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Cover of The Song of Achilles

Historical · Fantasy

The Song of Achilles

by Madeline Miller

4.3 out of 5, from 2,921 ratings from Hardcover readers

A shy exiled prince becomes the companion of Achilles, the golden favourite of the gods, and their friendship deepens into love. The narrator follows him from boyhood training through the long years of the Trojan War.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2011
Pace
Medium
Length
Medium
Pages
384
Format
Standalone
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Read this if you want a tender, devastating love story set against the Trojan War, with prose that is beautiful and clear.

Skip this if you want to avoid stories where you know it will end in grief.

The feel

Content warnings

  • War
  • Death
  • Violence
  • Sexual assault
  • Grief

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Sexual content
  • Rape
  • Homophobia
  • Slavery
  • Injury/Injury detail

Quick answers about The Song of Achilles

What is The Song of Achilles about?
A shy exiled prince becomes the companion of Achilles, the golden favourite of the gods, and their friendship deepens into love. The narrator follows him from boyhood training through the long years of the Trojan War.
Who should read The Song of Achilles?
Read it if you want a tender, devastating love story set against the Trojan War, with prose that is beautiful and clear. Skip it if you want to avoid stories where you know it will end in grief.
How long and how fast is The Song of Achilles?
It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 384 pages, first published in 2011.
Does The Song of Achilles have content warnings?
Content we flag: War, Death, Violence, Sexual assault, Grief.
Can I borrow The Song of Achilles for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Song of Achilles; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Song of Achilles?
Readers who liked it often move on to Circe, The Night Circus, The Book Thief.

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