jjmann3's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed Robert Graves's seminal work of historical fiction. The reader is taken to the time of Augustus, Tiberius, and Caligula through the viewpoint of the fourth emperor, Claudius. I found the tale to be a very interesting way to learn about the members of the Judeo-Claudian dynasty and how and why they didn't get along. I book ended a bit more abruptly than I thought it should and Caligula's horrors seemed hurriedly explained compared to the sinister deeds of Tiberius.
windowdee's review against another edition
3.0
This was quite the interesting concept for a book. Writing a fictional autobiography from the perspective of a Roman Empire is not something you see every day. This book was enjoyable to read, but I found it occasionally dry and it was very difficult to remember everyone's names. I think it would have been more enjoyable if it focused more on Claudius himself rather than being a Roman History told from Claudius' perspective.
library_ann's review against another edition
3.0
I'll admit to getting bogged down in the early chapters by all the names and familial relationships, and not being able to keep track of this uncle or that cousin, because they were not really given any personalities, especially the ones who died so quickly after being introduced.
I knew how it turned out -- because history -- , but I was still rooting for Germanicus.
I knew how it turned out -- because history -- , but I was still rooting for Germanicus.
letsreadmorebooks's review against another edition
5.0
brilliant-maybe the best historical fiction novel i've ever read. graves provides a likable and trustworthy hero to narrate the days of the ancient roman empire. claudius (and hence, graves) is engaging, witty, self-deprecating, reliable and intelligent. his depiction of imperial life from the inside is filled with drama and scandal and corruption and makes for quite a page-turner. i enjoyed i, claudius immensely.
jennydoesnotgetit's review against another edition
4.0
A fun and gossipy historical fiction about that most brutal era, the Pax Romana.
thedocument's review against another edition
dark
funny
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nicolaspratt's review against another edition
4.0
Started off slow and confusing, but became quite interesting and insightful.
differentperson's review against another edition
5.0
So many people died but thankfully this is fictionalised history and I can safely say it was terribly entertaining (comment inspired by conversation with my sister)
smalefowles's review against another edition
4.0
Claudius makes a charming narrator, and Graves does manage to enliven and manipulate a good chunk of Roman history to good effect. The cycles of treachery actually did almost get dull toward the three-quarter mark, but then mad Caligula comes along to stir things up again.
I actually wanted more Claudius, and less of the others. My favorite parts of the book (the funniest parts) were when he talked about his own writings, and their limited success.
I actually wanted more Claudius, and less of the others. My favorite parts of the book (the funniest parts) were when he talked about his own writings, and their limited success.