The Song of Achilles -Review 

Check out the book here if it interests you: amzn.to/3gEmQv9

Anyone who complains about this book not telling all of the illiad should just read the illiad and that’s it lol

Daniel says the book is good - Nice Daniel also says you should also go read the Iliad first - R E A L S H I T ? -B

I love this book. The writing style was gorgeous and the way Miller wrote Patroclus' devotion and love was beautiful. I however don't agree with you when you said that the flaws in the characters weren't obvious. They were blinding to me. The very fact that Patroclus looked and Achilles' actions with rose tinted glasses was a huge flaw in itself. Apart from that, Achilles' actions to me were unacceptable. They were as such when I read the Illiad the first time and I still say that now though this book actually managed to humanise his flaws more. For me, this book focused on how people can love even those who make huge mistakes. How love can blind you to them. How you keep loving that person despite what they do. You know it's not right, but that doesn't change how you feel. In my opinion Miller conveyed that brilliantly.

”I am made of memories” That is all.

Imagine having the balls to say "I'm gonna rewrite the Iliad" and succeeding. I'm so keen to give this a spin.

I know you have reduced the number of reviews because they get fewer views but I just wanna say I absolutely love your reviews, they are my favorite videos of yours, I find many books from you, so I’m always excited to get more of these lol

Whenever you see “Worth the Hype?” in the thumbnail, you know it’ll either be really good or really bad.

I have to say, mythology is one of the reasons I like epic fantasy.

"Circe" by the same author is also phenomenal... I feel her writing has tightened up even more (if that's even possible) since "Song of Achilles", and you get to see some characters in that book cameo here.

I 10000% recommend checking out Circe after reading this one. It’s more of an original story and it’s GREAT

This book is known to tear hearts out. Can’t wait to read it soon!

I swear to god, I just finished the book a minute ago and turned my laptop on to see the review pop up in my notifications!!! That's what I call one damned coincidence!

When I first read the illiad I didn't really like achilles, I thought he was overhyped and kind of a whiny little piss baby. After playing Hades and listening to achilles come down by gang of youths, my mind immediately changed and achilles became one of my favorite greek heroes and a character that I can relate surprisingly alot to. Excited to read this book and get another perspective on the character.

As. a Greek, this story has always been my fav

Don’t think I don’t see those books on their sides just above the skull, Daniel. Even worse, they’re stacked onto of books placed the proper way. You monster! What’s next, Funko Pops!?

It's been a few years since I first read the song of achilles and I really liked it back then. A few weeks ago I decided to re-read it via audiobook. I don't know if it was because of the narrator, that I took more time reading it or if my english has gotten better over the years but I enjoyed it so much more this time around. Absolutely one of my all time favorites.

Another great modern take on the Illiad is Troy by Stephen Fry. His Greek mythology series has quickly become one of my favorites, and he's far from shy about sexuality in ancient Greece.

I feel going in blind does change your experience, i didnt know this was a rewrite of another story until i looked it up (i dont read much mythology) but because of that mixed with my lack of mythological knowledge i had no clue who was expected to die, by the end i was torn to pieces because it was all a shock to me only adding to the enjoyment and heartbreak.

Daniel’s shirt is spectacular.

I loved the book. The writing style is really immersive. That's what gravitated me to the book.

As an LGBT person, you made me feel so happy and welcome in this community and I thank so much for that.

The standards of the Goblin is finally a thing, and you are carrying them right

This book utterly crushed me and made me feel more emotional than any other fictional work I have read. Last night, I sobbed my way through the last five chapters, running out of tears and inevitably finding more to shed. Madeline Miller's writing was phenomenally vibrant. As someone who was already familiar with Greek mythology, finishing each and every glorious chapter brought me greater feelings of dread for what I knew was coming. I think one of the reasons I found the book so powerful is that the dynamic of my own relationship is similar to that of Achilles and Patroclus in certain aspects, which led the twists and turns of the story to feel especially relatable.

