![]() ![]() ![]() In the beginning, the tension is all romantic. What kind of tension? Well, that changes as the novel progresses. Finally, Miller plays artfully with perspective and tense, starting with first person past tense and then switching to present tense at a key turning point toward the novel’s end. The overall result is a deftly-paced novel that builds tension better than most thrillers. In addition, The Song of Achilles is a masterclass in foreshadowing that will reward mythology nerds with sinister portents and satisfying allusions. Her combination of contemporary prose with the supernatural elements of Greek mythology makes the book feel like a work of magical realism, but somewhat “less random” since anyone with a basic knowledge of the source material will be familiar with the religious tropes and figures. I’ll begin with some comments about Miller’s writing, which is generally excellent. This wonderful novel captured my affection from its opening lines and had its way with me right up to the final passage. The title of Madeline Miller’s retelling of The Iliadis a composite of two alternate names for the classic Greek poem: “The Anger of Achilles” and “The Song of Troy.” This careful bit of wordsmithing mirrors the nature of her project, for The Song of Achillesis a narrative blend of ancient traditions and modern values––a compassionate recasting of a war epic into a love story. ![]()
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