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The Song of Achilles

The Song of Achilles is a 2011 novel by American author Madeline Miller.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Song of Achilles is a 2011 novel by American author Madeline Miller. It retells the story of Achilles and the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus, focusing on their relationship and the events leading to Achilles’ fate. The novel is a reimagining of Homer’s Iliad and draws on Greek mythology.

Plot and premise

The novel follows Patroclus from his early life as an exiled prince to his relationship with Achilles and their involvement in the Trojan War. Its narrative framework reinterprets events associated with Homer’s Iliad.

Themes

The book explores love, fate, glory, grief, and the human cost of war. It also examines the tension between personal affection and heroic destiny.

Relationship to Greek mythology

The Song of Achilles adapts well-known mythological figures and events, including Achilles, Patroclus, Thetis, Chiron, and the Trojan War. It is commonly described as a retelling or reimagining of the Iliad.

Reception and awards

The novel received critical attention and was awarded the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2012. It has also been widely discussed for its lyrical style and its portrayal of the central relationship.

Key facts

  • The novel is Madeline Miller’s debut work.
  • It retells the Trojan War myth through Patroclus’s viewpoint.
  • The story centres on the bond between Patroclus and Achilles.
  • It presents Achilles as a figure shaped by prophecy, glory, and war.
  • The book won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2012.
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Canadian context

The novel has been widely read in Canada as part of contemporary literary fiction and myth retellings, and it is commonly stocked in Canadian libraries and bookstores.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote The Song of Achilles?
It was written by American author Madeline Miller.
When was The Song of Achilles published?
It was published in 2011.
What is the book about?
It retells the Trojan War myth from Patroclus’s perspective, focusing on his relationship with Achilles.
Is it based on the Iliad?
Yes. It is a modern retelling of Homer’s Iliad and related Greek myths.
What award did it win?
It won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2012.

References

  1. SparkNotes — https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/song-of-achilles/summary/
    Supports: Narrative perspective from Patroclus and basic plot premise.
  2. Madeline Miller — https://madelinemiller.com/the-song-of-achilles/
    Supports: Author’s description of the novel as a prequel/reimagining of The Iliad.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Song_of_Achilles
    Supports: Publication year, author, and Orange Prize for Fiction award.
  4. Audible — https://www.audible.com/blog/summary-the-song-of-achilles-by-madeline-miller
    Supports: 2011 debut novel and retelling of Homer's Iliad from Patroclus's perspective.