Greek and Roman Mythology discussion

...I couldn't wait until the end of the month. I love this book sooooo much!

This was actually my second time reading it, but I still got so much out of it. Interestingly, the character that stood out to me the most this time around was Thetis. I really hated her the first time around and even though I still didn't like her this time, I could see why she made some of the decisions she did.

I'm still trying to unpack all the stuff that happens in that last scene (leaving this spoiler free), but regardless, she's a really interesting, complex character.

This (the group) sounds like a great idea! So this is one of your favorite "versions" of the Iliad in terms of it being retold?

Thanks!

I haven't read too many retellings of the Iliad, but one of the things that draws me to TSOA is the lyricism of her writing. She paints a really vivid picture without getting too wordy in her descriptions.

I think she also does a great job of characterization/character development (ex: The way Patroclus' character evolves from immature --> heroic).

Christina - perhaps I should reread Song of Achilles in order to feel more kindly towards Thetis. Greek gods mating with mortal women are constant events. There are lots of semi divine sons out there and even a couple of daughters (Helen.) But goddesses having babies by mortals are hard to find. Aphrodite has Aeneas willingly. But Thetis was forced into marriage with a mortal, a status way below her. Still, in the Iliad she adores Achilles and does everything in her power to intercede for him during his misery at Troy.

I can't help getting the feeling that Thetis behaves badly because she detests Patroclus. The author paints an odd, to me, picture of Patroclus - kind of a wimp. It made me uncomfortable. It seemed to me that the author is accusing Thetis of simply hating Achilles' choice of a partner. Thetis felt to me like a homophobe.

The entire relationship between Achilles and Thetis is very different from my reading of other sources.

Mara wrote: "Christina - perhaps I should reread Song of Achilles in order to feel more kindly towards Thetis. Greek gods mating with mortal women are constant events. There are lots of semi divine sons out the..."

Oh, I definitely don't like Thetis as a person (or in this case, as a goddess). I was just saying that I would have liked to have seen more of her character arc in this book-- she goes so quickly from hating (and yes, discriminating against) Patroclus to allowing his name to be put on the tomb. I understand that it would have taken many, many more chapters to completely flesh out that transition, but I would have liked to have seen that change.

As for Patroclus, I agree that it's a pity he's kind of a wimp. I do like his internal character development, though, especially his turn towards medicine.

Her new book about Circe is supposed to come out in April... I'm hoping that can be one of our books at some point!