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erikaellr's review against another edition
4.0
An really well written glimpse into the possible inner life of a fascinating woman.
donnalee62's review against another edition
5.0
I got this book so inexpensively through Amazon - not sure if I would have chosen it, but it popped up in my feed and impulse purchased it! Really good writing! The story from the perspective of the woman behind Caesar Octavianus. It is historical fiction, but there are so many historical facts that you get a really good feel for what's going on behind the scenes in the story. Livia Drusilla was the wife of Caesar Octavianus - and a lot of what happens in this story happened in her life. This gives us an idea of what this willful young woman may have felt and thought during her long marriage and long lifetime . . . I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
mpdarby's review against another edition
5.0
Entertaining book. I enjoyed reading about the characters' struggles and accomplishments.
meks17's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
miriamlouise's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jtferdon's review against another edition
3.0
3 Stars - Not bad but I think reading this out of order was a mistake and I would have enjoyed much more if I read before Daughters of Palatine. I enjoy the author's writing style.
moirwyn's review against another edition
4.0
This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/2014/05/22/livia-phyllis-t-smith/
I Am Livia by Phyllis T. Smith is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Livia Drusilla, who grew to be one of the most powerful women in ancient Rome. The story begins as Livia overhears her father plotting to kill Julius Caesar. In order to cement a political alliance, her father marries her (mind you, she’s just a child at the time) to Tiberius Nero. It’s a tumultuous time for Rome, and war and destruction are inevitable. Livia sees her marriage as a duty to her country, but she doesn’t have any real feelings for her husband. She does, however, have a crush on Caesar’s heir. Livia is conflicted by her feelings, because she knows that Caesar Octavianus is the enemy of both her father and her husband. And if you know anything about history, you’ll already know how the story ends.
History has not been kind to Livia, but the author presents a much more balanced view of her as someone who wants love, independence, and peace for her family. (Do I add a spoiler alert here? Is it a spoiler if it actually happened? But at least this story isn’t tragic like the one I read about Boudicca…) It would have been really easy to make Livia seem like a bitch who abandons her husband to run off with her lover. It would also have been easy to make it seem like she never cared about Tiberius Nero. Instead, we see a woman who marries out of duty and develops a camaraderie and friendship with her husband, despite the fact that he’s not the person she would have chosen. And Tiberius Nero realizes that the marriage was political, and he lets her go without drama. Instead of a YA-style love triangle, we see rational people making rational decisions and realizing the impact that society and politics have on the choices that they make. We see a breakup that remains civil, and Livia and her ex continue to be friends even after her marriage to Caesar Octavianus. I’m glad that the author chose to frame their relationship in that context, because if we look at history, marriages for love are a fairly modern development. (/endspoiler)
By portraying the politics of ancient Rome through a female lens, we can clearly see the impact that Rome’s continual fighting have on average people. At first, Livia is young and reckless, grasping for power but not really knowing how to use it. She endures unexpected hardship during her teenage years as she and Tiberius Nero flee from the enemies that they’ve made in Rome, and she’s doing it with young children. As she matures, she uses her influence to push for peace and to protect her family. She feels confined by the traditional role of a wife, but wants to be a true partner to her husband, especially on an intellectual level. And even as she gains power, she struggles for simple things, like the right to control her own property.
I Am Livia is an enjoyable account of the life and feelings of an extraordinary woman who lived more than two thousand years ago. It can be a bit sentimental at times, but it’s a decent read about an exciting period in history.
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/2014/05/22/livia-phyllis-t-smith/
I Am Livia by Phyllis T. Smith is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Livia Drusilla, who grew to be one of the most powerful women in ancient Rome. The story begins as Livia overhears her father plotting to kill Julius Caesar. In order to cement a political alliance, her father marries her (mind you, she’s just a child at the time) to Tiberius Nero. It’s a tumultuous time for Rome, and war and destruction are inevitable. Livia sees her marriage as a duty to her country, but she doesn’t have any real feelings for her husband. She does, however, have a crush on Caesar’s heir. Livia is conflicted by her feelings, because she knows that Caesar Octavianus is the enemy of both her father and her husband. And if you know anything about history, you’ll already know how the story ends.
