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The Song of Achilles
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Nov: The Song of Achilles
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This is a great book. I'll be happy to read it again :)
I have this since it came out but have been a bit afraid of it because I don't want to read something that messes with Greek myth. But I have heard good things about it so I'll give it a go.
That aspect I don't mind at all. It's entirely possible, it's more the details of Troy etc but I'll give it a go
Don't worry, if I find fault, I shall rant :-)
I thought she didn't try to go too much into the siege , keeping it vague enough and she avoids Homers lists after list after list.
Do not speak slightingly of Homer and his lists!
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I am enjoying it so far as well. I am liking the characterisatio ov Thetis, she is rarely fleshed out in myth at all. I also really liked the section with Chiron, I love him as the teacher of heroes.
I have the e-book and just noticed today that it is on the Bailey List's prize for the best of the best. Savidge Reads posted the list today:https://savidgereads.wordpress.com/20...
I've read 5 of them and part of another (must finish A Girl Is a Half-formed Thing
Yeah it won in 2012 I think. It will be interesting to see who wins the best of the best contest . Interesting idea.
I have been pleasanty surprised by this book. The relationship between Achilles and Patroclus is well imagined within the parameters of the myths that Miller references. I am at the section with the the Trojan War and I love the descriptions of all the kings and soldiers from the Iliad. Miller refers to their epithets and weaves the traits into her own depictions in a very vivid way. I like the twist on the Briseis tale too. Interesting so far.
I only bought the book for you 4 years ago ;-)
True, well done you :-)
I know Miller is a classicist but I am still impressed by the way she weaves myths of the gods and heroes around her own narrative.
That's a big compliment given your background trelawn, i'll have to give it a go
That's very true Emma, while it's accurate and well researched it is not a weighty read at all. I'm taking my time with it to enjoy all the references but it is an easy read.
Trelawn wrote: "That's very true Emma, while it's accurate and well researched it is not a weighty read at all. I'm taking my time with it to enjoy all the references but it is an easy read."I will try to read this after I finish McCann's new book. It's on my Kobo which I have to charge. I buy lots of daily deals for my Kindle, but when there's a new book I want at list price, I try to buy it through my local bookstore on my Kobo. I got this book at a bargain price though for my Kobo.
I think you'll like it Barbara.
It's a long while since a book made me cry but I think this one might do it.
Finished this today and loved it. Hats off to Madeline Miller she weaves an impressive tale. Once I got to the Trojan War section I couldn't put it down. I was completely hooked and towards the end I was tearing up a little. I know this story inside out and I was still bowled over by it. Would definitely recommend it.
It really is something different. Its hard not to like her approach. She handles the whole history very well.
Trelawn wrote: "Finished this today and loved it. Hats off to Madeline Miller she weaves an impressive tale. Once I got to the Trojan War section I couldn't put it down. I was completely hooked and towards the end..."Trelawn it sounds like you know your classics, so I'm glad to hear you were satisfied! I read a lot of greek mythology/history when I was young but have forgotten most of it. I always wonder how much fact is involved in these of books. When you go back so far in time I suppose the author has to use a great deal of imagination, but it's always good to thing that the main events are factual. I was totally blown away by this book :)
I have this novel in one of my many bookcases. I will have to locate it sooner than later,I think.
One of the reasons I don't post about every single volume that I read is that some are so bad, ranging from : slightly offensive,to : wanted to throw it at the wall but respect books so did not.
This was not a good read for a large number of reasons. That's all I'll say.
Well you can't please everyone. It has been enjoyed by most people here who have read it but it's rare that a book appeals to everyone.
Very true. Some people will find the award winning critically aclaimed book not to their particular tastes and standards I suppose.
Hoping to get some reading time in this the weekend on a trip to Waterford to see friends
Very nice :-). Going for the sunshine I assume.
Hope you enjoy it Seraphina.
Colleen wrote: "I have this novel in one of my many bookcases. I will have to locate it sooner than later,I think."LOL. Know that feeling well, Colleen.
J.S. wrote: "One of the reasons I don't post about every single volume that I read is that some are so bad, ranging from : slightly offensive,to : wanted to throw it at the wall but respect books so did not.
..."
Wow. We had a different reaction. I liked it but you know so much more history than I do that I respect your judgment. I would love to hear what you have to say just for my own education. You always have great insights.
Paul wrote: "Very true. Some people will find the award winning critically aclaimed book not to their particular tastes and standards I suppose."A little snide, Paul. We can't all like the same books, award winning or not. I have a lot of respect for J.S. and she is entitled to her own opinion. :)
A tad snide I will admit but I'm not a fan of posts along the lines of I didn't like it and I'm not telling you why. It seems a bit pointless in a book group discussion so why bother. And if it was so awful for her yet she gave it 3 stars?
Incidentally they did a beautiful collectors edition of this with gold leaf and signed in gold. Nice