A review by jessicamusch
Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome by Robert Harris

adventurous informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

“To be ignorant of what happened before you were born is to remain forever a child.” - Cicero 

Imperium retells the story of political antics in Ancient Rome through the life of Marcus Tullius Cicero, told compellingly from the perspective of his slave Tiro. 

Cicero is known as an orator and politician. This book centres on Cicero’s defence of Rome against a plot to overthrow it by Julius Caesar, culminating in Cicero’s election as consul. 

This is an excellent historical retelling. Through telling the story from Tiro’s perspective, Harris is able to deftly weave in real historical records of events and fills in the gaps to tell the story of the complex political dynamics of the era. 

Tiro himself is a dynamic character - he was a slave, but was educated with Cicero (at the master’s request) and became Cicero’s secretary. When Cicero granted Tiro his freedom, Tiro continued to work for Cicero. Tiro was a vastly intelligent man, and invented shorthand, which we still use today. He also helped Cicero with writing the speeches he is so famous for. 

I really loved this book, but I think it has to lose a star as it lacks criticism of Cicero, beyond Tiro's unspoken disappointment about not being freed yet.