Madeline Miller: "The Song of Achilles"

Madeline Miller, winner of the 2012 Orange Prize, reads from and discusses her debut novel, The Song of Achilles at The Center for Fiction.

[@user-gc1bo4ry5n]

i finished the entire book in a day and now there's a gaping hole inside of me

[@myway8576]

We need more books like that my friend

[@maolo5275]

How?! Teach me your ways!

[@kadijahamad9862]

Read Circe by Madeline Miller. It’s beautiful. Also, read A Thousand Ships and The Silence of the Girls. All these stories, (excluding Circe) are retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of women. I can’t recommend them highly enough

[@karenfromfinasse8430]

Me too, I finished it yesterday and I don't know what to do. I am constantly sobbing and just not ok!

[@s.sumbrella7616]

@@kadijahamad9862 i want them all

[@priyamajumdar3079]

Me: My mind: The song of achilles Me: *clutches my heart dramatically and cries profusely*

[@---ut6fk]

She is so brilliant, and The Song of Achilles is spectacular

[@nazifapromi3186]

You can tell she’s a teacher from how she speaks. And I love it

[@arminm9730]

Who doesn't want her to be our teacher? 😍I would love that!

[@Qtrademark]

"This and this and this..." so beautiful.

[@kelseychatski7046]

Yes!! I find myself repeating it in my mind in my day to day. Patroclus steps into my awareness and says “this, and this and this!” about the beauty before me, as was his complete awe of the beauty of Achilles. And then I’m in tears of grief and gratitude and awe. This story…

[@hiraya5769]

The whole book is about Patroclus admiring his Achilles. But I fell in love with Patroclus more. What a beautifully written book. Such talent is so admirable and is a blessing to this world. I'm excited to read Circe next. 💗

[@kelseychatski7046]

“For who can be ashamed to lose to such beauty?”

[@ashlynxlover4425]

This quote breaks my heart.

[@Amstrdams]

One of the greatest romance merged with classics novel I've read! I absolutely adored every chapter and every event in this novel was just as momentous as the previous and I have a few chapters left to finish but I know the ending and I just know I'll burst into tears. The Song of Achilles is a novel that stays with the origins of Homer's Iliad but twists it with Patroclus' and Achilles' relationship so nicely and it's just such a lovely novel!

[@EminaS]

I DIED!!! So glad I found this talk because she's answered both of my questions I asked on Goodreads: why she decided to make Patroclus and Achilles the same age as equals and if she's ever experienced grief over fictional characters. Both answers blew me away! I did not expect the ease with which she found references that A & P were not in a pedorastic relationship! And also I really didn't expect she'd had such a huge emotional involvement herself (comes as no surprise when you consider the TEN years invested in the novel and her general love of classics since 5), causing her to grieve their deaths! I grieved them too and for a few days I was just depressed and couldn't move on!! So grateful for this book and these talks!

[@fae_mj]

I finished "The Song of Achilles" a few days ago and absolutely loved it. I can't even explain how much this book moved me. Thank you Madeline Miller.

[@puffdansleMarais]

As a lover of Ulysses by James Joyce, my favorite book, I did not think I would ever read something as compelling: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is such a book. I walked around for days struck by its beauty. Sentences stopped me and I cried before reading the next paragraph. So many centuries critics have missed the central story of the Iliad: Achilles loved Patroclus. Our blindness is spectacular. Thank you Madeline for your courage and poetry to tell this story.

[@viviennedoonar5466]

I cried at the end. I feel that I could keep on reading about the two men, their friendship and loyalty is all any of us wish for.

[@s.sumbrella7616]

For some reason I'd read a book of them exploring the underworld together

[@kristianmarchand8047]

Well, it certainly was more than a friendship, but yes.

[@emryspendragon2710]

@@s.sumbrella7616 Omg yes. Meeting first❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ , then them living in the underworld.

[@butterfly__382]

That definitely was not just friendship.

[@karenfromfinasse8430]

Madeline Miller is not mortal, she is divine! How can a human being create something so beautiful as "The Song of Achilles"?

[@ishita1156]

When she was reading I didn't want her to stop, I could listen to that the whole day.

[@emryspendragon2710]

My heart is broken into a million pieces. I want to love and be loved like Achilles and Patroclos. Damn that last chapter.

[@hopeinvoked1822]

I hope we all can love and be loved like Achilles and Patroclus, but with a happy ending, of course. 💚

[@m.meghana2365]

Name one fan of Song Of Achilles who is happy You can't

[@JulieSmith-pb2gs]

This book is perfect, in fact is my favourite book ever:)

[@user-qj8zq4th8d]

i find it hard to read and understand greek mythology. but i am beyond grateful to have read song of achilles. it left a hole inside my heart, it was so beautifully written. i understood it easily and followed through the story even though i have very limited knowledge of the mythology. i finished the book yesterday, and i think i will still be thinking of it forever. there is much more i want to say to this book, i just can’t seem to put it into words. it is one of the best books i’ve ever read. the feeling it left me, still remains. you are a wonder miss madeline miller. i am now reading circe! ❤️

[@DerekMakerFitness]

I've read this book 3 times, loving it more each time. The love that she painted is a gift. The first line she read is highlighted in my book.

