3 Of The Best Madeline Miller Books In Order

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“And perhaps it is the greater grief, after all, to be left on earth when another is gone.”

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Madeline Miller has become one of the most beloved authors of modern Greek mythology retellings, known for her lyrical writing, emotionally rich characters, and fresh feminist perspectives on ancient myths. Whether you first fell in love with The Song of Achilles or were captivated by the witchy, defiant voice of Circe, it’s only natural to wonder what to read next. If you’re new to her work – or simply want to revisit her novels – this guide to Madeline Miller’s books in order breaks down her stories. From epic love stories to powerful reimagining of mythological women, her books offer an accessible yet deeply moving reading experience. Here at What We Reading, you’ll find all the best Madeline Miller books and our favourite reading order to enjoy each of them! 

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The Song Of Achilles (2011)

First up on our list of Madeline Miller books is her acclaimed debut novel, The Song of Achilles. Achilles, “the best of all the Greeks,” son of the cruel sea goddess Thetis and the legendary king Peleus, is strong, swift, and beautiful, irresistible to all who meet him. Patroclus is an awkward young prince, exiled from his homeland after an act of shocking violence. Brought together by chance, they forge an inseparable bond, despite risking the gods’ wrath. 

They are trained by the centaur Chiron in the arts of war and medicine, but when the word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, all the heroes of Greece are called upon to lay siege to Troy in her name. Seduced by the promise of a glorious destiny, Achilles joins the cause. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus follows. Little do they know that the cruel Fates will test them both as never before and demand a terrible sacrifice in this brilliantly-told Madeline Miller global bestseller. 

The Song of Achilles is Madeline Miller’s debut novel. It took ten years to write while she worked as a Latin and Greek teacher, and went on to win the Orange Prize for Fiction, with Miller becoming only the fourth debut novelist to win the prize. 

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Check Out The Best Books Like The Song Of Achilles 

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Galatea (2013)

In ancient Greece, a skilled marble sculptor has been blessed by a goddes who has given his masterpiece, the most beautiful woman the town has ever seen – the gift of life. Now, his wife, he expects Galatea to please him, to be obedience and humility personified. But she has desires of her own and yearns for her own independence. 

In a desperate bid by her obsessive husband to keep her under control, Galatea is locked away under the constant supervision of doctors and nurses. But with a daughter to rescue, she is determined to break free, whatever the cost… Galatea is an enchanting short story by Madeline Miller that boldly reimagines the myth of Galatea and Pygmalion. 

Circe (2018)

Circe is a strange child, one who possesses the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves. Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts, and encounters many of the most famous figures in all of mythology. 

But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most of all, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or with the mortals she has come to love. 

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Check Out The Best Books Like Circe

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