Troy Story

Once again I'm not making it to the monthly book club meeting so I'm putting some thoughts down on the blog instead. This months book was the Song of Achilles, a retelling of the Trojan war from the perspective of Patroclus and focuses on the relationship between him and Achilles.

The book is written as a romance, and while the story covers the key plot points of The Illiad, it's always for the purpose of progressing the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles. We see the relationship grow over the course of their short lives (even factoring in the 10 years of the Trojan war they were in their late twenties at most at the end, more likely mid twenties). The relationship does seem very one sided with Achilles being more accepting and allowing than actively pursuing, while Patroclus is the besotted desiring one. Patroclus' devotion seems to dominate his personality, to the point that the one time he finds a role for himself without Achilles it stands out greatly.

In fact, Patroclus' lack of identity separate from Achilles seems very one dimensional, and very counter to the way the novel uses a more modern lens on telling the story. Patroclus only has a few instances where he shows any motivation other then being with Achilles, and does tend to make him unmemorable as what is nominally the protagonist of the story.

While not too graphic, the book doesn't hide the physical nature of the character's relationship between chapters and definitely wouldn't get a PG rating (I think I'd still make that conclusion if it was a straight relationship). What there is isn't too titillating (is that the right word for a M/M encounter?) although maybe someone attracted to men may disagree with me.

Overall a straightforward read with ok writing, although I do prefer Stephen Fry's retelling of the Trojan saga with his tendency to get distracted by side stories and odd bits of trivia.