As stimulating as it is entertaining.
From time immemorial mankind has proven our love for heroes. Heroes offer hope when things are dark. They help define the moral line between good and bad. They reveal the potential that is waiting inside of all of us. But mostly, these legendary heroes provide endless opportunities for pleasurable storytelling and creativity. There is no lack of inventiveness or ingenuity in the striking Prophecy of Achilles by H M Roberts. The life of mythological hero Achilles is considered and amplified in an inviting novel-written-in-verse format. Besides a rhythmic reflection of a celebrated warrior’s escapades, much focus is placed on the intensity of the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus. More familiar personalities play a part in the life of Achilles and are given attention in this work, including Peleus, Chiron, Thetis and Hector. Yet other Greek Gods and revered icons are also alluded to, adding another dimension to the storytelling. And just in case you weren’t paying close attention to mythology in school, Roberts adds in enough choice details from these timeless and beloved tales to include every reader in the tumultuous journey.
Roberts has taken a rousing segment of Greek mythology and given a lifelike voice to some legendary, and sometimes superhuman, characters. A clear example of this relatability comes from the perspective of Patroclus. One stanza begins, “My whole childhood. Disjointed. Apart from others. But now I have hope That maybe Just maybe I won’t live alone. Always.” With simplicity, these very vulnerable feelings are conveyed despite Patroclus’ reputation of a valiant, mighty warrior. It is these small but enlightening insights that help readers revisit some cherished figures and perhaps see them in an entirely new light. The poems move at a steadily accelerating pace, eventually ending on a more melancholic and contemplative note than one might expect. A compelling retelling of a classic adventure, Prophecy of Achilles is a journey that readers will find as stimulating as it is entertaining.
