The Song of Achilles -Review

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  • Опубликовано: 26 авг 2021
  • My review of the Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller!
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Комментарии • 814

  • @DanielGreeneReviews
    @DanielGreeneReviews  2 года назад +125

    Check out the book here if it interests you: amzn.to/3gEmQv9

    • @helenakrieger5880
      @helenakrieger5880 2 года назад +2

      May I annoyomously recommend you do a review on Once Upon A Book, in a YA Choose your own quest (adventure) novel, by Faith Colleen Weaver?

    • @jamesfrederick.
      @jamesfrederick. 2 года назад +2

      It would be super lame to have to read this version in school in my opinion the original was a thousand times better

    • @annareich9017
      @annareich9017 2 года назад +3

      I love the review! I don’t especially love the link to Amazon. I know will be a bit more work, but links to independent bookstores that actually care about their staff (unlike Amazon) just go so much further to supporting the book reading community.

    • @andrew20146
      @andrew20146 2 года назад +1

      Casually dropping bi identification.... good on ya, Daniel!

    • @ChristmasLore
      @ChristmasLore 2 года назад

      What people come up with for views/subs...
      (It was already "dropped" on his Twitter a while ago)

  • @saraangel6696
    @saraangel6696 2 года назад +3190

    Anyone who complains about this book not telling all of the illiad should just read the illiad and that’s it lol

    • @IzadoraKatarina
      @IzadoraKatarina 2 года назад +104

      I don't mind the book "remixing" the Illiad, but what I do mind is that most of the choices Miller made to deviate from the original epic served to make The Song of Achilles more misogynist, taking agency away from significant female characters and making them weak, helpless, pathetic, and manipulative plot devices. And let's not even get started on Miller's bisexual erasure...

    • @Staticaster
      @Staticaster 2 года назад +171

      They'll be disappointed there too. The Illiad doesn't even tell the whole story of the Trojan War. Most of the famous bits aren't even in it. The Judgement of Paris, the Trojan Horse, even the death of Achilles, none of it is actually in the Illiad.

    • @NotoriousLightning
      @NotoriousLightning 2 года назад +6

      Poetry doesn't really engage me, so I wish there was a good retelling out there. Sadly, this isn't it.

    • @ilincabogza
      @ilincabogza 2 года назад +100

      @@IzadoraKatarina I really didn't see the women that way. I think it was a realistic way to show how women would have been treated back then.

    • @IzadoraKatarina
      @IzadoraKatarina 2 года назад +13

      @@ilincabogza if even a guy from "back then" (Homer) managed to portray his female characters more respectfully than a 21st century "feminist", i think there is a problem...

  • @OverlySarcasticProductions
    @OverlySarcasticProductions 2 года назад +1894

    Daniel says the book is good - Nice
    Daniel also says you should also go read the Iliad first - R E A L S H I T ?
    -B

    • @DanielGreeneReviews
      @DanielGreeneReviews  2 года назад +618

      It’s an indie book from ancient times. Super low key. Written by this guy Mr. Simpson.

    • @OverlySarcasticProductions
      @OverlySarcasticProductions 2 года назад +424

      @@DanielGreeneReviews yeah idk after reading Tolkien the Iliad seems kinda... derivative? Like, the world-building is so thin, why are there no elves or dwarves???

    • @DevitoAllPro
      @DevitoAllPro 2 года назад +42

      @@DanielGreeneReviews that yellow guy?

    • @user-ny1wo1vp9r
      @user-ny1wo1vp9r 2 года назад +44

      Omg, it's great to see that two of my favourite RUclips channels know each other

    • @HelloHuman1
      @HelloHuman1 2 года назад +24

      The retelling of Troy Story. Let's go. Honestly it was an interesting read. Though Daniel This book is kind of amazing in just how well they revised this. Though this is more like an Iliad side story. It's like the author asked "Remeber Achilles, the great unstoppable warrior, let's explore his love life". They made into a really engaging story. It's nice to see more lgbt+ representation in fantasy. Like with The Unspoken Name and the Ruin of Kings series.

  • @khushipareek366
    @khushipareek366 2 года назад +1528

    I love this book. The writing style was gorgeous and the way Miller wrote Patroclus' devotion and love was beautiful. I however don't agree with you when you said that the flaws in the characters weren't obvious. They were blinding to me. The very fact that Patroclus looked and Achilles' actions with rose tinted glasses was a huge flaw in itself. Apart from that, Achilles' actions to me were unacceptable. They were as such when I read the Illiad the first time and I still say that now though this book actually managed to humanise his flaws more. For me, this book focused on how people can love even those who make huge mistakes. How love can blind you to them. How you keep loving that person despite what they do. You know it's not right, but that doesn't change how you feel. In my opinion Miller conveyed that brilliantly.

