Absolutely, that’s a really insightful point. It is definitely striking how The Song of Achilles reflects the kind of brutal disregard for women that existed in those ancient myths. And you’re right—it’s a stark contrast to the modern ideas of women’s rights and liberation that we’re familiar with today.

Madeline Miller really doesn’t shy away from showing how, in that ancient world, women were often treated as pawns or sacrifices, and their voices were largely ignored. It’s definitely disturbing and it reminds us how far we’ve come, and how much the world has changed.

So yeah, it’s definitely a powerful and sometimes unsettling reflection of those ancient values. And it makes sense that it stands out when we think about it from today’s perspective.