The Song of Achilles

This book is beautiful. Drenched in description I never imagined possible. An extremely clever spin on Greek mythologies.

Beautifully written retelling of the Trojan War from the point of view of Patroclus. Somewhat controversial interpretation of the relationship between him and Achilles but overall a complex and nuanced study.

I really enjoyed this. It is beautifully written and the storytelling is excellent. I particularly enjoyed the exploration of the ancient world and how characters are driven by their mythologies.
I would definitely recommend this book.

Group members with some knowledge of the classics found it hard in places to reconcile occasional aspects of the plot, whereas those who were reading it with no preconceptions found it easier to take it at face value.

On the whole, the group found this book quite enjoyable although it was felt not to be a "keeper" and some could not really understand it being a prize-winner.