    • @ohohnenyeoo2654
      @ohohnenyeoo2654 2 года назад +14

      agreed

    • @hiiiii28
      @hiiiii28 2 года назад +11

      i couldn’t agree more ❤️

    • @ceciliamwanzah7429
      @ceciliamwanzah7429 2 года назад +56

      I completely agree. The prophecies were that Hector would be the death of Achilles, but Achilles was the death of Achilles and it was a very loud flaw that slapped us in the face in that chapter of the book. Amazing book either way. I really enjoyed it

    • @erikperhs_
      @erikperhs_ 2 года назад +17

      @@ceciliamwanzah7429 Well, Hector was the internal death of Achilles when he killed Patroclus. But yeah, he only did that because Achilles was too proud

    • @ericazahn9689
      @ericazahn9689 2 года назад

      Disagree

  • @bartandaelus359
    @bartandaelus359 2 года назад +1422

    Imagine having the balls to say "I'm gonna rewrite the Iliad" and succeeding. I'm so keen to give this a spin.

    • @ericazahn9689
      @ericazahn9689 2 года назад +43

      It is not a retelling it is just a romance with a greak historian paint

    • @redbloodbluemoon1423
      @redbloodbluemoon1423 2 года назад +17

      @@ericazahn9689 true and it's terrible.

    • @zacharynervo2091
      @zacharynervo2091 2 года назад +78

      @@redbloodbluemoon1423 definitely not

    • @AL-ez9sx
      @AL-ez9sx 2 года назад +14

      @@redbloodbluemoon1423 What part?

    • @irinibranc9235
      @irinibranc9235 2 года назад +11

      "and succeeding" lol most ppl in greece hate that book so

  • @viktorberggren9221
    @viktorberggren9221 2 года назад +729

    ”I am made of memories”
    That is all.

  • @UdyKumra
    @UdyKumra 2 года назад +2138

    I know you have reduced the number of reviews because they get fewer views but I just wanna say I absolutely love your reviews, they are my favorite videos of yours, I find many books from you, so I’m always excited to get more of these lol

    • @rolandspoofy5896
      @rolandspoofy5896 2 года назад +9

      What they said!! ^

    • @leviackerman1799
      @leviackerman1799 2 года назад +16

      Yeah..me too..but the only problem is that my TBR is so full..after watching more of the videos..

    • @bottlecap8623
      @bottlecap8623 2 года назад +2

      Agreed! Love these review vids

    • @ImSupposedToSleep
      @ImSupposedToSleep 2 года назад +5

      I agree! I´m also a fan of Merphy´s dual reviews

    • @jamesfrederick.
      @jamesfrederick. 2 года назад +12

      Yeah I think it’s to bad people in the book tuber community ironically won’t watch a book review but like unboxing videos wtf

  • @saadwani3214
    @saadwani3214 2 года назад +455

    I have to say, mythology is one of the reasons I like epic fantasy.

    • @orderofscribes
      @orderofscribes 2 года назад +2

      100 emoji. Recently got into epic fantasy thanks to Daniel. before that I was just scouring the Web for any kind of mythology I could find. Now I still do that, but with epic fantasy as well

  • @landon3137
    @landon3137 2 года назад +550

    Whenever you see “Worth the Hype?” in the thumbnail, you know it’ll either be really good or really bad.

  • @joelleblanc8670
    @joelleblanc8670 2 года назад +525

    "Circe" by the same author is also phenomenal... I feel her writing has tightened up even more (if that's even possible) since "Song of Achilles", and you get to see some characters in that book cameo here.

    • @Ekaekto
      @Ekaekto 2 года назад +5

      I loved Circe even more

    • @jenhackett1625
      @jenhackett1625 3 месяца назад

      I read Circe before this. In my humble opinion this is a million times better

  • @TiredTyler23
    @TiredTyler23 2 года назад +740

    I 10000% recommend checking out Circe after reading this one. It’s more of an original story and it’s GREAT

    • @eiliscantsleep
      @eiliscantsleep 2 года назад +35

      Yes! I really like SoA but Circe is somehow better, one of the best books I've read in the last 5 years

    • @ChristmasLore
      @ChristmasLore 2 года назад +11

      Circé comes from the Odyssey, same classical roots.

    • @BrendanDeBobes
      @BrendanDeBobes 2 года назад +5

      Circe is great

    • @Lurklen
      @Lurklen 2 года назад +3

      Man really need to check that one out, just haven't gotten around to it.

    • @deadlyk12538
      @deadlyk12538 2 года назад +14

      I read Circe first! I prefer it to SoA but both are great!

  • @shamsham1229
    @shamsham1229 2 года назад +565

    This book is known to tear hearts out. Can’t wait to read it soon!

    • @karlwilker579
      @karlwilker579 2 года назад +3

      Cersei is by the same author and is also really good.

    • @idiotburner5616
      @idiotburner5616 2 года назад +17

      I have tissues if you need them

    • @Yourhighnessnona
      @Yourhighnessnona Год назад +3

      Finished reading it 10 minutes ago and yes, my heart was torn out 😭

  • @orderofscribes
    @orderofscribes 2 года назад +358

    When I first read the illiad I didn't really like achilles, I thought he was overhyped and kind of a whiny little piss baby. After playing Hades and listening to achilles come down by gang of youths, my mind immediately changed and achilles became one of my favorite greek heroes and a character that I can relate surprisingly alot to. Excited to read this book and get another perspective on the character.

