Written by: Richard Foreman
Submitted By: Emily Fenwick
Encompassing and Enjoyable.
Every month sees the release of a new novel set around Rome, but few will prove more enjoyable or intelligent than this one. Augustus: Son of Rome encompasses action, politics, philosophy, a sweet love story (between Marcus Agrippa and Caecilia Atticus) and historical accuracy and insight. Caesar is brilliant yet arrogant, Cicero wise and follyful, Agrippa brave and loyal and Brutus conflicted.
In Octavius we also see the seeds of ambition, political acumen and greatness that will lead him to become Augustus. It is mainly through the dialogue that the above figures - and more - come alive. Foreman's characters are witty, urbane and human.
I am a great lover of Steven Saylor, Simon Scarrow and the Robert Harris books about Cicero. Although slightly different to works by those authors, Augustus: Son of Rome is equally worthwhile.
