It’s the story of Achilles
becoming a legend, from a young prince to receiving his education at the top of
a mountain, a terrible destiny revealed to his final battle in the Trojan War.
And Patroclus, the exiled prince
that waked beside him every step of the way.
The love friendship between
Achilles and Patroclus evolves from companionship to an intense, genuine love
that lasts eighteen years and it’s wonderful to watch.
You know that song I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death
Cab for Cutie? That pretty much sums up Achilles in Patroclus’s narration.
Both boys become men with
different strengths, different weaknesses and each earning respect and a place
in the community of Greek soliders fighting the Trojans.
The writing is beautiful.
The Trojan War is something most
people have heard of, but few really know the details and the stories behind
the men fighting it.
It makes the epic tales of The Iliad accessible to everyone.
It’s a true Greek tragedy. There’s
love, death, war, betrayal, hubris and hamartia.
The last few chapters are some of
the most emotionally wrought and heart-breaking I've read in a long time.
Because I said so.
About
the book
Two
boys, both alike in age, yet so different in character. One is awkward and shy;
the other is brave, perfect in almost every way, and destined to become one of
the greatest legends in history. Brought together by chance, Patroclus and
Achilles soon become the closest of friends and as they grow into young men
skilled in the art of war, their bond blossoms into something deeper. But when
Achilles is called to war in Troy, Patroclus has no choice but to follow his
dearest friend, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything
they hold dear.
352|Bloomsbury|12th
April 2012
Sophie
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