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A review by auggieval
Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
not the worst book i’ve read this year but it leaves a lot to be desired in character development, historical accuracy, and attention to detail.
the plot mostly happens to the characters and none of them really change values or have them seriously challenged, with the possible exception of some of the side-ish characters (paulinus, the empress, etc.) i didn’t really notice this till i finished and went, “did anyone like… grow? are they better people now or just storied people?” and the answer is that they are storied people.
the author herself has a page devoted to her errors but there’s several i noticed in this book she really should add to her list.
i really enjoyed the setting, the saga framing, and inclusion of smaller details, but GOD does the author just drill them into your head. i can’t look at the word “russet” or hear someone talk about hair care again, ever, i don’t think.
lastly, literally no one here is talking about how grossly and persistently antisemitism is harped upon in this book! like!!! it’s so unnecessary especially after the 10th slur! keep in mind the author could have used any defunct ancient culture and went for this one.
thea’s jewish heritage (and many other characters’) could have been so much more interesting as a lens if the author knew what she was talking about and if her characters interacted with their (apparently deeply held) beliefs at all.
i was gonna give this 3 stars but sigh :/ it’s enjoyable as long as you don’t write a storygraph review and think about it
the plot mostly happens to the characters and none of them really change values or have them seriously challenged, with the possible exception of some of the side-ish characters (paulinus, the empress, etc.) i didn’t really notice this till i finished and went, “did anyone like… grow? are they better people now or just storied people?” and the answer is that they are storied people.
the author herself has a page devoted to her errors but there’s several i noticed in this book she really should add to her list.
i really enjoyed the setting, the saga framing, and inclusion of smaller details, but GOD does the author just drill them into your head. i can’t look at the word “russet” or hear someone talk about hair care again, ever, i don’t think.
lastly, literally no one here is talking about how grossly and persistently antisemitism is harped upon in this book! like!!! it’s so unnecessary especially after the 10th slur! keep in mind the author could have used any defunct ancient culture and went for this one.
thea’s jewish heritage (and many other characters’) could have been so much more interesting as a lens if the author knew what she was talking about and if her characters interacted with their (apparently deeply held) beliefs at all.
i was gonna give this 3 stars but sigh :/ it’s enjoyable as long as you don’t write a storygraph review and think about it
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, and Antisemitism