This book really affected me, I loved it. Excited to see what the goblin host thinks

I randomly found this book in a small bookstore 2 years ago, and I read it completely unknowing what the hell it was, except for the fact it was ancient greek inspired, but boy I was in for a treat. I ended up sobbing SO bad. It’s my favourite book of all time, and I definitely agree with the hype for once, but I feel like people are probably annoyed by this book. It’s literally EVERYWHERE. I don’t know what my experience reading it would be if I read it during the hype, but I’m really glad I went into it knowing absolutely nothing. I highly recommend doing that if you can!

Regayafication is now my favourite term ever

this is one of my favorite books ever and i am so happy you enjoyed it! personally i had a hard time finding flaws while reading because i was so invested emotionally in the characters but looking back i would say that the pacing could potentially be an issue, though that is the only criticism i have. you'd think knowing the end would make it less impactful but no, i cried my little heart out with the last chapter

I preferred Circe, but Song of Achilles inspired me to finally read through the Iliad. Shout out to Overly Sarcastic Productions for sparking my interest in the classics.

It's gonna be hard to 'go in blind' when it's a retelling of one of the most well known classics.

Patroclus with his pure innocence makes Achilles what he is. Even Thetis has to admit that at the end. The book was wonderfully written and kept the pace. Will read Circe next as many have pointed it out on the comments

I read Song of Achilles three years ago in my holidays at the Amalficoast, Italy. Somehow the beaches, the nature and the sunny, hot weather around me made this an even more intense reading experience. Guess I loved this book even more because of it. And oh my forking god the end. Just by thinking about it my hearts starts to hurt again.

This is not directly related to the review but as someone who has been a subscriber for years and kinda come to see you as a role model for positive masculine ideal and just, in general, a human with qualities I'm striving for you mentioning your bisexuality just means a lot to me. Anyways if you're actually seeing this have a good day Daniel and know that I really appreciate what you do :)

So glad you liked it this much!!! I read it last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. What you said about the narrative lens blinding and clarifying the character of Achilles hits so true to me. I didn't think of it that way, but that's why I love it so much. You really, really feel the love in the narrative.

this is my favorite book of all time, i'm so glad you enjoyed it Daniel! i read it for the first time when i was 17, and it set my heart on fire. and it still hits 7 years later.

This book is one of my favorites of all time. I recommend looking up the author talking about it. It is truly fascinating. I’m currently reading her second book Circe. I heard that its even better, and from what Ive read so far it does seem to be. Definitely recommend

I don't understand tiktok but I work in a book store and love how it makes great books like this get more love

Can’t believe this timing! I started the book yesterday afternoon & couldn’t put it down; already over halfway through lol. This video was a nice surprise to wake up to; now looking forward to finishing it even more.

This was one of the books I studied at university, and I can definitely see why it's on the reading list. Despite it not fitting into my tastes in some ways, the quality of the writing and the way that the craft is evident on the page really cements this as a book that writers can learn something from.

I read this book about a year ago and I‘m still thinking about it. It was an emotional journey I wasn‘t prepared for, but I loved every second of it. Great review!

This ties with Hadestown as retellings of Greek myths in which I know the ending but it still destroys me anyways

I really loved this book, and I'm glad you liked it so much! It's been a while since you've reviewed a book I've read, and I was so excited to see what you had to say! Loved this review

I know you have reduced book reviews, and I understand why but its always nice to watch one from you, whether to add books to my TBR or to hear your thoughts on books I love, so even if its a while from now I'll look forward to the next one.

This is one of my favorite books. I’m glad you got to experience it. I hope that you can do more book reviews. As a new fantasy (adult) reader, your reviews have been so helpful to me because I didn’t even know where to start. So thanks for that! Btw, I’m patiently waiting on more John Gwynne reviews 👀

Circe by Madeline Miller is amazing as well, I highly recommend it! Great video btw

glad reviews are back. nice job!

Omg 😱 I have been secretly waiting for this for sooo long! Daniel reviewing TSOA? 🤭 it is my all time favorite book so thank you! Sad the review are getting less views but those who watch them… we are here ;) and really appreciate them. I also understand why you recommend people to read the Iliad before TSOA (being a person who has never read the Iliad).

This is one of my favorites and I'm so glad you reviewed it!!!! And on top of that I'm so happy that you liked it. I genuinely think it is so beautiful and tragic and it rekindled my middle school era Percy Jackson fueled love for Greek mythology haha

Never thought you'd review this one! It's my favourite book so I'm glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate the larger conversations you touched upon with modernising classics and the re-gayification of ancient greece.

