The Song of Achilles is another debut novel that had us all at hello. Building on the groundwork of The Iliad, Madeline Miller’s page-turning, profoundly moving and blisteringly paced retelling of the epic Trojan War engages the reader immediately; the New York TImes said it "is drenched with longing not seen since “Brokeback Mountain,” Yowza! Miller has a BA and MA in Latin and Ancient Greek (she's actually read The Illiad in ancient Greek – yeah, me too), and studied at the Yale School of Drama, specializing in adapting classical tales to a modern audience, so she knows exactly how to weave a compelling tale.
She also happens to be on the of the loveliest people this side of the River Styx.
School Library Journal sat down with Madeline to find out what inspired her and how she formed her beautiful story:
When did you first hear the Iliad?
My mother began reading the Iliad and Greek myths to me when I was a child, and from the first, I was completely hooked. Even despite the gods and monsters, the stories felt intensely real to me. The heroes themselves weren't like the heroes in other books—they were angry, grief-stricken, passionate, and full of faults. I felt like I was being given a scandalous peek at the adult world. And, of course, I loved the thrilling adventures.
I was lucky to have a really terrific Latin teacher in high school, who not only encouraged my interest in Latin, but also offered courses in extra-curricular Greek. I jumped at the chance. I was so excited to be able to read these works in their original language. It was no longer just about the stories themselves—which were still amazing—but also about the incredible poetry. Reading Vergil's Aeneid and Homer's Iliad together was a literary revelation. Both men are master craftsmen of the highest order.
For the rest of the interview, check out the SLJ site.
– Annie