Reviews

I, Claudius by Robert Graves

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kaytlinnsmithh's review

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informative slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

amartier's review

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slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

I, CLAUDIUS is a remarkable novel. Charting the early years of the Roman Empire and Claudius' unexpected elevation to the throne, I, CLAUDIUS animatedly protrays characters which in the historical record seem flat and sketchy. Livia Augusta, as a reviewer below mentioned, is a vicious and terrifying antagonist for many of the characters, and Graves truly gives her life.

Although it admittedly does take about 100 pages to really get started, Robert Graves' smooth prose flows well. Upon reaching the last years of Tiberius and the wacky reign of the totally insane Caligula, the reader is gripped by the story. Claudius himself remains a bit of a mystery, a passive observer who wisely stays out of much of the action (saving his life) but who always keeps an objective and historian-minded viewpoint.

Even if one does not know much about the history of Rome, this novel is still as entertaining as it is for the classics major. I would recommend I, CLAUDIUS to anyone.

readershawnie's review against another edition

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4.0

Really well written. Enjoyed the historical narrative. Surprised to see that bad habits die hard and there’s not much to do but betray your family members for power back in the days.

There were a lot of proverbs, quotes from Greek/ Latin literature which I especially appreciated. I dont understand entirely all of them but I'm glad the author takes the time to incorporate them into his writing.

rickwren's review

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5.0

There's a reason this is a classic - it's brilliant. History, characterization, sheer emotional force in minimal words. Amazing. Claudius himself comes across as a self-deprecating genius who understands everything going on around him, controls most of it, yet pretends otherwise. Another classic I shake my head in wonder at why I've not read it before.

bwood95's review

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challenging dark informative 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? It's complicated

4.75

geekmom's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny informative mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

This is a remarkable story! I remember watching the excellent TV series years ago and I’m glad I got around to reading the source material. I don’t know how close this novel is to what is known about actual historical events but I’m willing to believe that almost all of this is true; it’s just that absurd and horrible. 😆

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