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Not recommended
Content we'd steer families away from.
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- Ages
- 18–18
AI summary
A reimagining of Homer's Iliad told from the perspective of Patroclus, focusing on his deep romantic relationship with the Greek hero Achilles. The story follows them from their childhood friendship through their training and eventually to the bloody Siege of Troy.
Parent notes
The book features explicit same-sex sexual content and graphic war violence that contradicts traditional conservative Christian values. Parent concerns: Explicit homosexual romance and sexual scenes; Graphic violence consistent with war (beheadings, mutilation); Pagan mythology and worship of Greek deities; Heavy focus on fate and religious skepticism toward the gods Romance/sexual content: The book contains descriptive sexual encounters between the two male protagonists, including descriptions of intimacy, touch, and physical passion. While often described in lyrical or poetic prose, it is explicit. There are also references to sexual violence/rape common in war settings (specifically the treatment of captive women). Language: Some mild profanity, but the primary concern for conservative parents is the sexual content. Violence: Descriptions of combat include spear wounds, throat-slitting, and the brutal desecration of bodies (dragging a corpse behind a chariot). Includes the sacrifice of a young girl. Substances: Ritual wine drinking consistent with the historical setting. Worldview themes: Homosexuality as a central romantic theme, Greek Polytheism/Occult (interactions with gods and spirits), Fate vs. Free Will, Feminist critiques of ancient social structures
Why parents choose this book
What makes The Song of Achilles: A Novel worth choosing
An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.
Best for
- Age range: 18–18.
- Reading maturity: Young adult — teen protagonists and more nuanced themes.
- Kids who tend to love it: readers ages 18–18 looking for a solid story.
- Personality fit: kids ages 18–18 who enjoy a good story.
Parents love this book because
- Written by Madeline Miller, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.
Your child will probably enjoy The Song of Achilles: A Novel if they…
- Enjoy stories written for kids around ages 18–18
This book helps develop
Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 18–18 age band.
Things parents should know
- Romance: romantic subplot with kissing or teen dating.
- Violence: clear on-page conflict without lingering detail.
- Language: clean language throughout.
- Sexual content: references or fade-to-black moments.
Reading commitment
Why we recommend it
We don't broadly recommend The Song of Achilles: A Novel for the 18–18 age band; see the notes above before choosing. Madeline Miller's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.
Content ratings
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What parents say
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