The heroic tale of the passion of Achilles, unrivalled hero and the most beautiful man in the world, for the handsome and heroic Patroclus, as it unfolds in Homer's Iliad, is the one of the greatest and earliest gay love stories ever told. But Homer also hints at another love story that complicates the tale: that of the handsome Prince Antilochus who comes to the battlefield of Troy to find Achilles, the man he has always loved. When the tragic death of Patroclus leaves Achilles shattered and alone, it is Antilochus who is at his side, as friend, companion in battle, and lover.
"Achilles: A Love Story," written in the tradition of Mary Renault’s "The Persian Boy" and "Fire From Heaven," Yourcenar’s "Memoirs of Hadrian," and Vidal’s "Julian," is the first modern novel (published: 2010) to re-imagine the "Iliad" as what ancient readers knew it to be: not only a tale of battles and exemplary heroism, but a passionate story of love between men. "Achilles: A Love Story" creates the passionate tale of Antilochus and Achilles as it plays out against the legendary battles of the Trojan war in an exciting and moving story told by no other writer.
(Revised Edition: February 2012)
COMMENTS
Much More Than I Expected (H. Michael Starr Amazon Verified Purchase.)
The title of this book…suggested a quickie gay romance novel....What I got instead was a beautifully written retelling of a beautiful story, the Iliad, from a homoerotic perspective.
Unexpected, (By Anna - Amazon Verified Purchase)
I totally did not expected this....it was beautiful! …and it grips the reader. I could not stop reading.
Highly recommended (Gerry A. Burnie "Gerry B's Book Reviews" Amazon Verified Purchase.
"Achilles: A love story" is an unapologetic celebration of male love and valour.