The Song of Achilles: Was Patroclus Just a Friend?

“Achilles! Achilles! Achilles!” (The camera zooms in on Brad Pitt as he smashes and thrashes the Trojans with his sword). In a matter of one afternoon, the Temple of Apollo is taken by the Greeks and we the viewers see Achilles and Briseis meet for the first time. As Achilles is approaching Agamemnon’s tent, we also see that Achilles’s cousin, Patroclus, joins him on his walk to congratulate him on his victory. But, of course, like all great heroes they are matched with great egos and great pride. As the movie progresses, we see the two great prides and egos of Achilles and Agamemnon go head-to-head as Briseis is dragged into Agamemnon’s tent. Almost instantly, Achilles draws his sword and is prepared to fight 5 men to protect Briseis. Swoon!

                But this is not the movie. The book we are reviewing in this post is called The Song of Achilles, written by Madeline Miller. Yes, the story’s backdrop is the Trojan War and yes, these characters are spoken about. But unlike the movie, this book is written from the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles's “cousin”- or so that is how he is portrayed in the movie. In this book, he is portrayed as someone entirely different. In Homer’s Iliad, Achilles and Patroclus are depicted as very close friends. However, there has been much debate through the centuries about how close Achilles and Patroclus really were: between Aeschylus, Plato, and even modern interpretations suggest they were much more than just friends. In this book, we the readers know every thought that runs through Patroclus’s head and notice early on just how fond Patroclus becomes of Achilles.

The story takes us through the journey of Patroclus and Achilles's initial meeting after Patroclus is exiled to Phthia for accidentally killing the son of a noble. I mean sure. You accidentally killed the son of someone high-born- NO PROBLEM! We’ll just send you to live in a beautiful seaside providence with beaches and vineyards as far as the eye can see. Anyway…

Thetis- Achille’s mother- attempts to separate the two but fails. When Paris, the beautiful prince of Troy seduces Helen, Agamemnon begins to call on his men to join the war; Achilles being the main target. Now, don’t worry if you are someone who does not enjoy SMUT novels, this novel stays pretty PG with only suggestions of thoughts, feelings, and actions. Madeline Miller keeps us tuned in the whole time…all the way through to the calamitous ending of the Trojan War.

A lot to unravel, I know. But! Not to worry because I’ve got a perfect wine for this story. The backdrop is Ancient Greece so of course we have to go with white wine! Allow me to introduce to you Le Grand Caillou Sauvignon Blanc. This upper Loire Valley white wine, when chilled, produces an aromatic stone fruit scent that takes center stage on the palette mixed with pear and citrus. As it begins to reach room temperature it transforms into a juicy green apple flavor while maintaining its acidic quality. Which is totally great for a refreshing taste while staying cool in the heat! Sauvignon Blanc has very similar qualities to the Assyrtiko variety, which is a white wine that originates in Santorini, so as you read this story you get a literal taste of Ancient Greece! Let us know what you think!

Fun Fact: Did you know that Cabernet Sauvignon’s parents are Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc grapes? This accidental hybrid cross occurred in the 1600s and we only just confirmed it was a hybrid back in 1996!

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