.Virtual Book Club

The Song of Achilles

by Madeline Miller

From the author's website: 

Greece in the age of Heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the kingdom of Phthia. Here he is nobody, just another unwanted boy living in the shadow of King Peleus and his golden son, Achilles.

Achilles, “best of all the Greeks,” is everything Patroclus is not—strong, beautiful, the child of a goddess—and by all rights their paths should never cross. Yet one day, Achilles takes the shamed prince under his wing and soon their tentative connection gives way to a steadfast friendship. As they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms into something far deeper—despite the displeasure of Achilles’ mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess with a hatred of mortals.

Fate is never far from the heels of Achilles. When word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, the men of Greece are called upon to lay siege to Troy in her name. Seduced by the promise of a glorious destiny, Achilles joins their cause. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus follows Achilles into war, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they have learned, everything they hold dear. And that, before he is ready, he will be forced to surrender his friend to the hands of Fate.

Profoundly moving and breathtakingly original, this rendering of the epic Trojan War is a dazzling feat of the imagination, a devastating love story, and an almighty battle between gods and kings, peace and glory, immortal fame and the human heart.

*** WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD! ***

Each week, VBC discusses sections of the book together. Below is a collection of weekly discussion questions posed by VBC leadership and members. Be aware that these likely include spoilers, so please do not scroll further if you have not read the book.

Week 1: Orientation meeting

• The Song of Achilles is rooted in ancient Greek mythology and history, and specifically inspired by the Illiad and the Odyssey. How familiar are you with the Illiad and the Odyssey or Greek mythology in general? Do you feel that will influence your enjoyment this book?
• Have you ever read or watched any other re-imaginings of Greek mythology? Which ones? How do you think this may differ?
• Do Greek myths matter in our modern world? Why or why not?

Week 2: Chapters 1-9

• What did you think of Patroclus's life before he met Achilles? How does this affect your feelings for him as a character/narrator?
• Why do you think Achilles chose Patroclus as his sworn companion?
• Do you think going to Chiron is necessary for someone who wants to become a hero? Why do you think so many heroes went to train with Chiron?
• If you were in Patroclus's place, would you have followed Achilles?

Week 3: Chapters 10-15

• How do you think you would handle receiving a prophecy like Achilles? What would you do if you were in his place?
• What purpose does Deidameia serve in the story? How do you think the interactions with her will affect the outcome going forward?
• What do you think of Odysseus? Is he trustworthy? Do you think he knows more than he lets on? 

Week 4: Chapters 16-24

• Did Agamemnnon's public "sacrifice" change how you felt about him as a character and a leader?

• What do you think of Achilles as he has started to develop into adulthood? How have your feelings about him as one of our main characters changed?

• What role do you feel Briseis fills in this story?

Week 5: Chapters 25-33

• In the Iliad, Patroclus is a relatively minor character.  Why do you think the author chose him to be her narrator? Which other figures in the story might make interesting narrators?
• Peleus warns his son that any mortal who visits the sea-nymphs in their caves beneath the sea does not return the same.  How is this belief borne out by the character of Pyrrhus, who was raised there?  In what way does Pyrrhus confirm or deny Patroclus’ fears about the gods?
• In the final pages of the book, we learn more about Thetis.  How does this affect our view of her?
• Patroclus tells Thetis that he is “made of memories.”  What does he mean by that?  What role does memory—both personal and cultural—play in the novel?