Celebrating ten years of The Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller’s beloved novel

In 2011, debut author Madeline Miller published a novel called The Song of Achilles, re-telling the Greek myth of the doomed romance between Patroclus and Achilles. To say that The Song of Achilles has been a hit is to understate its sublime literary power, although its success is easily quantified. It sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide, won the Orange Women’s Prize for Fiction, and earned a spot on both the Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller lists. But most of all, it’s earned Miller a readership that reveres her every word, to which our Assistant Category Manager for Fiction, Hannah Armstrong, devotedly belongs.

Today, on the publication day for a stunning new hardcover anniversary edition of the beloved novel, Hannah is on the blog to share why she thinks The Song of Achilles is such a special book. Read on …

Madeline Miller

The Song of Achilles: Ten years on

Everyone knows the tale of the Trojan War. But it’s never been told quite like this.

In this book, the relationship between figure of legend Achilles and his best friend Patroclus is front and centre. Patroclus is our guide through this world, and by reframing the story through his point of view we uncover something tender and beautiful at its heart. We are able to see these characters not as legends but as human beings caught up in something they can’t control. What matters more than the anger of the gods or the long and bloody war is the relationship between two boys who grew into men together, always by each other’s sides, equally vital to one another. Achilles, a vicious and powerful warrior, is reframed in a gentler light, and Patroclus, by no means the hero of the original story, is given his own important role to play.

This is simply one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read, and it holds up under multiple rereads. Madeline Miller is a fantastic writer and storyteller, her prose simple and elegant, capturing every nuance of feeling with ease. The prose itself could be poetry, equal parts beautiful and tragic. This is not the kind of book that tries to surprise you – for those who go into it knowing the original story, it’s not difficult to guess where the characters will end up. Instead of feeling heavy with tragedy, this book manages to be sweet and exhilarating, tender and poignant, all at once. It’s the kind of book that will absolutely make you cry, and will stay with you for a long time.

I’m not usually one for buying special editions, but as soon as I saw the photos of the anniversary edition of The Song of Achilles I knew I had to have it! If I hadn’t read the book I’d probably still want this baby on my shelf. But as it is I think this cover completely reflects the beauty of the story inside, a fitting representation of the myth and magic of the book itself. My two paperback editions were feeling a little lonely, so this hardcover is a must-have. There will only be a limited amount so make sure to get your pre-orders in for you and your friends.

I’m a little emotional about the fact that it’s been ten years since publication. I’m so glad this book has seen such a huge revival (due almost entirely to TikTok) because it means so many more people will get to enjoy it – or have their heart ripped out by it. I hope it only continues to grow and grow, and I can’t wait to see all the photos come out of everyone gently cradling their special edition!

—The Song of Achilles: Special Anniversary Edition by Madeleine Miller (Bloomsbury Australia) is out now.

The Song of Achilles

Special Anniversary Edition

by Madeline Miller

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles.

Despite their differences, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms into something deeper. But when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Achilles must go to war in distant Troy and fulfill his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus goes with him, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear...

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About the Contributor

Hannah Armstrong