I like this book. A lot. In fact, I devoured the 350 page novel in a couple of hours, so hooked I was to the plot of the story. Miller has succeeded in creating a refreshing modern work of literature from a legend thousands of years old.

The title of the book may be slightly misleading since the story does not focus particularly on Achilles nor is the Trojan War told from his point of view. Rather, the novel, set in Greece, is narrated by "an awkward young prince" named Patroclus, who after accidentally murdering his friend over a game of dice, gets exiled to the court of King Peleus where the unlikely friendship between pathetic Patroclus and the heroic, seemingly perfect Achilles blossoms.

From there on, their bond develops into something deeper, much to the outrage of Achilles' mother, Thethis, a miserable sea goddess. When word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped by Paris of Troy, Thetis sends Achilles far away to the island of Sycros where for some time, he is forced to dress as a girl, so that Patroclus doesn't recognise him, should he come to look for his friend.

However, Thetis' plan to break up her son's relationship with Patroclus backfires and Achilles realises that he must go to war in Troy in order to fulfill his destiny and become a hero, the greatest warrior of all time. Patroclus, through fear and love for his companion, follows Achilles to fight in the war, neither of them knowing what tests the future years will hold for them.

This book has won the Orange Prize for Fiction 2012 and I can certainly see why. The plot of the story is tantalising, and I admire how Miller has taken one of the most legendary and familiar of stories from the Iliad and managed to fashion a modern masterpiece out of it. The book revolves a lot around the developing relationship between Patroclus and Achilles and I like how the author has chosen Patroclus as the narrator, because it allows a somewhat "behind-the-scenes" character to come into the spotlight and be central to the action.

In general, I loved reading this book, and I think it is great for anyone, since it comprises of humour, romance, action and adventure. It is the perfect summer read!

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