[@alexandrajay2001]

I haven't finished this book yet, but I know I'll cry when I finish it

[@zamirazam6099]

I love the song of Achilles. From the way it was told to the creative story gap, smoothen out until the last chapter. The story and sadness echoes at the back of my head even as i went through two books after it. The ‘what ifs’ made me research a few bits about illiad and its characters. I knew i had to read Circe. Thank you MM. yours are magic.

[@elioelioeliooliver5148]

Can't wait to read Circe :D

[@flavio4923]

Finished this book today and their story will always live in my heart. :)

[@lukaswolf1273]

Late to the party , I just finished the book yesterday . I cannot believe how much I got attached to the characters , the writing is so good . Only the best books leave you this bittersweet feeling, It’s weird how much words can affect our lives ! I’m so grateful to this amazing author ! 🧡

[@Yourhighnessnona]

Me too. I finished it three days ago and it was one of the most beautiful experiences ever. The Story of Achilles is life changing and my heart still aches thinking about them. "Green eyes smiling into mine", physical pain.

[@miaserna9096]

She is an incredible writer, this book touched my heart & will always stay with me :,)

[@emilym1280]

I finished the book yesterday, and when this queen read that beautiful passage I started crying all over again and now I can barely see through the tears 🙃 This book both enriched and destroyed me!

[@jimin1800]

I finished this book minutes ago .. the most beautiful book ever. I'm definitely re-reading this.

[@MultiMrDmitry2]

My favourite book. Thank you for such a beautiful emotional rollercoaster.

[@nati7925]

I learned the entire passage just bc of this LOL

[@ShiisWorld]

I wish there was a audio book read by her. I am reading the book right now and I will not let that be taken from me by an audio book. but I looked for some for the future and only found 2 versions, both read rather emotionless. Her reading in this speech is just amazing! She wrote it so she knows how he feels and how his feelings should be read and I wish I could listen to the whole book read out by her 💛

[@alejandrapedroza14]

Just a spanish comment passing by. Se ha vuelto mi libro favorito, me alegra no haber recordado mucho de la iliada porque asi me impacto y dolió aun mas la muerte de ambos, llore desde su muerte hasta la ultima pagina del libro e incluso media hora despues volví a llorar, lo ame.

[@emryspendragon2710]

Libro we bello. MI Corazon esta quebrado eh piesas.

[@lSheccioMQ]

Yo agradezco leer TSOA antes que la Iliada, el impacto fue mayor puesto que no tenía idea alguna de la historia. Definitivamente el libro es una joya✨, sin duda alguna mi favorito 🤧💖

[@jlzivi5277]

Patroclus, i love you. :(

[@sidneyhearthstone7812]

I ordered the book today and am looking forward to reading it. I am also fascinated with ancient culture and myth,

[@ginavallefuoco4428]

how amazing is it to have a writer read the book you love and answer the questions you ask?

[@user-wb4sz2cr9r]

Brilliant story and amazing writing

[@hallofries]

the way she herself also grieved after finishing the book… it’s so amazing.. but traumatizing too 👍 im just sad i might never love or be loved like patroclus and achilles :(

[@Queen6032]

The Song Of Achilles needs a disclaimer at the beginning of the book 😭 I honestly think I still need therapy after reading a year ago…

[@ashlynxlover4425]

Her writing means so much to me.

[@liagodino4221]

This is the best book ever I love it so much

[@climbingstill9503]

Even months after finishing this masterpiece, I find myself on the verge of tears watching this, its such a moving, thoughtful and thought provoking novel and Madeline Miller has given me the gift of grief and love enough 💕

[@doriangrayapologist]

beautiful novel, I finished it yesterday. It is definitely one of my favorites.

[@dietherinres1366]

She make s book that made us cry 😭 but it is so beautiful ❤️❤️❤️

[@catherinemccullough299]

My daughter bought me Circe and The Song of Achilles, I read Circe first, put off TSOA, but when I started it I couldn’t put it down, I didn’t want it to end, kept hoping for a different ending! I have passed it on to a friend, and I miss it so much!

[@BeadsandFlowers]

Finalmente qualcuno che riconosce il rapporto omosessuale tra Achille e Patroclo. Dopo quello scempio che hanno compiuto in 'Troy' (sarebbero cugini?) qualcuno che sa descrivere, scrivere bene su questa bellissima storia, che vale la pena di essere affrontata ed ammirata. Bravissima, Madeline! :D

[@sugarin]

I can't move on from this book i need help 😭

[@LRayart]

Miller has done for Achilles and patroclus what Mary Renault did for Alexander and Hephaestion.

