The Roman

Rating:
Summary: Gripping
Review: A gripping story. The narrative is so powerful, I could not sleep for two days after reading the book. The book is cruel without being macabre

Rating:
Summary: Living in Rome during Nero's reign
Review: If you enjoy well researched historical novels, I would recommend this one to you. The fly on the wall is fictional character, Minutus, a friend of Nero's. What I enjoyed was getting to meet Nero, Seneca, St. Paul, and St. Peter and what it was like to see the Druids and the early Christians. Before I read this book I only knew 4 things about ancient Rome: that Nero fiddled while Rome burned, that the early Christians were thrown to the lions, that Nero's mother killed her husband so that Nero could become emperor, and that Nero had his male lover's genitals removed and then married him. This book put all those things in context for me. At times the reading was a bit slow and difficult to follow, but on the whole I found it an enjoyable and educational experience. Not as good as I remember "the Egyptian" being, but nevertheless very worthwhile.

Rating:
Summary: Living in Rome during Nero's reign
Review: If you enjoy well researched historical novels, I would recommend this one to you. The fly on the wall is fictional character, Minutus, a friend of Nero's. What I enjoyed was getting to meet Nero, Seneca, St. Paul, and St. Peter and what it was like to see the Druids and the early Christians. Before I read this book I only knew 4 things about ancient Rome: that Nero fiddled while Rome burned, that the early Christians were thrown to the lions, that Nero's mother killed her husband so that Nero could become emperor, and that Nero had his male lover's genitals removed and then married him. This book put all those things in context for me. At times the reading was a bit slow and difficult to follow, but on the whole I found it an enjoyable and educational experience. Not as good as I remember "the Egyptian" being, but nevertheless very worthwhile.

Rating:
Summary: Gripping historical drama
Review: Minutus, son of Marcus ("Hero" of the Secret Kingdom) tells us about his life in the Rome of Nero, the Burning of the city and the killing of the Christians. Meanwhile he himself pursues his own business, love-affairs and political intrigues. I've read this book a few times now and it grows with each reading. It is very cleverly constructed, the details of roman life are breathtaking and Minutus himself offers a new side of his character each time you pick up this book. Very worthwhile reading.

Rating:
Summary: Gripping
Review: Minutus, son of Marcus ("Hero" of the Secret Kingdom) tells us about his life in the Rome of Nero, the Burning of the city and the killing of the Christians. Meanwhile he himself pursues his own business, love-affairs and political intrigues. I've read this book a few times now and it grows with each reading. It is very cleverly constructed, the details of roman life are breathtaking and Minutus himself offers a new side of his character each time you pick up this book. Very worthwhile reading.