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The Song of Achilles: A Novel

Madeline Miller

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A New York Times Bestseller

“At once a scholar’s homage to The Iliad and startlingly original work of art….A book I could not put down.” —Ann Patchett, author of The Dutch House

A thrilling, profoundly moving, and utterly unique retelling of the legend of Achilles and the Trojan War from the bestselling author of Circe.

A tale of gods, kings, immortal fame, and the human heart, The Song of Achilles is a dazzling literary feat that brilliantly reimagines Homer’s enduring masterwork, The Iliad. An action-packed adventure, an epic love story, a marvelously conceived and executed page-turner, Miller’s monumental debut novel has already earned resounding acclaim from some of contemporary fiction’s brightest lights—and fans of Mary Renault, Bernard Cornwell, Steven Pressfield, and Colleen McCullough’s Masters of Rome series will delight in this unforgettable journey back to ancient Greece in the Age of Heroes.

“A captivating retelling of The Iliad and events leading up to it through the point of view of Patroclus: it’s a hard book to put down, and any classicist will be enthralled by her characterisation of the goddess Thetis, which carries the true savagery and chill of antiquity.” — Donna Tartt, The Times

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Posts about this title from Violetear Books

Violetear Books\ \ Kevin\ \ • Aug 9 2023

This is my Song of Achilles inspired tattoo! It wraps around my arm and says in Spanish “él es la mitad de mi alma” which in English translates to “he is half of my soul” the two hands represent lovers reconnecting, tying in the imagery of the red string that connects soulmates. The fig represents the fruit Patroclus and Achilles share as their friendship blooms into love, and it’s also a reminder of the fig story from The Bell Jar! Do you have any bookish tattoos?! If not, do you want one? #bookstagram #thesongofachilles #booktattoo #ilovebooks

1 book

Posts about this book from across Bindery

Rachael's Reads\ \ Rachael\ \ • Jul 23

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So, you saw The Odyssey (or plan to) and now you're hooked on Greek mythology?\ \ I've got you!\ \ Swipe

So, you saw The Odyssey (or plan to) and now you're hooked on Greek mythology?

I've got you!

Swipe through my collection retellings and other stories inspired by Greek mythology, including the very first one that I bought for myself (it was $4.99!), my current read, and one that's yet to be released!

🗨️ Which upcoming book-to-movie adaptation are you looking to? -or- Drop your favorite mythology retellings in the comments!

Grateful for @booksparks for the gifted copy of This Immortal Heart!

🏷️ The Iliad, The Odyssey, Greek Mythology, Mythology Retelling, Inside the Walls of Troy, Helen of Troy, Circe, Song of Achilles, Achilles, Patroclus, This Immortal Heart, Aphrodite, Ares, I Medusa, Medusa, Lord of Tides, K.D. Stark, Ayana, Gray, Jennifer Saint, Madeline Miller, Jasmine Mas, Clemence McLaren

#TheBookOdyssey #SRC2026

7 books

The Inky Phoenix\ \ Kathryn Budig\ \ • Jul 18

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In celebration of The Odyssey hitting theaters ...

here’s a recommended reading list to keep you going!

11 books

Sunny's Book Truck\ \ CJ\ \ • Jun 21

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[Hi nerds,\ \ Last night we held our recurring event, Sunny's Salon. This month the prompt was to come prepared to talk about your favorite queer read for Pride month. Below you will find 20ish book recommendations gathered from the Yuma community.\ \ \ \