    • @Pulseidon
      @Pulseidon 2 года назад +34

      Never expected to see Gang of Youths mentioned on a Daniel Greene video, respect

    • @garfieldseviltwin97
      @garfieldseviltwin97 2 года назад +22

      I love that song! Thought I was the only one who listened to it

    • @luuuuux_
      @luuuuux_ 2 года назад +14

      That song is honestly so amazing

    • @risingphoenix5618
      @risingphoenix5618 2 года назад +13

      That song and Hades were the things that got me to read the book and man am I so glad I did

    • @xjdnsjx9233
      @xjdnsjx9233 2 года назад +3

      have you had a chance to read it? id love to know how/if your perspective changed afterwards!

  • @gabriel.meakin
    @gabriel.meakin 2 года назад +106

    I swear to god, I just finished the book a minute ago and turned my laptop on to see the review pop up in my notifications!!! That's what I call one damned coincidence!

  • @constantinegeorgopoulos744
    @constantinegeorgopoulos744 2 года назад +167

    As. a Greek, this story has always been my fav

    • @DanielGreeneReviews
      @DanielGreeneReviews  2 года назад +55

      Huh! That’s really nice to hear for some reason.

    • @milospollonia1121
      @milospollonia1121 2 года назад +10

      Kalimera. That's as far as my Greek goes.

    • @constantinegeorgopoulos744
      @constantinegeorgopoulos744 2 года назад +4

      @@DanielGreeneReviews haha I grew up with stories encompassing a ton of Greek Myth - Hercules - Clash of Titans - Prometheus --- I guess my Geekness is how I connect with these tellings

    • @constantinegeorgopoulos744
      @constantinegeorgopoulos744 2 года назад +1

      **Greekness

    • @user-ny1wo1vp9r
      @user-ny1wo1vp9r 2 года назад +4

      @@milospollonia1121 I know the word 'malaka', that has to count, right?

  • @alexm-e4910
    @alexm-e4910 2 года назад +376

    Don’t think I don’t see those books on their sides just above the skull, Daniel. Even worse, they’re stacked onto of books placed the proper way. You monster! What’s next, Funko Pops!?

    • @yourLittleSinner
      @yourLittleSinner 2 года назад +11

      There is another one below the skull! Why Daniel?

    • @marocat4749
      @marocat4749 2 года назад +24

      I bet he has a closet full of funko pops and its all a lie. Next he isnt a goblin :O

    • @alexm-e4910
      @alexm-e4910 2 года назад +6

      @@marocat4749 le gâsp!

    • @tamakikawaii
      @tamakikawaii 2 года назад

      Which books? I can't distinguish them

    • @werelemur1138
      @werelemur1138 2 года назад +2

      @@tamakikawaii There are some Dresden Files books on their sides stacked on top of the paperbacks. Looks more like maximizing available space than an aesthetic choice to me.

  • @jonahraup5851
    @jonahraup5851 2 года назад +117

    Another great modern take on the Illiad is Troy by Stephen Fry. His Greek mythology series has quickly become one of my favorites, and he's far from shy about sexuality in ancient Greece.

    • @stephaknee6348
      @stephaknee6348 2 года назад +3

      yes!!! i loved reading troy after this

  • @styriadevil4254
    @styriadevil4254 2 года назад +146

    It's been a few years since I first read the song of achilles and I really liked it back then. A few weeks ago I decided to re-read it via audiobook. I don't know if it was because of the narrator, that I took more time reading it or if my english has gotten better over the years but I enjoyed it so much more this time around. Absolutely one of my all time favorites.

    • @adamwoods6373
      @adamwoods6373 2 года назад +2

      Glad to hear you enjoyed the audiobook experience. I've it sitting in my "save for next roadtrip" pile.

    • @styriadevil4254
      @styriadevil4254 2 года назад +5

      @@adamwoods6373 the narrator really does an amazing job in my opinion

    • @erikperhs_
      @erikperhs_ 2 года назад

      Maybe it's because we know how important their memories together will be in the end, so it's even more emotional to see those memories being built.

    • @qwertynumbersix
      @qwertynumbersix 2 года назад +1

      Yeah, the audiobook narrator really suits the story; the only thing I didn't like was his voice for Achilles. I expected more of a clean sound from him, but otherwise the audiobook is an amazing way to experience The Song of Achilles while feeling fully immersed in the world.

  • @keiththebookie4423
    @keiththebookie4423 2 года назад +176

    I feel going in blind does change your experience, i didnt know this was a rewrite of another story until i looked it up (i dont read much mythology) but because of that mixed with my lack of mythological knowledge i had no clue who was expected to die, by the end i was torn to pieces because it was all a shock to me only adding to the enjoyment and heartbreak.

    • @abbbyelise
      @abbbyelise 2 года назад +8

      Yeah, for me, I knew nothing about the original story, so I was a little lost when it came to the politics and all the other Greek mythology character, but it was still enjoyable to read. I didnt know how the death would come in, but it broke me (in a good way, cause I love sad books)..I do think a re-read would be enjoyable and make more sense.

