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The Song of Achilles,
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Holly
I completely disagree that this book is trashy, or anything like Twilight. The book is 1st person POV from Patroclus, who is absolutely besotted with Achilles and is not a reliable narrator when it comes to his beloved. As the reader, it's obvious that Achilles has some pretty major flaws and even Patroclus acknowledges this after the honeymoon phase of their relationship. I literally do not see how anyone can be so blind as to think Achilles is supposed to be perfect in every way when his flaws are such a ENORMOUSLY IMPORTANT part of the plot.
I read part of the Iliad right after I read Song of Achilles, though I admit I got bored at the start and skipped right to when Patroclus dies. I enjoyed the Iliad (at least the parts I read) but it was mostly because was already emotionally attached to the characters. I don't think I would have enjoyed if I hadn't read Song of Achilles first since since the Iliad is quite difficult to get into, so if you're going to read both I definitely recommend reading Song of Achilles first
I read part of the Iliad right after I read Song of Achilles, though I admit I got bored at the start and skipped right to when Patroclus dies. I enjoyed the Iliad (at least the parts I read) but it was mostly because was already emotionally attached to the characters. I don't think I would have enjoyed if I hadn't read Song of Achilles first since since the Iliad is quite difficult to get into, so if you're going to read both I definitely recommend reading Song of Achilles first
Desirae Murray
I say read the Iliad first, then the Song of Achilles; the epic gives the reader an insight into the: culture, attitudes, society, and ideals of ancient Greece. Heroism is determined by military combat and bragging rights, in order to understand one must immerse with it's main characters. And with Miller's SoA, we get another side of the story without Homeric grandiosity; Patroclus has a chance to voice his opinions about his lover and his life before and after the Trojan War. Reading both will enhance each other because myth has it's own way of revealing the truth behind the fanciful phrases.
George
Holly is right. I've seen a guy like Achilles. Next to unbeatable at (Society for Creative Anachronism) fighting; perfected the three-blocks juggling thing from scratch in part of an afternoon; made his own SCA garb as well as armor and rattan swords well; good-looking; etc. That didn't make the man perfect, any more than Miller makes Achilles perfect. And she doesn't make Patroclus blind to his lover's faults, either.
Anyway, having finished my argument with Frances, let me get to your actual question.
I think knowing the plot of the Illiad, whether you've read the original or not, makes it possible to appreciate Miller's cleverness in her retelling. Given that her Patroclus and Achilles are <spoiler>gay, not bi, why does Achilles blow up over Agamemnon taking Briseis? How does he have a son? Why do each of them lie with women?</spoiler> And so on.
Which she does make work very believably.
Anyway, having finished my argument with Frances, let me get to your actual question.
I think knowing the plot of the Illiad, whether you've read the original or not, makes it possible to appreciate Miller's cleverness in her retelling. Given that her Patroclus and Achilles are <spoiler>gay, not bi, why does Achilles blow up over Agamemnon taking Briseis? How does he have a son? Why do each of them lie with women?</spoiler> And so on.
Which she does make work very believably.
Frances
This book is nothing on the Iliad. If you want to read this, read it first, then the Iliad, as otherwise it's seems so pale in comparison. This is easy, trashy reading - it reminded me so much of Twilight, particularly in how Achilles is literally perfect in every single way. If you loved Twilight, you'll adore this. But the Iliad is harder - there are some seriously dull passages, and you have to work at it. It's super worth it - try reading book 6 if you're considering it, and you'll understand how brilliant it can be - but you won't read it in a single day like this.
Terry Dunn
Knowing the broad outlines of the Iliad—even if just from Wikipedia!—would be helpful. The Iliad can be rather challenging as the lists of names alone is overwhelming! You may want to watch the movie Troy. Patroclus isn’t given much in the film, but you’ll get a good introduction to the ideas and visuals to help your “theater of the mind” while reading this.
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