"There are too many of them," he said. "It's simpler if they just remember me."

This was another novel from Barack Obama's 2018 summer reading list and went in with no expectations and was left pleasantly surprised.

My review of this book is from someone who is decades removed from learning about Greek mythology in school. I have never read the Iliad and I have forgotten the names and lore associated with them. With all that said I knew little of the history and felt like I was reading a story for the first time.

You can use a spear as a walking stick, but that will not change its nature.

The relationship between Patroclus and Achilles was wonderfully told. From youthful innocence to the mature companionship it was well executed. Their relationship endured judgement, either openly or secretly from others, and their reputation was was put on the line to defend what each other had.

It was not murder that had exiled me, it was my lack of cunning. I understood, now, that disgust in my father's eyes. His moron son, confessing all. I recalled how his jaw had hardened as I spoke.

Even though the story was always destined for tragedy but it didn't feel stale or repetitive.

This was an enjoyable read and would recommend for those that have an intimate knowledge of the characters or for those who have forgotten a lot of details (like myself).