The Song of Achilles

Updated Review
I absolutely have no rational reason for not having read this book till now. It's been on my TBR for more than an year, I own the book in three different formats and I knew I would love it. So, I really don't know what was stopping me, except maybe that I didn't want my heart to be broken. And I also recently watched the TV show Troy on Netflix, so I decided to read the book finally while some of the characters names were still fresh in my mind.

I am one of those readers who likes my books to be written in a simple way, poetic language and purple prose doesn't really work for me and I have DNFd quite a few books for being written that way. However, this book was a pleasant surprise. The author's writing is the definition of poetic but I fell in love with the beauty of it. The development of the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles, the tenderness and unconditional nature of their friendship and love is just so all encompassing that I felt every single emotion that they felt. While the first half deals with this progression, the second half was about the Trojan War. However, the author manages to finely balance this and provides enough action to keep us on the edge of our seats but the relationship is always at the forefront.

I frankly have no words to describe the characters. Patroclus is such a good person and after having been exiled by his father, his whole life literally revolves around Achilles. He does everything he can to ensure Achilles gets the honor and fame that he wants, whatever the consequences might be for himself and his love. I loved him right from the get go and seeing Achilles from his perspective, it's difficult not to fall in love with him too. However, we also see the change in Achilles, how he can't really escape his fate and how much role his own hubris plays in his downfall, but through all of it, Patroclus's love for him never wavers and that kind of love is only possible in myths.

I am sorry everyone, I have no clue what I am writing here. I think I just don't have words to review how much I loved this book. This book is an embodiment of knowing what the ending is but still reading the book because the journey is magical. I cried and cried towards the end and had to take a break from reading for a couple of days because I couldn't get it out of my head. If you enjoy mythology or a great love story, then I highly recommend this one. It might be a Greek tragedy, but I promise you, the experience is worth it.

Initial thoughts
I'm too busy weeping right now...😭😭😭😭😭
RTC when I'm able to...