    • @ros.an.
      @ros.an. 2 года назад +8

      it's always so interesting for me to see the opinions of people who don't know much about mythology, i'm completely enamored with greek myths and read iliad and odyssey before SoA so i knew the prophecies etc and any time a character was introduced it felt like i'm meeting an old friend again which was so damn beautiful, but it also meant i was crying a lot in advance since i knew how everything would fall apart, but i still recommend people to read it completely blind without looking too much into it since that raw emotional exp of seeing the story unfold just seems like an emotional journey that you won't get anywhere else

    • @josharellano93
      @josharellano93 2 года назад

      I envy youuu

  • @avekatumba4794
    @avekatumba4794 2 года назад +97

    I loved the book. The writing style is really immersive. That's what gravitated me to the book.

  • @lewisluo6156
    @lewisluo6156 2 года назад +22

    This book utterly crushed me and made me feel more emotional than any other fictional work I have read. Last night, I sobbed my way through the last five chapters, running out of tears and inevitably finding more to shed. Madeline Miller's writing was phenomenally vibrant. As someone who was already familiar with Greek mythology, finishing each and every glorious chapter brought me greater feelings of dread for what I knew was coming. I think one of the reasons I found the book so powerful is that the dynamic of my own relationship is similar to that of Achilles and Patroclus in certain aspects, which led the twists and turns of the story to feel especially relatable.

  • @maybebianca
    @maybebianca 2 года назад +106

    The standards of the Goblin is finally a thing, and you are carrying them right

  • @keithredacted8154
    @keithredacted8154 2 года назад +110

    As an LGBT person, you made me feel so happy and welcome in this community and I thank so much for that.

    • @cap1913
      @cap1913 Год назад

      People don’t care about your sexuality

  • @masonheitner8410
    @masonheitner8410 2 года назад +81

    I randomly found this book in a small bookstore 2 years ago, and I read it completely unknowing what the hell it was, except for the fact it was ancient greek inspired, but boy I was in for a treat.
    I ended up sobbing SO bad. It’s my favourite book of all time, and I definitely agree with the hype for once, but I feel like people are probably annoyed by this book. It’s literally EVERYWHERE.
    I don’t know what my experience reading it would be if I read it during the hype, but I’m really glad I went into it knowing absolutely nothing. I highly recommend doing that if you can!

  • @PainCausingSamurai
    @PainCausingSamurai 2 года назад +50

    I preferred Circe, but Song of Achilles inspired me to finally read through the Iliad. Shout out to Overly Sarcastic Productions for sparking my interest in the classics.

  • @o_o-lj1ym
    @o_o-lj1ym 2 года назад +164

    Daniel’s shirt is spectacular.

  • @fardareismai4495
    @fardareismai4495 2 года назад +151

    This book really affected me, I loved it. Excited to see what the goblin host thinks

  • @gazi1470
    @gazi1470 2 года назад +90

    this is one of my favorite books ever and i am so happy you enjoyed it! personally i had a hard time finding flaws while reading because i was so invested emotionally in the characters but looking back i would say that the pacing could potentially be an issue, though that is the only criticism i have. you'd think knowing the end would make it less impactful but no, i cried my little heart out with the last chapter

  • @vishuddhathakkar
    @vishuddhathakkar 2 года назад +15

    Patroclus with his pure innocence makes Achilles what he is. Even Thetis has to admit that at the end. The book was wonderfully written and kept the pace. Will read Circe next as many have pointed it out on the comments

  • @melanieventer3511
    @melanieventer3511 2 года назад +30

    Regayafication is now my favourite term ever

  • @toadfanatic20
    @toadfanatic20 2 года назад +10

    I read Song of Achilles three years ago in my holidays at the Amalficoast, Italy. Somehow the beaches, the nature and the sunny, hot weather around me made this an even more intense reading experience. Guess I loved this book even more because of it. And oh my forking god the end. Just by thinking about it my hearts starts to hurt again.

  • @painandsorrowcards
    @painandsorrowcards 2 года назад +29

    It's gonna be hard to 'go in blind' when it's a retelling of one of the most well known classics.

  • @august1837
    @august1837 2 года назад +38

    This book is one of my favorites of all time. I recommend looking up the author talking about it. It is truly fascinating. I’m currently reading her second book Circe. I heard that its even better, and from what Ive read so far it does seem to be. Definitely recommend

    • @jaes1346
      @jaes1346 2 года назад +2

      Circe is so good. Like WOW so good.

  • @saunatonttu93
    @saunatonttu93 2 года назад +3

    So glad you liked it this much!!! I read it last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. What you said about the narrative lens blinding and clarifying the character of Achilles hits so true to me. I didn't think of it that way, but that's why I love it so much. You really, really feel the love in the narrative.

  • @saTAn-tk5ru
    @saTAn-tk5ru 2 года назад +49

    This is not directly related to the review but as someone who has been a subscriber for years and kinda come to see you as a role model for positive masculine ideal and just, in general, a human with qualities I'm striving for you mentioning your bisexuality just means a lot to me.
    Anyways if you're actually seeing this have a good day Daniel and know that I really appreciate what you do :)

    • @MohamedRamadan-qi4hl
      @MohamedRamadan-qi4hl 2 года назад

      Didn't he say he was straight in other videos

    • @lucaleone4331
      @lucaleone4331 2 года назад +10

      @@MohamedRamadan-qi4hl and then in this video he said "recently realized"
      As in he's come out recently. Since those videos.

