The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2011) 408 pages
There are so many books I have missed out on, this being one of them. I am so glad to have finally read it, as someone who has a fondness for Greek mythology.
This is a retelling of The Iliad. A story told from Patroclus' pov, this story begins with a young prince who is exiled from his father's lands for killing another young boy. He lands in the care of another king, who fosters other young boys. Patroclus and the king's son, Achilles form and attachment and become companions. Achilles is also the son of the sea Goddess Thetis, who often shares her disapproval for the companionship between Achilles and Patroclus. The story continues throughout their boyhood leading into manhood, in which they discover feelings for one another. They train for survival over the course of years with the centaur Chiron until they are called away to fight in a war. Queen Helen has been kidnapped by Troy, and King Agamemnon calls all Greeks to fight for her honor and to return her to her king. Achilles has been prophesied to be the most famous warrior of all time, and joining the war is to begin him on this path. The rest of the book covers the struggles during the 10-year long Trojan war and how Patroclus grows and deals with the growing pride of Achilles.
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