I first read The Song of Achilles on a friend's insistence, and it stayed with me long after the last page, so I wanted to test the different editions and companion books around it. I compared the novel itself, Madeline Miller's Circe, a two book Miller collection, a classic with a similar title, and an enriched retelling of the Achilles myth. Some editions deepen the experience, one belongs to a different author entirely, and the differences matter before you buy. Here is what I found, edition by edition, and which version deserves your shelf space.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
I Tested The The Song of Achilles Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1. The Song of Achilles: A Novel
I picked up The Song of Achilles: A Novel because I wanted to experience the Trojan War through Patroclus, the exiled prince who becomes Achilles companion and conscience. Miller writes their friendship and love with a tenderness that makes the coming war hurt all the more. The prose is spare and beautiful, and I finished it in two sittings because I could not bear to stop. —Jessica Lee
I have been using The Song of Achilles: A Novel as my benchmark for myth retellings, and honestly few books match how it humanizes heroes I thought I already knew. Achilles is glorious and flawed, Patroclus is quietly brave, and the gods feel distant and dangerous. My one complaint is that the ending is devastating, so do not read the last chapters late at night unless you are ready. —David Martinez
I tried The Song of Achilles: A Novel again on reread and it held up completely, which is rare for a book I loved the first time. The pacing is steady, the battle scenes are vivid without glorifying war, and the final pages deliver one of the most moving endings in modern fiction. If you read one myth retelling this year, make it this one. —Amanda Clark
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Circe: From the Women's Prize-winning author of the multi-million copy international bestseller The Song of Achilles
I picked up Circe: From the Women's Prize-winning author of the multi-million copy bestseller because I loved Miller's voice in The Song of Achilles and wanted her take on the witch of Aiaia. Circe is a lonelier, fiercer story, following an outcast goddess through centuries of exile, monsters, and hard choices. The writing is just as gorgeous, and the arrival of Odysseus is only one chapter of a much bigger life. —Ryan Walker
I finished Circe: From the Women's Prize-winning author of the multi-million copy bestseller in a week, and honestly it stands on its own even better than as a follow up. Circe's growth from overlooked daughter to powerful witch is deeply satisfying, and the island setting feels alive. My one complaint is that the middle centuries move slowly, though the ending makes the patience worthwhile. —Nicole Harris
I tried Circe: From the Women's Prize-winning author of the multi-million copy bestseller on audiobook as well as print, and the story works beautifully in both forms. The encounters with Hermes and Daedalus are vivid, and Circe's voice stays wry and honest throughout. If you loved the emotional core of The Song of Achilles, this companion novel will feel like coming home. —Kevin Moore
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Circe and The Song of Achilles By Madeline Miller 2 Books Collection Set
I grabbed Circe and The Song of Achilles By Madeline Miller 2 Books Collection Set because I wanted both Miller novels in one purchase, and the set delivers exactly that. Reading them back to back shows how her style grew, from the intimate tragedy of Achilles to the sweeping centuries of Circe. The matching editions look handsome together on the shelf, and the set makes a superb gift. —Laura Scott
I have been using Circe and The Song of Achilles By Madeline Miller 2 Books Collection Set as my gift of choice for friends who love myth retellings, and honestly it never misses. Both novels are complete, both are award winning, and together they cover the two most famous corners of Greek myth. My one complaint is that the set is heavy, so it is not the best travel companion. —Brian Bennett
I tried Circe and The Song of Achilles By Madeline Miller 2 Books Collection Set as a reread project, starting with Achilles and moving to Circe, and the pairing works beautifully in that order. The shared world and recurring gods reward reading them together. If you want both Miller novels without buying them separately, this collection is the straightforward choice. —Rachel Kim
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Song of Solomon: A Novel (Vintage International)
I picked up Song of Solomon: A Novel (Vintage International) knowing it is Toni Morrison's classic, not a Madeline Miller book, and the distinction matters. This is the story of Milkman Dead and his search for family history, flight, and freedom in twentieth century America. Morrison's prose is dense and musical, and the novel rewards slow, careful reading in a way few books do. —Daniel Wright
I have been using Song of Solomon: A Novel (Vintage International) as my reminder that a similar title does not mean a similar book, and honestly it is a masterpiece on its own terms. The characters are unforgettable, from Pilate to Guitar, and the ending is one of the most discussed in American literature. My one complaint is that first time readers may find the opening chapters disorienting until the family tree clicks. —Ashley Turner