    • @MohamedRamadan-qi4hl
      @MohamedRamadan-qi4hl 2 года назад

      @@lucaleone4331 where

    • @lucaleone4331
      @lucaleone4331 2 года назад

      @@MohamedRamadan-qi4hl what do you mean where?
      Like where did he come out as bi?
      I don't follow him that closely but I saw something on Twitter a couple months ago.

    • @lucaleone4331
      @lucaleone4331 2 года назад

      @@MohamedRamadan-qi4hl he didn't make a big deal of it.

  • @woahitscorrina
    @woahitscorrina 2 года назад +47

    This was one of the books I studied at university, and I can definitely see why it's on the reading list.
    Despite it not fitting into my tastes in some ways, the quality of the writing and the way that the craft is evident on the page really cements this as a book that writers can learn something from.

  • @yarahelal9412
    @yarahelal9412 2 года назад +2

    this is my favorite book of all time, i'm so glad you enjoyed it Daniel! i read it for the first time when i was 17, and it set my heart on fire. and it still hits 7 years later.

  • @fangoram29
    @fangoram29 2 года назад +23

    I don't understand tiktok but I work in a book store and love how it makes great books like this get more love

    • @claritzaaboy5287
      @claritzaaboy5287 2 года назад +8

      I’ve noticed tik tok either pushes really good or really not so good book recommendations lol

    • @claritzaaboy5287
      @claritzaaboy5287 2 года назад +2

      Zero middle ground lol

    • @ev7785
      @ev7785 2 года назад +1

      @@claritzaaboy5287 exactly. Like no offense, but I hated we were liars and that book was hyped to hell on BookTok

  • @mariana_reads
    @mariana_reads 2 года назад +1

    Omg 😱 I have been secretly waiting for this for sooo long! Daniel reviewing TSOA? 🤭 it is my all time favorite book so thank you! Sad the review are getting less views but those who watch them… we are here ;) and really appreciate them. I also understand why you recommend people to read the Iliad before TSOA (being a person who has never read the Iliad).

  • @jaysemitchells497
    @jaysemitchells497 2 года назад +30

    I really loved this book, and I'm glad you liked it so much! It's been a while since you've reviewed a book I've read, and I was so excited to see what you had to say! Loved this review

  • @elianasilver9258
    @elianasilver9258 2 года назад +1

    I read this book about a year ago and I‘m still thinking about it. It was an emotional journey I wasn‘t prepared for, but I loved every second of it. Great review!

  • @Eas697
    @Eas697 2 года назад +4

    I know you have reduced book reviews, and I understand why but its always nice to watch one from you, whether to add books to my TBR or to hear your thoughts on books I love, so even if its a while from now I'll look forward to the next one.

  • @Sammy3dg
    @Sammy3dg 2 года назад +9

    This is one of my favorites and I'm so glad you reviewed it!!!! And on top of that I'm so happy that you liked it. I genuinely think it is so beautiful and tragic and it rekindled my middle school era Percy Jackson fueled love for Greek mythology haha

  • @gab35446
    @gab35446 2 года назад +18

    This ties with Hadestown as retellings of Greek myths in which I know the ending but it still destroys me anyways

  • @edvin8946
    @edvin8946 2 года назад +26

    Circe by Madeline Miller is amazing as well, I highly recommend it! Great video btw

  • @harriet_hobbit
    @harriet_hobbit 2 года назад +8

    I read this while i was studying the Iliad at school, and it made me fall in love with the Iliad more than I expected to. Plus my teacher got really excited when she found out I'd read it

  • @AriSentYou
    @AriSentYou 2 года назад +3

    This is one of my favorite books. I’m glad you got to experience it.
    I hope that you can do more book reviews. As a new fantasy (adult) reader, your reviews have been so helpful to me because I didn’t even know where to start. So thanks for that!
    Btw, I’m patiently waiting on more John Gwynne reviews 👀

  • @RumoHasIt
    @RumoHasIt 2 года назад +16

    This book is easily in my top 10 list. I never thought this would be a book you would review on your channel, but im so thrilled to see you talk about it! I feel like you handled this review critically but with respect. Thank you for including lgbt narratives on your platform!

  • @NateGarcia0531
    @NateGarcia0531 2 года назад +67

    This book was amazing but I loved Circe even more. Perdita Weeks narrated the audible version, and its just *chef's kiss.*

    • @rayleighritz5107
      @rayleighritz5107 2 года назад +8

      I second reading Circe! I couldn't put it down, and the prose was beautiful.

    • @tezm7366
      @tezm7366 2 года назад +2

      After TSOA i was ready to read any book Madeline Miller wrote, and when I heard about Circe I waited so patiently to get my hands on it 🥰 Was not disappointed, just exceptional writing.

    • @MeghanmarinePrior
      @MeghanmarinePrior 2 года назад +2

      Seriously the narration in the audio book was soooooo goodd

    • @NateGarcia0531
      @NateGarcia0531 2 года назад +1

      @@MeghanmarinePrior It's probably my favorite narration so far! It's absolutely incredible.

