Mark Patton (1) (1965–)

I was very pleased with this novel and recommend it highly: the POV of King Cogidubnus, a Roman client-king. In his 60s, he remembers his decades-long reign as Great King of the Britons [approximately 43-79 AD]. We learn of his lifelong friendship with Vespasian, who is introduced into the novel in a most unorthodox and clever way. We read of his steadfast friendship with Aulus Plautius, the conqueror of Britain, and his wife Pomponia Graecina. For much of the novel Cogidubnus talks with the show more new Governor, Julius Agricola, and answers his questions. The earnest Agricola wants to rule well and so wants to learn the events through the years. As Agricola says [to paraphrase]: some governors are good only in leading soldiers and some only in administration; to be good in both spheres is a rare combination.

We are presented with Cogidubnus' memories throughout the years. The novel jumps from time period to time period, but the chapter headings make the differences clear; each section is one element of a conversation, leading into another. Cogidubnus also discusses past events with Cartimandua, who is living with him in his palace. Originally a priest of Ancasta and Nodens, Cogidubnus is made king by the emperor Claudius. A peacemaker and a bridge between the two cultures, Cogidubnus feels he is an "accidental king." He feels Roman and Briton should live in peace together. Besides cooperating with Romans, he feels deeply his responsibility towards the well-being of the Britons. He works towards that end: in one instance trying to stop the Boudiccan Rebellion and then trying to save refugees from the horrendous destruction and fires. In another incident, he saves the life of Titus, Vespasian's son.

I liked reading a Roman novel with a different slant. I liked the Plautius Triumph in Rome, then Cogidubnus' successful efforts at saving some British captives from slavery. I liked the whole Boudicca episode and its aftermath. The characters were presented well and were very human. Their portrayals rang true and these conceptions were just as valid as other authors' I've read. Cogidubnus was an admirable, very wise person from the way he is presented here. This was not our usual concept of him as a sell-out to the Romans. The writing style flowed easily; the book was a page-turner. I felt as if I were a little bird right there in each scene listening to the conversations. This was a thoughtful novel. show less

In 79 AD, an old man looks back over his life and prepares to write his memoirs for his granddaughter. He is Tiberius Claudius Cogidubnus, born and bred in the British southlands of the Regenses. Trained as a priest, he was then crowned an unwilling king, first of his own tribe and then as Great King of all the Britons, with the weight of the emperor’s authority behind him. As he remembers his experiences across three decades – from a visit to Rome with the then-general Vespasian, to the show more horror and fire of Boudica’s revolt – Cogidubnus meditates on the tightrope he has had to walk throughout his life: defending his people, while remaining loyal to a vast and unpredictable foreign power...

For the rest of the review, please see my blog:
https://theidlewoman.net/2016/11/23/an-accidental-king-mark-patton/ show less

A basic knowledge of Celtic-Romano Briton would be advisable so as to follow who the main characters are in this highly enjoyable story told in flashback.