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  • The Song of Achilles

  • A Novel
  • Written by: Madeline Miller
  • Narrated by: Frazer Douglas
  • Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (2,212 ratings)

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The Song of Achilles

Written by: Madeline Miller
Narrated by: Frazer Douglas
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Publisher's Summary

The legend begins...

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the kingdom of Phthia to be raised in the shadow of King Peleus and his golden son, Achilles. “The best of all the Greeks”—strong, beautiful, and the child of a goddess—Achilles is everything the shamed Patroclus is not. Yet despite their differences, the boys become steadfast companions. Their bond deepens as they grow into young men and become skilled in the arts of war and medicine—much to the displeasure and the fury of Achilles’ mother, Thetis, a cruel sea goddess with a hatred of mortals.

When word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, the men of Greece, bound by blood and oath, must lay siege to Troy in her name. Seduced by the promise of a glorious destiny, Achilles joins their cause, and torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus follows. Little do they know that the Fates will test them both as never before and demand a terrible sacrifice.

Built on the groundwork of the Iliad, Madeline Miller’s page-turning, profoundly moving, and blisteringly paced retelling of the epic Trojan War marks the launch of a dazzling career.

©2012 Madeline Miller (P)2012 HarperCollinsPublishers
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What the critics say

“[Miller] makes a persuasive argument for the timeliness of her subject. …Miller’s winning debut focuses on Patroclus, a young prince living in Achilles’ golden shadow. Miller also gives voice to many of the women who were also consigned to the shadows.” ( Publishers Weekly, Spring 2012 Preview, Top 10 Literary Fiction)
“You don’t need to be familiar with Homer’s The Iliad (or Brad Pitt’s Troy, for that matter) to find Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles spellbinding....her explorations of ego, grief, and love’s many permutations are both familiar and new....[A] timeless love story.” ( O magazine)
“A psychologically astute Iliad prelude featuring the heady, star-crossed adolescence of future heroes Patroclus and Achilles.” ( Vogue)

Editorial Review

Despised and abandoned by his own father, Patroclus lives in the shadow of the demigod Achilles. However, the two princes still grow up to be the closest of friends. When Greece’s honour is threatened by the Trojans, they head off together to a war that will be sung about for centuries.

The prowess of the legendary Achilles during the Trojan war is well-known, but Madeline Miller’s audiobook provides a completely different perspective on his story. The Song of Achilles transports listeners back to ancient Greece to revisit Homer’s Iliad through the eyes of Achilles’ lesser-known companion, the young Greek prince Patroclus. Their love for each other is palpable, as Miller brings heart and soul to her characters in this refreshing take on the relationship between the two warriors.

Miller’s debut novel is a reflection of the author’s passion for classic literature: with a masters in Classics and years of experience as a Latin and Greek teacher, she was well equipped to write this spellbinding and epic tale of love and war. Frazer Douglas’ narration only emphasizes the beauty of this story, with his stable pace and sophisticated inflections. Madeline Miller received praise from many critics, as well as the Orange Prize for Fiction for her first novel, which she wrote over the course of ten long years.

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What listeners say about The Song of Achilles

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Read!

This book made me look forward to going to work because it meant I could listen to more of the story. I think that says a lot. If you like Greek mythology, you will love this book. Even if you don't like Greek mythology you'll probably still like this book!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Awesome book

Great book. Started of not sure because of the small letters but as I kept going, couldnt put it down.
The narrator does an excellent excellent job, I think this book is better as an audio book. The different voices and intonation make it even more interesting.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

MY HEART MY CHEST IT ACHES ;-;

this is my second time listening to this book and it is as perfect and gorgeous as the first time i am so enamoured with this story!!! madeline miller's writing skills are so ✨spectacular✨ like i cant believe that these brilliant characterisations and dialogue came from HER HEAD???? HELLO??? ugh big brain energy, so beautiful. and frazer douglas??? sir your storytelling skills are *chefs kiss* IMMACULATE!!! HOW DO YOU DO THAT MANY CHARACTERS AND ABLE TO MAKE YOUR VOICE DEPICT THEM EACH IN THEIR OWN SPECIAL WAY, HIS VOICE IS SO SMOOTH AND BEAUTIFUL I COULD CRYYYYY (i did tho sjajabsjs) no but im being annoying, i just needed to express that this is one of my favourite stories ever, and this all around was a beautiful experience, thank you to every single person that had anything to do with this story it holds a special place in my heart (EVEN IF IT HURT ME A LOT! LIKE WOW SO MUCH PAIN) 💓💓💓

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Easily one of the best books I've ever listen to!

The quotes that come out of this book alone are worth it! This isn't my genre of preference, but even so it's in my top 10. Amazing book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

My new favourite novel. Loved it! Brilliant and beautifully written. This’ll definitely become an annual read!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Ending completely broke me

Rated 5 stars mostly for the ending. It was a beautiful story full of unrelenting love, hatred, war, and compassion. The characters were well written and the feelings were palpable. I would suggest this listen for adults who want to hear what love and sacrifice is written like. 10/10 would read again.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Riveting story

I ripped through this book much more quickly than I expected. Fascinating story, and wonderfully read. I loved the depth she gave to the characters and was sad when it ended. Looking forward to to exploring more from Miller!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely Phenomenal

The beautifully written story of Achilles and Patrochles. Emotional, action-packed, and sweet. One of my favorites from now on.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love Patroclus' perspective!

It's so refreshing to listen to a classic tale told from the perspective of a minor character, Patroclus. I never knew much about Achilles as a character, other than what is given in the Iliad. Madeline Miller weaves a beautiful tapestry of friendship and love in this re-telling of the history of a Greek hero involved in the Trojan War, a battle in which Achilles seeks the glory he's always wanted. The narration is done well and was very easy to listen to. Highly recommend if you are a lover of Greek mythology! #Audible1

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

wow was very impressed

great story, characters, narrating, makes me want to read more like Circe. get this now!

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