  • @emma_h9486
    @emma_h9486 2 года назад +1

    Never thought you'd review this one! It's my favourite book so I'm glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate the larger conversations you touched upon with modernising classics and the re-gayification of ancient greece.

  • @buythewaybytheotherway5467
    @buythewaybytheotherway5467 2 года назад +2

    Can’t believe this timing! I started the book yesterday afternoon & couldn’t put it down; already over halfway through lol. This video was a nice surprise to wake up to; now looking forward to finishing it even more.

  • @crisnice1
    @crisnice1 2 года назад +2

    glad reviews are back. nice job!

  • @helengasser9235
    @helengasser9235 2 года назад +1

    Thank you for this! This book is popular with my students and I’m so relieved it’s really good. It’s been on my list and maybe I’ll be able to read it soon.

  • @txy9911
    @txy9911 2 года назад +1

    Your book reviews are my fav videos of yours!

  • @shroominim9581
    @shroominim9581 2 года назад +4

    I read separate parts of the Illiad when I was younger- maybe around the age of 6 or 7, so while reading the song of Achilles, I was able to enjoy it to its fullest. I was aware of every name mentioned in the book and their stories, such as Orpheus being able to make trees weep. I loved the book as a whole and would personally give it 10 out of 10. I hope some people agree with me;;

  • @eleftheriak.8889
    @eleftheriak.8889 2 года назад

    Daniel, have i told you how much i love that after having filmed you feel the need to add something or say it differently because something popped up in your head and you start walking around in your house talking to yourself. I love that. I relate to that. I'm here for it.

  • @melanieheath9829
    @melanieheath9829 2 года назад

    I'm a relatively new subbie and may I say, I very much love how you articulate your thoughts. These review videos seem fun (this is my first of the kind on your channel) and I enjoy how you approached it!
    And, you've got beautiful eyes 😁

  • @crabbytarotist5339
    @crabbytarotist5339 2 года назад +4

    Hello Daniel,
    Thank you for reviewing this book, I read it last year and was incredibly moved. I'll explain why in a moment because first, you said "my recently realized bi-ness" and I wanted to take a second to honor that as self-acceptance can be hard enough for some but to then add to it that you are sharing this on a public platform where you have an audience of hundreds of thousands of people is incredibly brave. Well done you.

  • @mastelsa
    @mastelsa 2 года назад +7

    I absolutely love the use of Patroclus' POV in order to humanize Achilles, and it didn't even occur to me that someone could potentially read it without any prior knowledge of Achilles and have to read through the lines to find his flaws. Achilles always came off to me in other iterations as a whiny man-baby. He's a demigod who knows he's better than everyone else and throws demi-godly temper tantrums because other people get in his way, and throws his life away in the name of glory. Going in with that perspective, it was an amazing feat of writing to have an author convince me he was loveable.

  • @yomama9114
    @yomama9114 Год назад +16

    I had never cried so much after reading a book. So so good

  • @mace8371
    @mace8371 2 года назад +5

    I absolutely loved this book!!! I am happy to know you liked it!

  • @ladybocknite5120
    @ladybocknite5120 2 года назад +4

    The fact that you were so respectful of booktok means a lot. Thank you.

  • @josephhernandez8470
    @josephhernandez8470 Год назад

    It’s so refreshing to see book reviews, definitely subscribing

  • @muhammadhashir6136
    @muhammadhashir6136 2 года назад +37

    "Telling it in a modern prose with a much more modern approach."
    I don't know why but that sounds like a rhyming verse.

    • @MKTraxel
      @MKTraxel 2 года назад +2

      "Something, something something, put me in coach."
      ... This is why I'm not a writer...

    • @muhammadhashir6136
      @muhammadhashir6136 2 года назад +1

      @@MKTraxel 😂🤣

    • @ohohnenyeoo2654
      @ohohnenyeoo2654 2 года назад +2

      @@MKTraxel 😂🥲

  • @jayare6691
    @jayare6691 2 года назад

    it’s been years since i’ve read this because i’m not strong enough for tragic love stories so idk if i can reread it lol but i personally love all the hype it’s getting now and i’m so glad you enjoyed it

  • @starkazing7817
    @starkazing7817 2 года назад +3

    I loved this book! It's definitely one of my favorites and I'm so glad that you enjoyed it as well.

  • @gwgrantis
    @gwgrantis 2 года назад

    Hopefully you see this but I wanted to ask what version of the Illad do you suggest to read? Prose or Verse. As I was looking at the Fagle translation but unsure

  • @nabiladjemai583
    @nabiladjemai583 2 года назад +6

    I read " Circe " by Madeline Miller, and I absolutely loved it!

  • @BabyCalypso
    @BabyCalypso 2 года назад

    I’m pretty new to Greek mythology. What are you referring to by reading about the Eliot ? Is there a specific book I should look for or text about it?

