The Song Of Achilles: The 10th Anniversary Edition Of The Women's Prize Winning Bestseller

Description

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their differences, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms into something deeper - despite the displeasure of Achilles's mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess.

But when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Achilles must go to war in distant Troy and fulfill his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus goes with him, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.

Awards

Winner of the Orange Women's Prize for Fiction.

Reviews

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

This is a deeply affecting version of the Achilles story: a fully three dimensional man - a son, a father, husband and lover - now exists where a superhero previously stood and fought Observer

Extraordinary ... Beautifully descriptive and heart-achingly lyrical, this is a love story as sensitive and intuitive as any you will find Daily Mail

A remarkably fresh take on one of the most familiar narratives in western literature The Times

A ravishingly vivid and convincing version of one of the most legendary of love stories -- EMMA DONOGHUE