Michael G. Kramer

What Michael G. Kramer sets out to do here is not simply to dramatize the youth of Thusnelda and Armin, but to build the long historical pressure that makes their resistance to Rome intelligible. The novel is part chronicle, part military history, part origin story; it moves from Germanic custom and Roman organisation through Caesar, Augustus, Varus, and the machinery of empire before arriving at the household tensions of Segestes, Thusnelda, and Armin. That broad design is ambitious, and show more for the most part it is sustained by the author’s clear sense that private loyalties do not exist apart from public violence.
The most memorable passages are not always the largest battles, although those are plentiful; they are the moments when social custom becomes plot. Thusnelda’s training with the wooden sword, her command of the Cherusci women near the creek, and her refusal to let Segestes choose her husband do more to establish her than any declaration of heroine status could. Armin, too, is strongest when positioned between Roman discipline and Germanic allegiance; his military intelligence, learned from the very power he intends to defeat, gives the book its best structural irony.
By the final movement, with Varus misreading Segestes and Armin quietly turning Roman confidence into Germanic opportunity, the book has found its proper rhythm. The ending here is less a closure than a tightening of the net, but it is earned, because the novel has spent its pages teaching us why every delay, insult, and misjudgment matters. Recommended for readers who like their historical fiction capacious, unsparing, and serious about the cost of freedom. show less

Arminius and Thusnelda turned out to be something of an enigma of a book. I wasn’t sure what to expect when initially I picked it up, but the author has an ability to turn what could otherwise have been dry historical facts into an incredible story both entertaining and educational. It has the feel of a contemporary drama while being set in historical times. The characters of Arminius and Thusnelda make excellent protagonists, both colourful and cunning, and the dialogue especially I could show more easily see transferred to a TV mini series.

A great read from an accomplished writer. show less

Australian author Michael Kramer earned degrees in architecture and engineering, and is a Veteran of the Vietnam War, having served with the First Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) in the Vietnam War during 1968 and 1969, and has published seven novels - FULL CIRCLE FOR MICK, FOR THE LOVE OF ARMIN, NOW WHAT?!! (and the version, ANGLO-SAXON INVASION), A GRACIOUS ENEMY, A CASTLE OF DOOMSDAY, and now ARMINIUS AND THUSNELDA VERSUS ROME – an updated version of FOR THE LOVE OF ARMIN – show more ‘a response to the female reviewers who have asked to read more about the wife of Armin or Arminius. She was named Thusnelda.’

Having read and enjoyed all of Michael Kramer’s books, it is with some assurance that this reader underlines the importance of his contribution to our understanding, appreciation, and respect for history. Not only is reading this book a fascinating journey back to ancient Rome, but it also is rich in descriptive and fictional details that make it a fine novel as well.

The complex plot is well condensed by the author – ‘In September of 9 A.D., The three legions and their supporting units under the command of Varus thought that they could complete the Roman conquest of Germania. Due to the efforts of Thusnelda and her husband, Armin or, if you like, his Latin name, Arminius, the Romans lost! When he was informed about the loss of his legions and their supporting units, Augustus began wailing, "Varus, Varus, give me back my legions!" For months afterwards, he left his hair to grow and also his beard and he appeared to be totally unkept! What made it all much harder for the Romans to bear was a few warriors only supported Arminius and Thusnelda. However, they did manage to increase their number for the final battle at Kalkriese Hill in the Teutoburg Forest. That battle set the current boundaries of Europe, between those who drink wine and speak the Latin based language, as opposed to those who like to drink beer and speak the Germanic languages!’

Michael introduces this epic with a section on the origins of the Germanic people – ‘I am the ghost of Adalhard, an ancient Germanic warrior…I will now tell you of the goings-on that took place and finally resulted in the Roman army leaving Germania forever. The events that preceded it and the events after my people’s great victory over the cruel and arrogant Roman invaders.’ It is that degree of history placed in context with contemporary writing style that brings his saga to immediate life.

Fine writing, well considered research, and a sense of immediacy make this a fine history book – and novel! show less

Michael G. Kramer takes you back in time in his book Arminius and Thusnelda Versus Rome. The story follows the clash between Rome and Germany back in 9 A.D. Arminius and his bride Thusnelda become disgusted by the way Rome treats its people and also turns on them. The book is an epic and complex adventure that brings to life history. Kramer does a wonderful job of providing interesting context and details as well as sharing his passion for history into the book. The book has a unique voice show more as we get short chapters that delve into different elements of the conflict. I found this book to be both informative as well as engaging. I would highly recommend this book to history lovers. show less