  • @whywherewhenhow
    @whywherewhenhow 2 года назад

    i am really happy that you liked this and i definitely feel your criticisms were valid. i also agree that maximum enjoyment of it is derived if you're at least familiar with the iliad but increases if you've actually read it

  • @danydevina7246
    @danydevina7246 2 года назад +2

    Both of Madeline Miller’s books are in my Top 10 Favorites so I’m hella excited to see what you thought about this

  • @catrionainglis5483
    @catrionainglis5483 2 года назад

    Late to this video as I was living in a land without WiFi. But thank you so much for this review. I literally finished this book last week so this is timely. I loved this book so much. I am obsessed with Miller's prose her writing is just so beautiful. She has this way of talking about time passing that allows you to feel the weight of the years without getting dogged down in them. You should definitely read Circe if you enjoyed this. I think Miller is quite possibly a new favourite author of me and I will be reading everything she ever writes

  • @alixboyer8202
    @alixboyer8202 2 года назад

    Thanks for making this review!! This book is one of my all time favorites.

  • @DemocratSocialistRob
    @DemocratSocialistRob 2 года назад

    I love The Iliad and have been so hesitant of this book because I was worried it was just a poor retelling. Thanks for the additional information, it’s now on my towering TBR list.
    Also, congratulations! Ok bi!!

  • @brewwin
    @brewwin 2 года назад +1

    I'm so happy you gave this book a chance. It's just amazing and respectful and complete.

  • @hopeb4905
    @hopeb4905 2 года назад

    Ugh loved this review 🙌 You made many points that I bobble-head nodded in agreement too

  • @alexeilassistant
    @alexeilassistant Год назад +2

    Big agree here, the story was good, makes a good modern companion piece to the Iliad but the level of emotion people were selling this book on was way overstated especially if you're already aware of the Iliad

  • @tiantuatara
    @tiantuatara 2 года назад

    This sounds really interesting. Thanks for the review. And what is that painting in your hallway? I love it, it's gorgeous!

  • @Lissy1701
    @Lissy1701 2 года назад

    I have been dying to read this book! Thank you for reviewing!

  • @dgnas
    @dgnas 2 года назад +2

    I think another benefit of reading the Iliad first/being familiar with the story is that it provides an underlying narrative tension that can be lost going in blind. Like, when you're reading about all of the peaceful and beautiful things happening in their childhood and on Pelion, you know that everything is leading to the trojan war. These times will not continue, and it adds an element of preciousness. Like, SPOILER there's so much tension in when Patroclus puts on Achilles' armour because the way it's written it feels so powerful and so good and so satisfying, but there's the tension of KNOWING what happens to Patroclus.
    I've heard people complaining that the book doesn't have a plot, and it's really just vignettes of their relationship, but knowing the story of the Iliad really eases that. Even though I do feel like it's the POINT that it's a collection of memories, because the book is what Patroclus is showing to Thetis at the end. UGH such a well crafted narrative.

  • @TamirLousky
    @TamirLousky 2 года назад +5

    Great review! You should check out Circe, the author’s 2nd novel, which is an amazing epic fantasy story also based in mythological Greece. I enjoyed it much more than Song of Achilles, though the latter is fascinating and refreshing on all the levels you mentioned.

  • @eveprickett
    @eveprickett 2 года назад +3

    ah, i love this book! it has a special place in my heart. madeline miller also wrote the novel circe which is (subjectively) even better - i’d be interested to hear your thoughts.

  • @meganjohnson9022
    @meganjohnson9022 2 года назад +1

    I adored it. I stumbled onto Madeline Miller's writing style with Circe first, and then went back to Song of Achilles. This book is so beautiful, and is one of the few books that has made me ugly cry.

  • @borasertgil5808
    @borasertgil5808 2 года назад

    So I have a question how long does it take you to finish a book? (I’m actually curious)

  • @CapeMan344
    @CapeMan344 2 года назад +1

    Miller's prose is what always keeps me coming back to this book (and Circe). It's so elaborate, and flowery, and just sucks you right in. I feel it's the perfect prose for an emotionally charged story like this.

  • @mystoreysofstories
    @mystoreysofstories 2 года назад

    Are you going to be reading and reviewing Madeline Miller’s Circe next? That one sounds more appealing to me, but I have always struggled with books about Greek mythology (or any mythology, sadly), so I’d love to hear your thoughts on it to know if that one is worth the hype also.

  • @huyluonggia6403
    @huyluonggia6403 2 года назад +1

    I absolutely love this book, but one thing I don't see talked about enough is the fact the Deidameia r@pe Patroclus was completely brushed over and never mentioned again. If it didn't have any impact, why included it in the first place?

  • @FactMan8
    @FactMan8 2 года назад

    Absolutely love your book review, you are my favorite book tuber and reviewer by far.

  • @Jinx-iw6zb
    @Jinx-iw6zb 2 года назад +4

    When Achilles said "what has hector done to me" or something along those lines, I knew for a fact that this will make me cry and it did.

  • @hcstubbs3290
    @hcstubbs3290 2 года назад +9

    I love this book and I've been recently getting into classical mythology retellings. My only issue is how Patroclus isn't treated as a very good warrior in this which is a bit... hmm. Like why can't there be two "manly" guys in the relationship? I think Pat Barker's The Silence of the Girls is even better than Song so I recommend folks checking that out if they enjoyed Song.