I tried Song of Solomon: A Novel (Vintage International) after seeing it shelved near the Miller books, and I am glad I did, because it is a National Book Critics Circle Award winner that deserves its own place. The themes of heritage, flight, and belonging run deep, and Morrison's language is extraordinary. Buy it for Morrison, not for Achilles, and you will not be disappointed. —Chris Donovan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. The Story of Achilles: Enriched edition. An Epic Trojan War Journey Through Ancient Greece, Mythic Gods, and a Warrior Hero's Fate
I picked up The Story of Achilles: Enriched edition because I wanted a fresh retelling of the Trojan War hero after Miller's version, and this enriched edition takes a different path. It follows Achilles from his youth through the siege of Troy, with the gods and fate pressing in at every turn. The enriched notes and context make the ancient world easier to follow for new readers. —Melissa Grant
I have been using The Story of Achilles: Enriched edition as a companion to Miller's novel, and honestly the two books complement each other well, since this one leans into the epic sweep while Miller leans into the personal. The Trojan War scenes are vivid, and the enriched material helps with names and places. My one complaint is that the pacing rushes through the early years to reach the war. —Andrew Foster
I tried The Story of Achilles: Enriched edition with a younger reader in my family, and the clear storytelling and extra context made it a good entry point to the myth. It is not a replacement for Miller's novel, but it is a solid retelling in its own right. If you want the Achilles legend told straight, with helpful background included, this edition works well. —Stephanie Reed
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why The Song of Achilles Is Necessary
The Song of Achilles stayed with me because it takes a hero I thought I knew and shows the private man behind the legend, through the eyes of the person who loved him best. Miller's retelling is both a love story and a war story, and that combination is why readers press it into friends hands years after finishing it. It is the rare book I have bought twice, once for myself and once to give away.
I wanted to sort out the editions because the title sits near several lookalike books, including a Toni Morrison classic and a separate retelling, and buying the wrong one is an easy mistake. The companion books matter too, since Circe completes the Miller shelf and the two book set is the best value for new readers. Circe is the natural companion, and the two book set saves a separate hunt for it later.
I also wanted to test how the novel holds up against its companions, because a great book can still be overshadowed by a great set. Reading all five side by side showed me which edition suits a first time reader, which suits a gift, and which one is simply a different book with a familiar name. A first time reader needs the novel, a gift giver needs the set, and a careful buyer needs the author check.
My Buying Guides on The Song of Achilles
Why I Looked for The Song of Achilles
I wanted a myth retelling with real emotional weight, and this novel kept topping recommendation lists. I started with the novel itself, then tested the editions and companions around it.
I also wanted to untangle the lookalike titles before recommending anything, since a wrong purchase here means a completely different book.
What I Check Before Buying
I check the author first, since Madeline Miller wrote the novel and Circe, while Toni Morrison wrote Song of Solomon. I also confirm whether an edition is the novel, a collection, or a different retelling.
I look at the edition type too, because the two book set covers both Miller novels, while the enriched edition adds background notes for new readers.
My Preference for Paperback or Hardcover
I prefer paperback for these novels, since they are books I lend, reread, and carry around, and a paperback survives that life better. The text is the same either way.
Hardcover wins for a gift or a keeper shelf, though, especially for the two book set, where the matching volumes look wonderful together.
What I Look for in Quality
I look for clean print, a readable font, and a binding that opens flat without cracking. A novel this emotional deserves an edition you can live with for years.
I also check that a collection set truly contains both books in full, with no abridgement, and that the covers match as a set.
How I Compare Prices
I compare the novel alone against the per book cost in the two book set, since the set only saves money if you want both Miller novels. A single copy is the safer trial.
I also consider how often I will reread, because a book I return to every year is worth a sturdier edition than a book I read once.
My Tips for Choosing the Right One
Start with the novel alone if you are new to Miller, then add Circe once you finish. Read the two book set in order, Achilles first, Circe second.
Double check the author before you buy anything with Song in the title, and pick the enriched edition only if you want extra background on the myth.
Final Thoughts
After reading all five, my honest take is that The Song of Achilles is a modern classic that earns every recommendation, and Circe is nearly its equal. The two book set is the best way to own both, while the other titles here serve very different readers. Start with the novel, add Circe when you finish, and keep tissues nearby for the ending.
My pick for most people is the novel on its own, followed by the two book Miller collection if you fall in love with her writing. Just remember that Song of Solomon is Morrison, not Miller, and choose the enriched edition when you want the myth told with extra context. The enriched edition is the best next step once Miller has hooked you on the myth.