THE BOOK THAT LAUNCHED A THOUSAND RETELLINGS

In this episode of Why You're Reading, Ellie and Ellen dive into The Song of Achilles—Madeline Miller’s retelling of the Achilles and Patroclus myth that’s captivated BookTok. They unpack the novel’s themes of love, fate, and grief, while exploring how Miller brings a fresh, emotional depth to ancient Greek mythology. From the book’s tender LGBTQ+ representation to its poetic prose, they discuss why this story resonates so deeply with modern readers. Plus, they tackle the rising popularity of myth retellings, the balance between historical accuracy and contemporary values, and whether social media is reshaping the literary canon. And, of course, they answer the big question: shelf it, share it, or shred it?