The Song of Achilles cover art

The Song of Achilles

A Novel

Preview

Audible Standard 1-month free trial

Auto-renews at $8.99/mo + applicable tax after 30-day trial. Cancel Anytime
Try for $0.00
More purchase options
Buy Now for $36.30

Buy Now for $36.30

About this listen

“At once a scholar’s homage to The Iliad and startlingly original work of art by an incredibly talented new novelist….A book I could not put down.”
—Ann Patchett

“Mary Renault lives again!” declares Emma Donoghue, author of Room, referring to The Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller’s thrilling, profoundly moving, and utterly unique retelling of the legend of Achilles and the Trojan War. A tale of gods, kings, immortal fame, and the human heart, The Song of Achilles is a dazzling literary feat that brilliantly reimagines Homer’s enduring masterwork, The Iliad. An action-packed adventure, an epic love story, a marvelously conceived and executed page-turner, Miller’s monumental debut novel has already earned resounding acclaim from some of contemporary fiction’s brightest lights—and fans of Mary Renault, Bernard Cornwell, Steven Pressfield, and Colleen McCullough’s Masters of Rome series will delight in this unforgettable journey back to ancient Greece in the Age of Heroes.

Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Royalty Ancient History Greece Ancient Greece Destiny Greek Mythology Heartfelt Mythology Fantasy War Romance

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.

Featured Article: The Top Audiobooks People Are Obsessed With on BookTok

For audiobook lovers, nothing comes close to the feeling of stumbling upon a new favourite adventure, love story, or thriller. Finding that new favourite is now easier than ever! The world of BookTok is overflowing with audiobooks ready to become your new obsession. A young girl cursed to live forever, Greek mythology reimagined, life-saving time-travel, and so much more. We've scoured this corner of social media and compiled a list of what titles are trending and are definitely worth the hype. So sit back, press play, and escape your world for a while with the most popular books on BookTok.

All stars
Most Relevant
I LOVED Miller’s most recent book, Circe. Despite this, and the fact that The Song of Achilles was highly celebrated when it first came out, I was prepared to be a little disappointed by this audiobook. How could it compare to Circe, which was so masterful?! I was pleasantly surprised to find that the two were near equals. I knew little to nothing about the Trojan War and Achilles, so I assumed that his romantic relationship with Patroclus was invented by Miller for her book. A little research afterward revealed that the ancient texts could be interpreted as the two being lovers. The more you know! Frazer Douglas' narration was on point, even for the rasping tones of Achilles' mother.

The Trojan War gets Miller's masterful treatment

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

I enjoy Greek mythology however, this audio book is not a typical choice of mine but I grew to love every minute.

It started a bit slow for me, however Frazer Douglas kept me engaged and I was quickly convinced that he him self was Petroclus. It is always a worry of mine regarding how the performer would do with acting out the parts of the opposite sex - but not in the song of Achilles. Frazer has done a wonderful job in performing the male and female parts.


I was worried I would get lost with all the names, but it was easy to listen along and look at the official website to look up the characters. The story it self is wonderful and well described. I felt all emotions that Madeline Miller wanted me to feel. I even shed some tears.

This book has sparked my curiosity to once again dive into Greek mythology and learn more! Very happy that I chose this audio book. I don’t think I would’ve had the same feelings if i were to read it

Glad I went outside my comfort Zone for this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

What a beautiful way to capture these age old tales. She brings heart and soul to each character and you can feel and see clearly their lives as they unfold. I didn't want it to end and Partroclus is so dear to my heart now.

I love Madeline Miller's books!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Miller masterfully weaves together various Greek mythologies to create a beautiful and captivating story. The narration is superb, offering voices for each character and making The Song of Achilles come to life.

Beautiful and Captivating

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

tilt's mic to mouth: "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. My review for this books is: *screams at mic for 12 hours*"

It is THAT good. Do not pass on this book.

Show stopper

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

See more reviews