The Song of Achilles: A thrilling, profoundly moving, and utterly unique retelling of the legend of Achilles and the Trojan War from the bestselling author of Circe.\ \
Homosexual Intifada: A groundbreaking anthology amplifying queer Palestinian voices through art and storytelling that reclaim identity, resist erasure, and challenge stereotypes.\ \
Muñeca: A vivid, surreal Gothic about a queer, Latine, working class witch who sets out to rescue a bespelled heiress and loses control of her powers and her heart in the process.\ \
Cleat Cute: A sapphic rivals to lovers rom com for fans of Ted Lasso and A League of Their Own, where two soccer teammates are at odds before falling in love as their team gears up for the World Cup.\ \
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe: The award-winning, internationally renowned book that is a “tender, honest exploration of identity” ( Publishers Weekly) and distills lyrical truths about family and friendship through the unlikely connection between two teens.\ \
Dogs of Summer: My Brilliant Friend meets Blue is the Warmest Color in this lyrical debut novel set in a working-class neighborhood of the Canary Islands—a story about two girls coming of age in the early aughts and a friendship that simmers into erotic desire over the course of one hot summer.\ \ \ \ \
I'll Give You the Sun: The radiant, award-winning story of first love, family, loss, and betrayal for fans of John Green, Becky Albertalli, and Adam Silvera.\ \
What Move the Dead: A gripping and atmospheric reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” from Hugo, Locus, & Nebula award-winning author T. Kingfisher.\ \
Cemetery Boys: A trans boy determined to prove his gender to his traditional Latinx family summons a ghost who refuses to leave in Aiden Thomas's paranormal YA debut.\ \
The Black Flamingo: A fierce coming-of-age verse novel about identity and the power of drag, from acclaimed poet and performer Dean Atta. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo, Jason Reynolds, and Kacen Callender.\ \
The Spirit Bares Its Teeth: Featuring an autistic trans protagonist in a historical setting, Andrew Joseph White’s much-anticipated sophomore novel does not back down from exposing the violence of the patriarchy and the harm inflicted on trans youth who are forced into conformity.\ \ \ Open Throat: A lonely, lovable, queer mountain lion narrates this star-making fever dream of a novel.\ \ \ \
Pumpkin: Return to the beloved world of Julie Murphy’s #1 New York Times bestselling Dumplin’— now a popular Netflix feature film starring Jennifer Aniston — in this fabulously joyful, final companion novel about drag, prom, and embracing your inner Queen.\ \
Herculine: A “witty, often-chilling, compulsively readable” ( Vogue) horror debut following a woman who seeks refuge at an all-trans girl commune only to discover that demons haunt her fellow comrades—and she’s their next prey!\ \
Stag Dance: In this collection of one novel and three stories, bestselling author Torrey Peters’s keen eye for the rough edges of community and desire push the limits of trans writing.\ \
D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding: D'Vaughn and Kris have six weeks to plan their dream wedding. Their whole relationship is fake.\ \
Wife Shaped Bodies: Sorrowland meets Manhunt in this literary horror debut in which an isolated newlywed, covered in fungal fruiting bodies, strikes a precarious balance between following her husband's strict rules and pursuing an intense connection with a woman who makes her question everything.\ \
Astrid Parker Doesn't Fall: An interior designer who is never without the perfect plan learns to renovate her love life without one in this new romantic comedy by Ashley Herring Blake, author of Delilah Green Doesn’t Care.\ \ \ \ \
Cackle: A darkly funny, frightening novel about a young woman learning how to take what she wants from a witch who may be too good to be true, from the author of The Return.\ \
Giovanni's Room: James Baldwin’s groundbreaking novel whose frank exploration of sexuality and self-acceptance was decades ahead of its time—named one of The Atlantic’s Great American Novels of the past 100 years.\ \
Strange Beasts: In this fresh-yet-familiar gothic tale—part historical fantasy, part puzzle-box mystery—the worlds of Dracula and Sherlock Holmes collide in a thrilling exploration of feminine power.\ \
Looking for a Sign: A newly single queer woman moves to New Orleans and sets off on a mission to find her most compatible match by going on a date with someone of each astrological sign in this rom-com from the Lambda Literary Award–nominated author of Queerly Beloved.\ \
Saturn Returning: A smoldering, soul-splitting debut that tracks three friends through the celestial chaos of adulthood, love, and queer identity.\ \
Legends & Lattes: The much-beloved BookTok sensation, Travis Baldree's novel of high fantasy and low stakes.\ \ \ \ Love what we do? Become a paid subscriberfor less than a cup of coffee a month. Your ongoing support helps us plan ahead, fund causes we care about, and create meaningful programming for our community.](https://sunnysbooktruck.binderybooks.com/item/qhqwdGtxh5zmTWfKXN0w/)

What our community is reading for Pride

🌈🌈🌈

22 books

The Inky Phoenix\ \ Kathryn Budig\ \ • Jun 5

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Happy Pride from The Inky Phoenix! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Some of our favorite LGBTQ+ books and authors

16 books

The Brothers Gwynne\ \ Ed & Will\ \ • Jun 3

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Poll:\ \ Ancient History Part 2 Vote!\ \ Ancient History part 2 is our Category for June for the Booksworn Book Club! Voting below for First Swords and Bright Stars...\ \ Upgrade for $5 or login

Booksworn JUNE VOTE!

6 books

Alysha Fortune Reads\ \ Alysha\ \ • Jan 14

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Women Fantasy Authors that arent romantasy

Here is my completed list of fantasy and scifi books written by women that aren’t Romantasy! #books #booktok #bookstagram #booksta #bookworm #fantasybooks #fantasy #scifi #Romantasy #womenauthors

30 books

Meredith Novaco\ \ Meredith\ \ • Sep 4 2025

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here's the link to my patreon vid on Song of Achilles!

