jellter's review against another edition
4.0
I was always interested in learning abouut this period of Roman history - the origins of politics, law, bribery, betrayal, subterfuge and whatnot. It also helped that it was a fictionalised historical account of Cicero, a man who I knew of to quite an extent but not the nitty-gritty.
The size of the book was not the problem per se but rather just the sheer amount of characters and specific terminology, which to be fair, the glossary did provide insight into. But perhaps I just was not able to retain the information as well as I thought I could but I would flick to the back of the book so many times until I eventually gave up and relied on my context cues. Nonetheless, Robert Harris' prose is easy to follow and I really did feel immersed in Rome.
I must also mention that despite it being heavily political, there were genuine moments of tension where I could not stop turning the page. Whether I will continue the trilogy is a whole other matter that I will tackle when the time arises - as one of the other reasons why I began reading the series was because the covers are so amazing - but I definitely don't feel like my time was wasted and I had a great time.
The size of the book was not the problem per se but rather just the sheer amount of characters and specific terminology, which to be fair, the glossary did provide insight into. But perhaps I just was not able to retain the information as well as I thought I could but I would flick to the back of the book so many times until I eventually gave up and relied on my context cues. Nonetheless, Robert Harris' prose is easy to follow and I really did feel immersed in Rome.
I must also mention that despite it being heavily political, there were genuine moments of tension where I could not stop turning the page. Whether I will continue the trilogy is a whole other matter that I will tackle when the time arises - as one of the other reasons why I began reading the series was because the covers are so amazing - but I definitely don't feel like my time was wasted and I had a great time.
tynareads's review against another edition
3.0
The book was a solid read until the last 10%. I felt the pacing of the book was quite repetitive at times:
1. Cicero is challenged
2. Cicero prepares
3. Cicero wins
And this repeats around 4 times in the book which towards the very end becomes predictable and a little boring.
I love Harris as a writer and therefore it’s still an enjoyable 3 stars, I just didn’t think it’s his best work.
1. Cicero is challenged
2. Cicero prepares
3. Cicero wins
And this repeats around 4 times in the book which towards the very end becomes predictable and a little boring.
I love Harris as a writer and therefore it’s still an enjoyable 3 stars, I just didn’t think it’s his best work.
rmichno's review against another edition
4.0
Even though the plot was mostly about political intrigue and courtroom speeches, I still found the setting and characters entertaining. This book reminded me of Robert Harris's later novel "Conclave" - and I actually liked that one better.
Harris once again does a great job of making a historical time and place feel alive. He also did this in Pompeii, which I also enjoyed.
My only complaints is that at times it was hard to keep track of all the supporting characters who had forgettable Roman names. But I'm glad he kept the majority of the book focused on Tiro, Cicero and his family.
I will definitely read the second book in the series to see what happens to Cicero next.
Harris once again does a great job of making a historical time and place feel alive. He also did this in Pompeii, which I also enjoyed.
My only complaints is that at times it was hard to keep track of all the supporting characters who had forgettable Roman names. But I'm glad he kept the majority of the book focused on Tiro, Cicero and his family.
I will definitely read the second book in the series to see what happens to Cicero next.
heartland_hermit427983's review against another edition
4.0
this is not a thorough review. it's the end of 2022 right now. I read this back in around 2017 maybe.
Looking for a light story to transport yourself to an imagined version of Ancient Rome? Give this one a try.
When I say light, it's not literature. It follows a kind of formula of with building tension, crisis, epiphany, resolution. These a succession of social, legal, and political hurdles/crises Cicero encounters and he comes off a rather a litter more of a superman even than he probably was.
This was a fun entry into the Late Republic. I was just getting into ancient Rome with youtube videos by Historia Civilis when I picked this up. I wasn't ready to read history texts, or translations of texts from the era, I just wanted to walk the streets of Rome in my imagination with some help from a willing author. That's what this book provided. This is a decently written novel that employs the natural drama that was the lives and doings of the political elite in the late Republic. Historically accurate? No idea. I imagine it struck a balance between readable, relatable, and using our knowledge of the time as best as possible.
Cicero is a good character to focus on. Among Romans of the era, he's someone who comes off as sane, sensible, practical to my 2022 Midwestern American sensibilities. Relatable, admirable.
Anyway, give it a try. I'll do a more thorough review if I get around to giving it a reread.
Looking for a light story to transport yourself to an imagined version of Ancient Rome? Give this one a try.
When I say light, it's not literature. It follows a kind of formula of with building tension, crisis, epiphany, resolution. These a succession of social, legal, and political hurdles/crises Cicero encounters and he comes off a rather a litter more of a superman even than he probably was.
This was a fun entry into the Late Republic. I was just getting into ancient Rome with youtube videos by Historia Civilis when I picked this up. I wasn't ready to read history texts, or translations of texts from the era, I just wanted to walk the streets of Rome in my imagination with some help from a willing author. That's what this book provided. This is a decently written novel that employs the natural drama that was the lives and doings of the political elite in the late Republic. Historically accurate? No idea. I imagine it struck a balance between readable, relatable, and using our knowledge of the time as best as possible.
Cicero is a good character to focus on. Among Romans of the era, he's someone who comes off as sane, sensible, practical to my 2022 Midwestern American sensibilities. Relatable, admirable.
Anyway, give it a try. I'll do a more thorough review if I get around to giving it a reread.
jsun21's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
motherbeetle's review against another edition
3.0
I think Cicero and Cromwell would either love each other or hate each other.
phlegethonyarre's review against another edition
informative
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
cmb_3's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kolymaarasto's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0