This book is easily in my top 10 list. I never thought this would be a book you would review on your channel, but im so thrilled to see you talk about it! I feel like you handled this review critically but with respect. Thank you for including lgbt narratives on your platform!

The fact that you were so respectful of booktok means a lot. Thank you.

I read this while i was studying the Iliad at school, and it made me fall in love with the Iliad more than I expected to. Plus my teacher got really excited when she found out I'd read it

Your book reviews are my fav videos of yours!

Thank you for this! This book is popular with my students and I’m so relieved it’s really good. It’s been on my list and maybe I’ll be able to read it soon.

It’s so refreshing to see book reviews, definitely subscribing

I had never cried so much after reading a book. So so good

This book was amazing but I loved Circe even more. Perdita Weeks narrated the audible version, and its just *chef's kiss.*

I absolutely loved this book!!! I am happy to know you liked it!

Daniel, have i told you how much i love that after having filmed you feel the need to add something or say it differently because something popped up in your head and you start walking around in your house talking to yourself. I love that. I relate to that. I'm here for it.

Hello Daniel, Thank you for reviewing this book, I read it last year and was incredibly moved. I'll explain why in a moment because first, you said "my recently realized bi-ness" and I wanted to take a second to honor that as self-acceptance can be hard enough for some but to then add to it that you are sharing this on a public platform where you have an audience of hundreds of thousands of people is incredibly brave. Well done you.

I loved this book! It's definitely one of my favorites and I'm so glad that you enjoyed it as well.

I absolutely love the use of Patroclus' POV in order to humanize Achilles, and it didn't even occur to me that someone could potentially read it without any prior knowledge of Achilles and have to read through the lines to find his flaws. Achilles always came off to me in other iterations as a whiny man-baby. He's a demigod who knows he's better than everyone else and throws demi-godly temper tantrums because other people get in his way, and throws his life away in the name of glory. Going in with that perspective, it was an amazing feat of writing to have an author convince me he was loveable.

I'm so happy you gave this book a chance. It's just amazing and respectful and complete.

"Telling it in a modern prose with a much more modern approach." I don't know why but that sounds like a rhyming verse.

Big agree here, the story was good, makes a good modern companion piece to the Iliad but the level of emotion people were selling this book on was way overstated especially if you're already aware of the Iliad

I have been dying to read this book! Thank you for reviewing!

Thanks for making this review!! This book is one of my all time favorites.

I read " Circe " by Madeline Miller, and I absolutely loved it!

Late to this video as I was living in a land without WiFi. But thank you so much for this review. I literally finished this book last week so this is timely. I loved this book so much. I am obsessed with Miller's prose her writing is just so beautiful. She has this way of talking about time passing that allows you to feel the weight of the years without getting dogged down in them. You should definitely read Circe if you enjoyed this. I think Miller is quite possibly a new favourite author of me and I will be reading everything she ever writes

Hopefully you see this but I wanted to ask what version of the Illad do you suggest to read? Prose or Verse. As I was looking at the Fagle translation but unsure

I love The Iliad and have been so hesitant of this book because I was worried it was just a poor retelling. Thanks for the additional information, it’s now on my towering TBR list. Also, congratulations! Ok bi!!

I read separate parts of the Illiad when I was younger- maybe around the age of 6 or 7, so while reading the song of Achilles, I was able to enjoy it to its fullest. I was aware of every name mentioned in the book and their stories, such as Orpheus being able to make trees weep. I loved the book as a whole and would personally give it 10 out of 10. I hope some people agree with me;;

I’m pretty new to Greek mythology. What are you referring to by reading about the Eliot ? Is there a specific book I should look for or text about it?

