Click on a thumbnail to go to Google Books.
Loading... The Course of Honor (original 1997; edition 1998)by Lindsey Davis
Work InformationThe Course of Honour by Lindsey Davis (1997)
None Loading...
Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. NA Wavering between 3 and 4 stars. The middle part, when Vespasian is mostly absent, definitely drags a little; plus at times (especially the chapters covering the Year of the Four Emperors) it feels more like reading a history textbook than a novel, albeit an engaging one. But I LOVE the relationship between Caenis and Vespasian. I love how the author doesn't try to downplay or modernize the concept of "duty" as the Romans understood it. Also, love how the nods to Suetonius are worked in--Vespasian referred to as Sabinus' footman, etc., etc. Overall, an enjoyable read. As I'm re-reading the Falco series, this fictional biography makes more sense to me. I'll have to slide in re-reading this, too, so I can keep everything (sort of) in historical order. Ms. Davis makes a sly reference to Antonia in the second book of the Falco series. Didn't know that it was written first. The larger format's most obvious advantage is that the maps are larger, making it easier for the historically and visually challenged to follow the action. This is the fictionalized biography of Antonia Caenis, the woman the Emperor Vespasian loved his entire life. Due to Roman law, they could never marry, as she was born a slave, even after she became a freed woman. As a prophet told her and the future ruler of Rome, her face would never be on the coinage. Caenis is an empathetic personality. Touchy, but brilliant, she never gave up on her love and did everything possible to launch his brilliant career. The weaving of these lives into the history and politics of Rome was excellently done, as Caenis was first hand witness to the more spectacular events of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. As a long term fan of Davis' Falco mystery series, this is the best thing she's written. She found a female voice, who though stoic can't be called long suffering, as she succeeded in a world designed to defeat her. Fictionalized and imagined biography of Antonia Caenis, the consort of the Emperor Vespasian. All we actually know about her is that she was a freedwoman of the Empress Antonia, that Vespasian had a relationship with her for decades, that after the death of his legal wife, she lived with him openly, and that Domitian was rude to her in public once, and this was noted unfavorably (to him). On this slender basis, Davis weaves a story set in the Julia-Claudian court, and taking in most of that tumultuous history. Having read many of the Falco books before this, I found the protagonist to be very like Helena Justina, and a bit of a Mary Sue. But it was still a good book, and well worth reading. no reviews | add a review
'He has no money, no reputation and no famous ancestors.'The love story of the Emperor Vespasian, who brought peace to Rome after years of strife, and his mistress, the freed slave woman Caenis, this book recreates Ancient Rome's most turbulent period - the reigns of Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero and Vespasian's rise to power.As their forbidden romance blossoms, Caenis is embroiled in political intrigue, while Vespasian embarks on a glorious career. Years pass, then Vespasian risks all in the climactic struggle for power - bringing hope for Rome, but a threat to the relationship that has endured for so long. No library descriptions found. |
Current DiscussionsNonePopular covers
Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)823.914Literature English & Old English literatures English fiction Modern Period 1901-1999 1945-1999LC ClassificationRatingAverage:
Is this you?Become a LibraryThing Author. Hachette Book GroupAn edition of this book was published by Hachette Book Group. |