What we thought:
“And perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is gone.”
This is a book that divided the critics. Well, it polarised them actually. It won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2012 and the Gaylactic Spectrum Award for Best Novel in 2013. But it also had some pretty nasty tongue-lashings from the critics on The New York Times and The Guardian among others.
Well I loved it.
It’s a tragic love story. Miller retells Homer’s heroic story of Achilles in the Trojan Wars from the point of view of his companion Patroclus. The exact nature of the two men’s relationship has been debated through the centuries. In Miller’s novel you are left with no doubt. They were lovers from their teens. The relationship is passionate, strong and long lasting. At least, it lasts until Patroclus is killed in battle (no spoiler alert if you've read your ancient Greek!). The death of Patroclus leaves Miller with a problem, given the novel is narrated by him. Unabashed, she continues his narration from beyond the grave. Surprisingly, it works.
This is a book that divided the critics. Well, it polarised them actually. It won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2012 and the Gaylactic Spectrum Award for Best Novel in 2013. But it also had some pretty nasty tongue-lashings from the critics on The New York Times and The Guardian among others.
Well I loved it.
It’s a tragic love story. Miller retells Homer’s heroic story of Achilles in the Trojan Wars from the point of view of his companion Patroclus. The exact nature of the two men’s relationship has been debated through the centuries. In Miller’s novel you are left with no doubt. They were lovers from their teens. The relationship is passionate, strong and long lasting. At least, it lasts until Patroclus is killed in battle (no spoiler alert if you've read your ancient Greek!). The death of Patroclus leaves Miller with a problem, given the novel is narrated by him. Unabashed, she continues his narration from beyond the grave. Surprisingly, it works.
This is such a beautiful book to read. Miller has a wonderfully contemporary style, which sits well in the ancient setting. Critics have attacked the book’s accessibility, accusing it of being “a good beach read in the style of Dawson’s Creek”. A reference not lost on me with my surname! I disagree strongly with this disparaging criticism. I enjoyed Miller’s writing style and the way she gave life to her characters. This is in no way a dry historical novel. It’s rich in emotion and action and ultimately very moving.
A very accessible read that will help many people get into the ancient Greek myths and legends.
You’ll Enjoy This If You Loved: The Open Arms of the Sea by Jasper Dorgan
Avoid If You Dislike: Some description of gay sex, some bloody battle description
Perfect Accompaniment: An ouzo and olives
Genre: LGBTQI, Historical, Romance
Buy This Book Here
Tracking possibilities for shipments are rated at 3. It indicates a satisfactory performance - the tracking systems provide all the basic information as well as additional data about shipments; most of the times it also has a weel established cooperation with foreign and international tracking systems, as well as usually provides information in multiple languages. http://www.confiduss.com/en/jurisdictions/cyprus/infrastructure/
ReplyDeleteWhether you like it or not, I would also like you not to wrap up your discussion on this part of the argument and continue it until everyone is satisfied. Click here to know more PortoBlend
ReplyDelete