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queenofheartsreview's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
At the start of the story, Livia Drusilla is a woman of advanced years who recounts the events of her life. She reminisces about a time when she was a fourteen-year-old girl living under her father’s roof, before she was married. She was the daughter of Marcus Livius Drusus Claudianus, a respectable Roman nobleman who consequently plotted to murder Julius Caesar. One night, she overhears a confidential conversation the men are having in her father’s study. Not long after that, she marries Tiberius Nero, a fellow co-conspirator in the plan to rid Rome of the tyrant, Caesar. She feels no attraction towards her new husband but does her duty in running the household.
Early on, Livia is drawn to a remarkable young man by the name of Caesar Octavianus. It so happens that he is Julius Caesar’s heir and thus one of the enemies of her family. He comes from a lesser family than her own noble family but she cannot deny her attraction to him. In the events that unfold, she must grapple with an uncomfortable attraction and make a difficult decision. Will she act on her impulses? What does the future have in store for her?
Phyllis T. Smith’s "I am Livia" is a book about a fascinating historical figure. There is no woman in Ancient Roman history quite as famous as Livia Drusilla. Ms. Smith utilizes first person to draw the reader in, as if Livia is engaging in conversation with the audience.
The characterization is particularly strong in this story. In Livia, we have an accessible, wise, and likeable heroine who knows more than she sees. Her cleverness is one of her greatest attributes. When it comes to Octavianus, we can glimpse pieces of the great emperor that he would become. He is a man who tries to do good while balancing his desire for revenge. The secondary characters even possess such depth and authenticity.
From the first page to the last, the story was engrossing and compelling. This was an adventure I wanted to take. The exquisite narrative Livia weaves is so rich with cultural and historical description. It was like the conflict-ridden world of ancient Rome was brought back to life. Ms. Smith conducted considerable research and it consistently shines through her gorgeous writing. Ultimately, this story is believable. The Livia in this story was so real and authentic.
One thing I did notice was that the pacing of the story was a bit slow at times. It seemed to slog somewhere around the middle. It pulled me out of the narrative. Eventually it did pick back up later in the book.
At the beginning there is a section called “Leading Characters” that shows you who all the characters are. There are a lot of them, so this was a great way to keep track. Towards the end of the book was the “Author’s Note,” where Ms. Smith provides more background on the intriguing real life figures of Livia and Octavianus. It is a testament to the fact that the author did a considerable amount of research.
While it did have its slow moments, "I am Livia" is a tale about a strong woman fighting to survive in a world gone mad. If you enjoy a strong and capable female character, I recommend giving this story a try!
Note: The book review on my website reflects 4.5 Stars.
https://elizabethkcorbett.com/book-review/i-am-livia/
Early on, Livia is drawn to a remarkable young man by the name of Caesar Octavianus. It so happens that he is Julius Caesar’s heir and thus one of the enemies of her family. He comes from a lesser family than her own noble family but she cannot deny her attraction to him. In the events that unfold, she must grapple with an uncomfortable attraction and make a difficult decision. Will she act on her impulses? What does the future have in store for her?
Phyllis T. Smith’s "I am Livia" is a book about a fascinating historical figure. There is no woman in Ancient Roman history quite as famous as Livia Drusilla. Ms. Smith utilizes first person to draw the reader in, as if Livia is engaging in conversation with the audience.
The characterization is particularly strong in this story. In Livia, we have an accessible, wise, and likeable heroine who knows more than she sees. Her cleverness is one of her greatest attributes. When it comes to Octavianus, we can glimpse pieces of the great emperor that he would become. He is a man who tries to do good while balancing his desire for revenge. The secondary characters even possess such depth and authenticity.
From the first page to the last, the story was engrossing and compelling. This was an adventure I wanted to take. The exquisite narrative Livia weaves is so rich with cultural and historical description. It was like the conflict-ridden world of ancient Rome was brought back to life. Ms. Smith conducted considerable research and it consistently shines through her gorgeous writing. Ultimately, this story is believable. The Livia in this story was so real and authentic.
One thing I did notice was that the pacing of the story was a bit slow at times. It seemed to slog somewhere around the middle. It pulled me out of the narrative. Eventually it did pick back up later in the book.
At the beginning there is a section called “Leading Characters” that shows you who all the characters are. There are a lot of them, so this was a great way to keep track. Towards the end of the book was the “Author’s Note,” where Ms. Smith provides more background on the intriguing real life figures of Livia and Octavianus. It is a testament to the fact that the author did a considerable amount of research.
While it did have its slow moments, "I am Livia" is a tale about a strong woman fighting to survive in a world gone mad. If you enjoy a strong and capable female character, I recommend giving this story a try!
Note: The book review on my website reflects 4.5 Stars.
https://elizabethkcorbett.com/book-review/i-am-livia/
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
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