Madeline Miller's "The Song of Achilles," the movie

Now showing at My Book, The Movie: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller.

The entry begins:

The Song of Achilles is a retelling of the life of Achilles from the point of view of his lover and best friend Patroclus. The novel follows the two from boyhood through the events of the Trojan War.

I never imagine actors as any of my characters when I’m writing, so trying to dream-cast my book turned out to be surprisingly hard. Also, since these characters are famous and beloved, I knew people would have strong feelings about them, as they did about Brad Pitt’s Troy. But here goes….

The only person I can imagine as Achilles is Heath Ledger. I know what you’re thinking—that I’m just saying that because of the association with Brokeback Mountain. But actually, if I’m being honest, it’s because of 10 Things I Hate About You. In that movie, Ledger shows the enigmatic self-possession, the surprising warmth and depth, and the playful mischief of Achilles as I imagine him. Also, he looks golden.

I found it almost impossible to choose an actor to play his lover Patroclus—the closest I got was...[read on]

Learn more about the book and author at Madeline Miller's website.

See Madeline Miller's top ten classical books.

My Book, The Movie: The Song of Achilles.

--Marshal Zeringue