History has not been kind to Livia, but the author presents a much more balanced view of her as someone who wants love, independence, and peace for her family. (Do I add a spoiler alert here? Is it a spoiler if it actually happened? But at least this story isn’t tragic like the one I read about Boudicca…) It would have been really easy to make Livia seem like a bitch who abandons her husband to run off with her lover. It would also have been easy to make it seem like she never cared about Tiberius Nero. Instead, we see a woman who marries out of duty and develops a camaraderie and friendship with her husband, despite the fact that he’s not the person she would have chosen. And Tiberius Nero realizes that the marriage was political, and he lets her go without drama. Instead of a YA-style love triangle, we see rational people making rational decisions and realizing the impact that society and politics have on the choices that they make. We see a breakup that remains civil, and Livia and her ex continue to be friends even after her marriage to Caesar Octavianus. I’m glad that the author chose to frame their relationship in that context, because if we look at history, marriages for love are a fairly modern development. (/endspoiler)
By portraying the politics of ancient Rome through a female lens, we can clearly see the impact that Rome’s continual fighting have on average people. At first, Livia is young and reckless, grasping for power but not really knowing how to use it. She endures unexpected hardship during her teenage years as she and Tiberius Nero flee from the enemies that they’ve made in Rome, and she’s doing it with young children. As she matures, she uses her influence to push for peace and to protect her family. She feels confined by the traditional role of a wife, but wants to be a true partner to her husband, especially on an intellectual level. And even as she gains power, she struggles for simple things, like the right to control her own property.
I Am Livia is an enjoyable account of the life and feelings of an extraordinary woman who lived more than two thousand years ago. It can be a bit sentimental at times, but it’s a decent read about an exciting period in history.
birdbonez's review against another edition
5.0
Great
I got this as a freebie before it released, for 2 reasons, my daughter's name is the same and the covers pretty. Shallow reasons I know. The description didn't sound that great but once I started reading I couldn't stop. seriously a good read that I'd recommend to everyone.
I got this as a freebie before it released, for 2 reasons, my daughter's name is the same and the covers pretty. Shallow reasons I know. The description didn't sound that great but once I started reading I couldn't stop. seriously a good read that I'd recommend to everyone.
jennfgarcia's review against another edition
5.0
I love historical fiction and getting a chance to read books that I might not find on my own. This historical fiction takes place in Ancient Rome and tells the story of Livia Drusilla in her point of view. It was interesting to be able to imagine how things happened through her eyes. We know we all see the same thing differently, and this is the fictional account from Livia herself.
This book was very well written and well researched. I found myself very intrigued with Livia. I like strong women in fiction and real life and she fit the bill. In this novel and in that period, Livia was ahead of her time.
The author wrote an amazingly descriptive story placing the sights and sounds very real and vivid in my mind. Her characters, the ones that had an impact, were well fleshed out. I could feel the tensions of the time, of war, but Livia's voice was so strong that I was immersed in her life instantly. Her thoughts, desires, and wishes became mine.
Not only would I recommend this book to any of the historical fiction lovers out there, but anything else she decides to write, I'll be here waiting for it. She's also peaked my interest in this time period. It's not one I've read before this and now feel the need to find more during this time.
Very interesting read and one that will sweep you up until it's over, and, believe me, you'll wish there was more.
This book was very well written and well researched. I found myself very intrigued with Livia. I like strong women in fiction and real life and she fit the bill. In this novel and in that period, Livia was ahead of her time.
The author wrote an amazingly descriptive story placing the sights and sounds very real and vivid in my mind. Her characters, the ones that had an impact, were well fleshed out. I could feel the tensions of the time, of war, but Livia's voice was so strong that I was immersed in her life instantly. Her thoughts, desires, and wishes became mine.
Not only would I recommend this book to any of the historical fiction lovers out there, but anything else she decides to write, I'll be here waiting for it. She's also peaked my interest in this time period. It's not one I've read before this and now feel the need to find more during this time.
Very interesting read and one that will sweep you up until it's over, and, believe me, you'll wish there was more.
soph2962's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0