Erie Reader Book Club: Pride Issue
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
SUNDAY, JUNE 30
The Erie Reader Book Club will be meeting the last Sunday of June to discuss The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller to correspond with our June Pride month issue. This book tells the mythical, ancient tale of The Iliad from a non-traditional standpoint. Achilles is the son of a goddess and a mortal king – and is understandably charming in all possible ways. Patroclus is his foil – awkward, shy, exiled. The two boys are brought together in their youth and form an inseparable and special bond – The Song of Achilles tells their story.
The story, as most Greek myths, is one of violence, vengeful gods, and fate, while Madeline Miller draws a breathtaking new narrative from characters who have been written about for thousands of years. The story fully takes place within a Greek mythological world (and is peppered throughout with references to ancient culture), but Miller's poetry, plot, and timeless, tragic love story makes it relatable and relevant to today's audiences.
Miller made her mark with this bestseller, and has continued to excel within historical fiction with her much-anticipated follow-up Circe. The Song of Achilles won her the Orange Prize for Fiction and was named a Stonewall Honor Book which recognizes "exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender experience."
The Erie Reader Book Club is open to anyone who is interested in reading and discussing the book. The Song of Achilles is available to purchase at Werner Books and Coffee.
1 p.m. // Werner Books and Coffee, 3608 Liberty St. // Free (cost of book not included) // For more info visit: wernerbooks.com