Ugh loved this review 🙌 You made many points that I bobble-head nodded in agreement too

I'm a relatively new subbie and may I say, I very much love how you articulate your thoughts. These review videos seem fun (this is my first of the kind on your channel) and I enjoy how you approached it! And, you've got beautiful eyes 😁

Anyone know what that mic is?

it’s been years since i’ve read this because i’m not strong enough for tragic love stories so idk if i can reread it lol but i personally love all the hype it’s getting now and i’m so glad you enjoyed it

Oh man, I love this book! I'm glad you got a chance to read it

Both of Madeline Miller’s books are in my Top 10 Favorites so I’m hella excited to see what you thought about this

Great review! Unexpected. I suspect you’d like her book Circe too. It’s memorable and I loved reading more about her and other gods.

i am really happy that you liked this and i definitely feel your criticisms were valid. i also agree that maximum enjoyment of it is derived if you're at least familiar with the iliad but increases if you've actually read it

When Achilles said "what has hector done to me" or something along those lines, I knew for a fact that this will make me cry and it did.

So I have a question how long does it take you to finish a book? (I’m actually curious)

Miller's prose is what always keeps me coming back to this book (and Circe). It's so elaborate, and flowery, and just sucks you right in. I feel it's the perfect prose for an emotionally charged story like this.

I think another benefit of reading the Iliad first/being familiar with the story is that it provides an underlying narrative tension that can be lost going in blind. Like, when you're reading about all of the peaceful and beautiful things happening in their childhood and on Pelion, you know that everything is leading to the trojan war. These times will not continue, and it adds an element of preciousness. Like, SPOILER there's so much tension in when Patroclus puts on Achilles' armour because the way it's written it feels so powerful and so good and so satisfying, but there's the tension of KNOWING what happens to Patroclus. I've heard people complaining that the book doesn't have a plot, and it's really just vignettes of their relationship, but knowing the story of the Iliad really eases that. Even though I do feel like it's the POINT that it's a collection of memories, because the book is what Patroclus is showing to Thetis at the end. UGH such a well crafted narrative.

Absolutely love your book review, you are my favorite book tuber and reviewer by far.

This sounds really interesting. Thanks for the review. And what is that painting in your hallway? I love it, it's gorgeous!

great review! will be reading this. subscribed!

What are your thoughts on Cassandra Clare? (if you have ever read any of her books)

Daniel has convinced me to read the Iliad. Not something I expected but this was the tipping point so that’s cool

Hey congrats on the newly realized biness!

Glad you're feeling better

May I ask what booktalk podcast do you listen too?

I adored it. I stumbled onto Madeline Miller's writing style with Circe first, and then went back to Song of Achilles. This book is so beautiful, and is one of the few books that has made me ugly cry.

great review! SoA is one of my favourites, though I am a greek mythology nerd so obviously i would love it. For me it's one of my all time highest rated. I'm glad you touched on how Patroclus perception of Achilles is skewed, and his flaws are harder to see in this version. Personally I really like that becuase its so true to life, people really seem to have their blinkers on when theyre in love. It didn't occur to me that some people wouldn't like that, but there you are. I think if people are looking for a more battle, political, overarching narrative of troy heavy version of the iliad, Stephen Fry's TROY might be the one to try (currently reading it, so maybe it's just in the forefront of my mind rn). He uses the iliad, as well a supplementary texts to give him a very in depth look at the entire story and Fry gives interesting commentary about tid-bits, but personally SoA gets my vote every time. The prose are just so good. Flowery but not to the point of ridiculousness. Everytime I see a fig I get this really strong image in my mind of Achilles biting into a fig. Not many story make me visualise to that degree. If you liked SoA, you should try Madeline Miller's new novel Circe!

I've read this book 4 times now the last few years. Absolutely wonderful. One of my all time faves

Was waiting for the video since seeing you buying the book on Instagram story

I loved this book. One advantage I think I had is that I listened to the audiobook and Frazer Douglas does a remarkable job giving nuance to some of Patroclus's thoughts. The dialogue is well done too. I can highly recommend it for people who are busy with chores. It's 11 hours and 15 minutes. I've listened to it 3 times and I still cry every time.

Just finished this book and I agree with everything you said. This book had me in a chokehold 😭 the writing style drew me in immediately and Miller’s retelling felt like exactly the kind of retelling of this specific part of the Iliad I hoped for. Circe, by the same author, is next on my list!

Great review! You should check out Circe, the author’s 2nd novel, which is an amazing epic fantasy story also based in mythological Greece. I enjoyed it much more than Song of Achilles, though the latter is fascinating and refreshing on all the levels you mentioned.