Currently Reading

Continuing with my new years resolution to read The Iliad, I am currently reading Ransom by David Malouf. The novel reflects on Priam plea to Achilles to return the body of his son, Hector. So far I am not enjoying it as much as I did The Song of Achilles, but I am finding it interesting to see the other side of the story, from the point of view of the Trojans rather than the Greeks.

ISBN: 978-0-099-53952-0

"citizens-though they believe themselves quietly asleep and safe in bed- are corpses he moves among: headless, limbless, savagely hacked, hovered about by ghostly exhalations and the fires of the dead. Flies cluster at their nostrils and corners of their eyes. Dogs lick up the splatter of their brains, gnaw at their shoulder-bones" 

- David Malouf, Ransom  

Madeline Miller- The Song of Achilles

Madeline Miller offers a fresh perspective on Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad, by refocusing the story on love and friendship, rather than war. In a time when gods intervene with mortals’ lives, and heroes cement their legends on the battlefield, The Song of Achilles is a captivating story about the enduring love of Achilles and Patroclus. If you haven’t read this book, you really should.

The Plot: Exiled as a child Patroclus is sent to the court of King Peleus. There he is befriended by Peleus’ son, the demigod Achilles.  Whilst been trained in the arts of war and medicine, the companionship between Patroclus and Achilles grows into a touching, romantic relationship. However, their happiness is soon threatened by the outbreak of the Trojan War. Destined to be Aristos Achaion (best of the Greeks), Achilles is compelled to join the fight and secure his place in history.

I’ve always found mythology fascinating, so The Song of Achilles was right up my street. It was also the winner of The Orange Prize in 2012 which is usually a reliable indication of a good read. If you’re thinking of reading Homer’s classics this book is a really good introduction to the epic. Miller really humanises Achilles, he is not simply a ruthless warrior, but is also loyal, compassionate and tender.  

Patroclus and Achilles’ relationship is told in a beautiful and moving way, and I’ll admit this book had me in tears a few times.  It is really refreshing to read a well received, bestselling novel that has a complex, caring homosexual relationship at its centre.   

Currently Reading

I usually have a couple of books on the go at the same time, because I find I want a different type of book at a different time of day. For example; during the early morning commute I want escapism, in the afternoon my concentration levels are at their highest, so I want a more challenging read and then just before bed I want a lighter novel that is interesting, but not so good I have to pull an all-nighter. 

I’m currently working my way through the following:-

1. The Sense of an Ending, Julian Barnes. I’m really enjoying this. It’s pretty slim and I’m nearly finished, so I’ll be posting a full review soon.  Just briefly, it is a novella about memory, how people’s perceptions of events are distorted.
2. The Iliad, Homer. I’ve set myself a challenge to read and more importantly understand The Iliad and The Odyssey. It’s not going well and I’ve been neglecting it recently, probably because I’m viewing it as a duty. 
3. The Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller. This is a re-read, I loved it the first time round and I’ve finally got it back off my sister so I’m revisiting it. This book is reason I’m struggling through The Iliad, it explores the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles so I want to read the original material it is based on. 

What are you currently reading? Do you think I should persevere with Homer?