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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 (2,164 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

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

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Amazing

I had high expectations after finishing Miller’s “Circe”. I fell in love with Patroclus. This book was amazing, and I loved the narration and changing voices. I can’t wait for another great novel by Miller #audible1

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Amazing in some ways...

I loved this book. It was amazing. The story line was intriguing and engrossing I had to keep turning the page. Each character felt different in their own way, by the way they walked or acted. The voice actor wasn't great he needed more emotion to convey what the characters were feeling.

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Very good, but not as good as Circe.

I read the second novel first and found it to be outstanding! This is still an excellent book in my opinion but it didn't capture me as thoroughly. Maybe it was the backdrop of the Trojan war. Anyway I still enjoyed it!!

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loved it

the untold tale as we know it, very powerful and moving, well written and spoken 10/10

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Beautiful and powerful

A Well-researched and vividly imaginative recreation of the western world’s oldest heroes. Miller gives familiar characters new depth and complexity and breathes new life into oft-told stories. Most importantly, she makes you feel in your chest the yearning ache that inevitably comes with deep love for another. A must-read.

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I definitely recommend

the best book I have read in years. I tried reading another book about the gods but it was just too boring. I couldn't put this book down. It's perfect for people with low vocabulary. the story is amazing. I purchased the song of Achilles after reading Circe. I also purchased the audio of both to listen to before I go to sleep. Plus it helps to know how to pronounce names of the characters. Thank you so much for your awesome books. I look forward to your next book. Medusa would be a very interesting to read about. just a thought.

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Enchanting

The story is beautifully told with a narrator with that brings the characters to life. I want to listen again and again!

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amazing

I'm writing this while crying but Douglas's acting is outstanding. He adds so much emotional depth to these characters and the voice he uses for Achilles has me hanging on every breath.

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Beautiful

This story was absolutely beautiful. The story was captivating and wonderful to listen to. I have always loved greek mythology and this was right up my alley. The narrator was also amazing.

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Astounding

The reviews and hype for this novel are truly deserved. Beautifully written, and profoundly moving. Capricous Gods, vengeful warriors, and disturbing family dynamics, plus an unexpectedly tender love.

It is an astounding book.

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