The Song of Achilles

3.5 Stars - I think the biggest problem I have with this book was that I read it after Circe. I couldn't help comparing them as I flipped through the pages. Overall I enjoyed it, it's endlessly quotable and beautifully written but I felt like this book spent too much time apologizing for these stories and characters. This happens all the time in adaptations of these myths and most of the time I don't mind as much... but Circe managed that balance so well, that I expected more from Song of Achilles and ultimately ended up a little disappointed. Patroclus felt too contemporary, and I had a hard time with his P.O.V. as a result. Also, I'm not sure how I felt about getting to know “the real Achilles” here. “Look at how he will be remembered now. Killing Hector, killing Troilus. For things he did cruelly in his grief... Perhaps such things pass for virtue among the gods...” it felt weird to have a negative opinion of these deeds within the story itself. Despite these beefs it's still very good. I would just say, the less you know of the original story the better and don't expect Circe!