I did not particularly like the mix of historical fiction and history. I thought that those fiction vignettes undermined the actual research while not adding anything of interest to the story. Many chapters were devoted to Nero and Roman politics of the time, which was relevant but seemed like filler since it did not contribute much to the Pompeian narrative. On top of that the book lacked structure and seemed disjoined. I thought that Mary Beard’s work provided much better and more engaging look into the life of Pompeii. ( )

This book didn't quite live up to its hype (it was touted as a "hip" look into the lives of Pompeii's inhabitants). A bit dry at times, but overall it was interesting, well researched and reasonably well-written. ( )

Read after trip to Italy and Rome to provide context - on the enthusiastic recommendation from hubbie.

Details Roman life, the politics and daily routines of Romans in the twenty five years leading up to the eruption of Vesuvius.

This genre of non-fiction takes a stab at 'lighting up an era' - by providing vignettes of daily life. Known characters found on grafitti and in texts, are fictionalized in small intermissions between the facts of the period and the trivia of daily life. There is interesting detail about wine making, politics, sexual habits, slavery and freemen, business, funerals and religion, gladiators and the degeneracy of Nero. It outlines the cruelty, sophistication and exploitation of the Roman times.

Overall, I found the book to be rather disjointed and fragmented. I enjoyed the details, but found the narrative skipped about too much for my taste. The evocation of the last few hours of Pompeii was perhaps the most engaging chapter.

Nevertheless, an interesting read and a good introduction to the Roman period leading up to the end of Pompeii. ( )

http://archaeoastronomy.wordpress.com... ( )

An engaging mix of history and historical fiction grounded in the architecture, art and graffiti of the lost cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii, this book will appeal to classics buffs, Roman fans and history majors. This book provides a glimpse into provincial Roman life that is new and different, and well worth the read. ( )