[@MultiMrDmitry2]

Please! Any suggestions on similar poetical book with mythology and history and gay storylines? :D

[@flavio4923]

+1

[@denuevojonghyun3211]

+ 2

[@erinmurphy4709]

+3

[@khrellian3327]

+4

[@shutdown8159]

+5

[@daffodilpoeticus]

if you haven't read the book... READ IT!

[@spaghettitacosrainsupreme4735]

I'm so happy only one person disliked this, not to mention this video was published in 2012!

[@imbreakingdown2683]

Madeline Miller: Discussing* Audience: cough cough* Achoo*

[@yenthu1644]

Oh 😚

[@hippieab1713]

Ch 30 -31 argh

[@Nathan-fd2yg]

She saved the romance of the whole gay community

[@icarefor2010]

Absolutely hated this book. It left me devastated. Its been days and I still feel really sad.

[@s.sumbrella7616]

Why is that how gaming KZbin describe horror games lol

[@zacharivs]

achilles is definitely the bottom

[@redbloodbluemoon1423]

It's such an overhyped book. The writing was okayish but that's it. The one dimensional characters, their flat personalities, and no real reason to act the way they do (-why exactly is Achilles so much in love with Petroclus? What other than physical beauty does P see in A since the man is totally one dimensional?). It was massive disappointment after all the hype and marketing. 🤦🤦

[@nerdylab8746]

I never quite get why ppl say a book or other media is hyped or not 😅 but I can try to answers ur questions! 1. One dimensional characters: I suppose it’s easier for ppl to have an easier time relating to a character who does not change too much. Another thing might be that bc they’re one dimensional, it’s sort of like one character represents 1 thing/idea/emotion, so it’s also easier to relate to everyone! 2. Flat personalities: I AGREE 👏 but if here it’s kind of the same as the previous point 3. Reasons to act: well, this goes into philosophy and stuff: do we always need a reason?? Do we need a reason to hate a rock, or love a pebble? 4. Why is Achilles in love with Patroclus? Same as last point, does there need to be a specific reason? Also, it’s from Pat’s POV, so we can’t really know what any other characters think. My best guess is bc P was the one who stood out, basically “the different/unique/quirky kid” trope 5. What does P see in A aside from physical beauty? This can be easily answered with the first excerpt the author (yes I forgot her name😅) reads. Essentially, Patroclus comes to love Achilles because A doesn’t rlly care abt the bad or negative aspects that P sees in himself (and that his father would belittle him for). Patroclus is a kid who had it tough and then A comes and basically spend most, if not all, of their time together. So it’s not surprising they would be BFFs and, later on, lovers. TL;DR: we all have different tastes. Perhaps this book was just not ur cup of tea 🤷

[@timurkoshka3853]

@@nerdylab8746 I highly agree!

[@SKOfficial1996]

Lover of the Iliad and all other ancient literature but this book was disappointing. Mostly factually correct but the character of Patroclus was completely altered, and its not as lyrical as people make out. Death of Hector was greatly glossed over in not much detail. Some good bits, mostly before the war at Troy begins but during Achilles and Patroclus' childhood

[@twinicebear775]

Death of hector was also short in the Iliad, as he stood no chance against Achilles . Did you actually read the Iliad ???

[@s.sumbrella7616]

@@sethtaylor8077 oh well at least we enjoyed it

[@11cmredacted89]

literally nobody asked

[@SKOfficial1996]

zeus called patroclus 'strong and gentle', Patroclus also killed Sarpedon, Madeline Miller completely ruined his character. Stupid book

[@flaviuscovaci4442]

Okayy, Well, as a lover of this book and story as a whole, I have to respectfully disagree. In the Pan-Hellenic culture, Patroclus does kill Sarpedon and since your reference comes directly from The Iliad (it can't be from The Song Of Achilles because Zeus is never directly introduced into the story), I'm going to assume that you would also agree with the fact Patroclus is a very mysterious character in The Iliad, with only brief descriptions such as the ones you used ("strong and gentle"). I think Madeline Miller did a perfect job portraying both his strength (when he kills the boy that leads to his exile and before he dies, he is seen actively killing Trojans with spears) and his gentleness, which can be seen when he "nudges" Achilles when it came to claiming women he knew would otherwise have been mistreated...Also, look at his relationship with Briseis and you will clearly see his gentleness. So, in her defence, she was only giving the reader an adaption of what is widely believed to have happened, as opposed to creating a whole new story from scratch. Don't you dare come for Patroclus or Madeline ever again xoxo

[@yuhyuh1471]

@@flaviuscovaci4442 yesssss!!!!!

[@jlzivi5277]

Shut up Harry! Just go back to Hogwarts you prick.

[@redbloodbluemoon1423]

I agree. It's a terrible book.

[@lSheccioMQ]

@@redbloodbluemoon1423 No.