The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

I enjoyed this book, which is in effect a retelling of the story of Achilles, with a touch of artistic licence. I imagine that if you are a serious Greek scholar you may find the artistic licence a little too libraly administered but if (like me) you know nothing about Greek gods (apart from that film with all those hot men) it just adds to the plot's interest. The relationship between Patroclus and Achilles is no doubt discussed at length by the serious Greek scholars over weak tea in the library common room, and the author is very definitely a supporter of the view that they were lovers. Bearing in mind they didn't really exist, whether or not they actually were gay strikes me as irrelevant, especially as the way their relationship develops adds significantly to the plot's interest.

The writing is good, the characters well portrayed and I found the dialogue suprisingly natural and believable. But it is still the plot which I enjoyed the most. Definitely worth a read (unless you are a serious Greek scholar in which case try the modern day legend - with a predictably philosophical title - You Only Live Once by Katie Price).