideal circumstances, i am kind of being jealous or stressed by the idea that ican find that rare love only in books....?
Kevin De beule I have finished reading the book only 3 days ago and I can confirm what you just said. Reading about their lovestory gave me the longing towards somet…moreI have finished reading the book only 3 days ago and I can confirm what you just said. Reading about their lovestory gave me the longing towards something similar. It Always gave me such a good feeling when the two were together, enjoying themselves, sharing intimate moments, smiles, hugs and kisses.

I would agree that this indeed seems like an 'ideal' circumstance, a romanticised view of love and how it should be. While it is rare still to find it outside of books, I do think it exists.

The thing I like to keep in mind, is that when you feel strongly committed to finding someone special, to open up yourself and become a crucial part of his/her life than there also has to be another with those same feelings.

The book's ending brought me to tears, but it gave me a good feeling in the end. One can only hope that something similar will cross our paths, but I strongly belief it can happen :)(less)
flag
As a fan of legitimate mythology, will this book annoy me?
Holly This is not a Twilight-like book. The Song of Achilles sticks pretty closely to the plot of the Iliad. I think the one major difference was that Patro…moreThis is not a Twilight-like book. The Song of Achilles sticks pretty closely to the plot of the Iliad. I think the one major difference was that Patroclus was a capable warrior in the Iliad but while he's less of a fighter here, though he does ok when he's forced into the role. The society and attitudes portrayed here are very close to traditional Greek myths, such as the sexism of the time, how honour and glory are treated as more important than life itself, etc. I was a big fan of how the gods were portrayed in this book, which I think is very close to the myths. They're mysterious and capricious, extremely vengeful and I think Madeline Miller did a great job of portraying how very far from human they are.(less)
flag
Is anyone who wants Patroclus and Brisides (Βρισηίδα) together? I mean, she's so pure and such a great personality like Patroclus and I would be more than happy if they made a big happy family. I know that Patroclus and Achilles is a perfect match but if Achilles did not exist...
Deirdre
This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)
flag
age appropriate for young teen?
Alex I read this aged 14. I was fine.
…moreI read this aged 14. I was fine.
(less)
flag
what page number is the quote"I could recognize him by touch alone"on?
Olivia R. The quote is on page 134.

"What had Deidameia thought would happen, I wondered, when she had her women dance for me? Had she really thought I would no…moreThe quote is on page 134.

"What had Deidameia thought would happen, I wondered, when she had her women dance for me? Had she really thought I would not know him? I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell; I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world."(less)
flag

Unanswered Questions (2)

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more