Madeline Miller

Born in Boston and raised amidst the vibrant cultural tapestry of New York City and Philadelphia, Madeline Miller's early life was steeped in the rich traditions of classical literature and drama. A scholar of the ancient world, she pursued her BA and MA in Classics at Brown University, a foundation that would profoundly shape her literary endeavors. Her academic journey also led her to the University of Chicago’s Committee on Social Thought and the Yale School of Drama, where she honed her skills in dramaturgy, particularly the adaptation of classical texts. Residing in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Miller continues to impart the wisdom of Latin and Greek to high school students, nurturing a new generation's appreciation for the ancient narratives that fuel her own creative work. Miller's debut novel, "The Song of Achilles," catapulted her into the literary spotlight, earning her both critical acclaim and a devoted readership. This reimagining of the Iliad through the lens of a deeply personal narrative explores the profound bond between Achilles and Patroclus, capturing the intricacies of love, honor, and destiny against the backdrop of the Trojan War. The novel's lyrical prose and emotional depth garnered it the prestigious Orange Prize for Fiction, affirming Miller's prowess in breathing new life into age-old tales. Her writing is characterized by its poetic elegance and psychological insight, deftly weaving together themes of love, mortality, and the eternal struggle for glory. By reinterpreting classic myths through a modern lens, Miller contributes a fresh, resonant voice to contemporary literature, bridging the distant past with the present and inviting readers to explore the timeless human experiences that unite us all.