[PATREON] Song of Achilles - August Pick!!

1 book

Violetear Books\ \ Kevin\ \ • Aug 10 2025

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

My Top Book Rankings

6 books

Written Reveries\ \ Krystal\ \ • Jun 1 2025

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Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈💕

Here are some favorites that I highly recommend, let's celebrate by adding LGBTQIA+ representation to your TBR and bookshelves.

Look out for another post for books I plan to read this month.

9 books

Moonlit Fables\ \ Rupali\ \ • Feb 27 2025

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my favorite books ever

please recommend some books that give these vibes bc i NEED a 5 star rn • • #booktok #favoritebooks #bookrecommendations

9 books

Moonlit Fables\ \ Rupali\ \ • Feb 27 2025

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my favorite love books!

my favorite love books! #booktok

5 books

The Inky Phoenix\ \ Kathryn Budig\ \ • Feb 16 2025

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\ \ Upgrade for $5 or login](https://inkyphoenix.binderybooks.com/item/UgWsY8WGHocyvohTlpAk/)

Inky Phoenix Chats — February 2025

It’s that dreaded time in publishing — trying to acquire blurbs (early reader praise) for LOCAL HEAVENS. Which inspired this video! Are blurbs impactful? Incestuous? Chime in on our Discord!

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/2Q5mQkzE Read The Guardian article: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/jan/31/simon-schuster-us-imprint-authors-blurbs-books

8 books

Scribe Tribe\ \ Jahid\ \ • Aug 6 2024

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Top 10 Books of 2022 👀

00:00 Intro 03:06 Most Surprising Read of the Year 04:36 A Book I Thought I'd Love That I Didn't 06:11 A Book I Thought I'd Hate That I Loved 08:42 My Most Disappointing Read of the Year 11:20 My #10 Book of the Year 12:22 My #9 Book of the Year 13:50 My #8 Book of the Year 16:01 My #7 Book of the Year 17:40 My #6 Book of the Year 19:10 My #5 Book of the Year 20:24 My #4 Book of the Year 21:45 My #3 Book of the Year 23:21 My #2 Book of the Year 25:46 My #1 Book of the Year 27:48 Outro

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Scribe Tribe\ \ Jahid\ \ • Aug 6 2024

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My Top 10 Books of 2022

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Scribe Tribe\ \ Jahid\ \ • Aug 6 2024

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Books That Elicited a Visceral Reaction From Me

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Celestial\ \ Steph\ \ • Aug 5 2024

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one star reviews of books i loved!

which one convinced you the most? 🫶 part fourteen of one star goodreads reviews of books i enjoyed!

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The Inky Phoenix\ \ Kathryn Budig\ \ • Jul 24 2024

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Happy birthday Madeline Miller!

Madeline sits in the highest chair of my literary pantheon, and besides being wildly talented, she is beyond generous and kind. Wishing you the best of birthdays and abundant health. If you haven’t read CIRCE or THE SONG OF ACHILLES, stop everything and read now!

About this clip: Four years ago, I had the privilege of interviewing Madeline (and also, but not pictured in this clip, the amazing author of A BURNING: @megha.maj) through an event hosted by @midtownscholar. I’ve linked the entire conversation in my bio. 🧡

3 books

Boundless Press\ \ Jananie\ \ • Jul 8 2024

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QUEER BOOK RECS for all year round 🏳️‍🌈

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Written Reveries\ \ Krystal\ \ • Jul 5 2024

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Mythology Retellings✨

Mythology Retellings✨ Black Sun, Fevered Star & Mirrored Heavens by Rebecca Roanhorse Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Daughter of the Moon Goddess & Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan Kaikeyi & Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel Circe & The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller @Saga Press Books 🛸🧙🏿‍♀️🔪 @Orbit Books US @HarperCollins #mythologyretellings #mythologybooks #bookish #bookclub #bookstagram #bookrecommendations#krystallotuslang #bookreview #bookmail

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Not So Well Read\ \ Courtney\ \ • Apr 28 2024

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Books That *Might* Cure Your The Familiar Hangover

If you know, you know...

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Boundless Press\ \ Jananie\ \ • Jan 22 2024

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book recs to get you back into reading in 2024!! | lit fic, fantasy, romance

Hope you enjoy xx

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Cozy Quill\ \ Meg\ \ • Dec 6 2023