The Song of Achilles

A reimagining of Homer's Iliad told from the perspective of Patroclus, who becomes the companion and lover of the legendary warrior Achilles. This Orange Prize-winning novel explores their romantic relationship from their initial meeting through the Trojan War.

The novel features a historical precursor to lavender marriage when Achilles' mother Thetis hides him on Skyros disguised as a woman to prevent his prophesied death at Troy. There, she forces him to marry King Lycomedes's daughter Deidamia under the king's nose, and Deidamia becomes pregnant with Achilles's son Neoptolemus—all while Achilles' true love, Patroclus, follows him to the island. The arranged marriage creates tension and heartbreak within their central relationship.

The book examines themes of concealed same-sex relationships, forced heterosexual marriage for survival and protection, societal expectations, and the sacrifices made to protect authentic love in ancient Greek society—themes that resonate throughout the history of lavender marriages.