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heyincendiary's review
5.0
About as good as historical fiction gets. Out of Claudius, the third formal emperor of Rome, who grew up being thought mentally deficient by his ambitious family until he outlived them all, Graves tells the story of the development and corruption of the early Empire by the selfish, conniving, lustful as Claudius comments wryly on their misdeeds. Like another masterpiece of historical fiction - Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall (planned) trilogy - it takes the murders and adulteries of long-ago royalty, which should be able to quicken the pulse and so rarely do, and injects some life and wit into them.
ellie_cripps's review
4.0
A truly excellent story, taking somewhat bold liberties with history I expect, but still an enjoyable read!
christopherc's review
5.0
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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. 😆
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Rape, Violence, and Murder