    • @jaspervanheycop9722
      @jaspervanheycop9722 2 года назад +5

      Yeah that was strange to me, after all Patrokles "big thing" in the Iliad is that he convinces the Myrmidons that Achilles is leading them. Why would they buy it with this version?

    • @hcstubbs3290
      @hcstubbs3290 2 года назад +1

      @@jaspervanheycop9722 yeah, exactly. He was always a great fighter, just no match for Hektor because Hektor was almost as good as Achilles.

    • @qwertynumbersix
      @qwertynumbersix 2 года назад +1

      I agree fully; I felt like Achilles was definitely turned into Patroclus's "savior" or "defender" or something like that. And while Patroclus disguised himself as Achilles, he killed...like, multiple people, including Hector's charioteer. Near the end of the war, too, when all the surviving warriors were at least decently skilled, enough so to survive after 10 years. As for Silence of the Girls, I really liked how they didn't sugarcoat Achilles -- like, at ALL -- but I did think that it could've been more realistic; there are a lot of anachronisms/modernisms which felt jarringly out of place. I think the two books are very nice counterparts to each other and allow to see and appreciate two extremely different perspectives, which is really important for an influential work such as the Iliad. Another book I really enjoyed reading, if you're up for recommendations, is A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes, which is told from different women's perspectives. It's really amazingly written and actually feels like different people narrating instead of the same author impersonating each character. :)

    • @hcstubbs3290
      @hcstubbs3290 2 года назад +1

      @@qwertynumbersix Hundred percent agree with all you've said! And I love A Thousand Ships! I wrote a comparative essay on it and Song for my MA. Such a good book.

    • @durrangodsgrief6503
      @durrangodsgrief6503 Год назад +1

      @@hcstubbs3290 yeah no hector was nowhere as good as achilles like that's something that's overstated achilles us on a whole different level Memnon was nearly as good as achilles I'm talking about close he actually made him bleed like that's the difference between them

  • @sagitswag1785
    @sagitswag1785 2 года назад +3

    Hey Daniel! I don't know if you really want people to comment on this, but you said you've recently discovered you were bi. So have I, and while it's been a struggle, seeing people whom I look up to go through similar things is really inspiring! I don't know if you are going to read this, but I want you to know that you bringing it up in your video in front of thousands of peoplr is really inspiring to me, someone who is also just discovering and coming to terms with his sexuality. I don't really know what else to say. Thank you for making my day better :)
    Also, the book sounds super interesting, definetly reading it once I finish the Book of the Ancestor trilogy

  • @ruvimbosaungweme6265
    @ruvimbosaungweme6265 Год назад

    Just finished this book and I agree with everything you said. This book had me in a chokehold 😭 the writing style drew me in immediately and Miller’s retelling felt like exactly the kind of retelling of this specific part of the Iliad I hoped for. Circe, by the same author, is next on my list!

  • @wiebertjeen
    @wiebertjeen 2 года назад +1

    I'm curious what you think of Circe, it's also by Madeline Miller!

  • @annmoore321
    @annmoore321 2 года назад +7

    Sad story: I thought I would like mythological retellings since I enjoy a good fairytale retelling…. That is not the case. I’ve read several recently published ones (including Circe and The Witch’s Heart) and they just fell flat for me. I think part of it has to do with how authors project modern culture and ideals in the story. Maybe? There is also the matter of me not liking the structure of many of these retellings.
    It’s too bad, but based on this review I don’t think Song of Achilles is for me either. I am glad it works for others though. 😁

  • @chaitanyasoman9722
    @chaitanyasoman9722 2 года назад +3

    Was waiting for the video since seeing you buying the book on Instagram story

  • @rafey8266
    @rafey8266 2 года назад

    great review! will be reading this. subscribed!

  • @deathwitheponine
    @deathwitheponine 2 года назад

    I loved this book. One advantage I think I had is that I listened to the audiobook and Frazer Douglas does a remarkable job giving nuance to some of Patroclus's thoughts. The dialogue is well done too. I can highly recommend it for people who are busy with chores. It's 11 hours and 15 minutes. I've listened to it 3 times and I still cry every time.

  • @taylahburrell7928
    @taylahburrell7928 2 года назад

    What are your thoughts on Cassandra Clare? (if you have ever read any of her books)

  • @sydneybee6016
    @sydneybee6016 2 года назад +1

    Hey congrats on the newly realized biness!

  • @giantjellyfishleader1399
    @giantjellyfishleader1399 2 года назад +36

    I know this doesn’t have anything to do with the book but I just wanna say that you being openly Bi sort’ve cheered me up today- I look up to you and love your videos so knowing we have something like that in common makes me really happy! Idk if that made sense but anyways- great video as always!

    • @andrew20146
      @andrew20146 2 года назад

      Combating bi erasure ftw!

    • @MohamedRamadan-qi4hl
      @MohamedRamadan-qi4hl 2 года назад

      @@andrew20146 didn't he say he was straight in other videos

    • @andrew20146
      @andrew20146 2 года назад

      @@MohamedRamadan-qi4hl He did. Being bi is confusing and people tend to realize it later in life.