Book Review: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (five stars)
‘That is what a prince should be.’
Excellent re-telling of Homer’s Trojan War classic. Chronological rather than starting near the end as Homer did. Miller took a supporting cast member and made him the star.
“I thought you said it would be an easy campaign, home by next fall.” “I lied.”
Miller strays from the received text, making the story her own. Need to re-read The Iliad. A few continuity, anachronism, and logic quibbles.
“What has Hector ever done to me?”
No, it isn’t five-stars good(not even as good as her Circe), but in accordance with my standard practice I awarded an extra star because this was Miller’s first novel. Good job.
“I will not live much longer. Memory is all I can hope for.” “But I would have the memory be worthy of the man.”
As a Matter of Fancy 
Is that a new practice? I don’t remember reading that you gave first novels an extra star.