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The Song of Achilles written by Mary Renault is a wonderful rendition of the story of the greek hero Achilles, war-talented and beautiful son of a mortal king and a sea nymph goddess by the name of Thetis, and his famed “companion” Patroclus.

The story follows the Achilles and Thetis, through the eyes of Patroclus, through their childhoods when they meet after Patroclus’ exile from his kingdom for an unexpected act of violence, through their training together with the centaur Chiron who had trained many of the greatest heroes before Achilles, and eventually into war with Troy to steal back Helen, wife of Menelaus and rumored to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Through fate, threatened honor, and a brutal war of kings and heroes, Patroclus follows Achilles.

This book has good LGBT+ representation while still staying true to the legend. The poetic writing style adds to the beauty and sorrow of this story. Patroclus’ and Achilles’ love, framed by quotes such as “We were like gods at the dawning of the world, & our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other,” transcends gender, war, and even death.

While not recommended for those who cannot handle certain potentially graphic content, it is a wonderful read, and the beauty of their love as it grows despite the odds could move even the coldest of people.