book review: ‘imperium’ by robert harris
Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome by Robert Harris is a good read, bringing Rome and the late republic vividly to life. Imperium is the first of two volumes of a fictional biography of the Roman orator, lawyer, statesman, new man, Marcus Tullius Cicero.
Mr. Harris uses the often successful formula of relating the life story of a historical figure through the eyes of a confidante, in this case the secretary Tiro, and he does not disappoint us. Tiro does his best to show his master warts and all, while still maintaining his loyalty to him, thus creating a fairly complex character of Cicero, a reasonably approximation of the real man himself as we know him from his extensive writings, especially the letters.
That does not mean that Mr. Harris does not create his very own universe of the era and the man, with emphasis on Cicero’s real or perceived adversaries, the aristocrats who disdain the New Man, and the favorite villains for most novelists writing about the late Roman republic, Pompey, Crassus, and Caesar. The latter trio does not fare as well in way of characters, they are frequently drawn as carricature. Tiro himself is depicted as somewhat priggish and bland.
I give the novel three stars (amended to 3 1/2 out of 5, see comments below). Read my entire review
Since this is mystery novel of sorts, I'm afraid you'll have to read the entire thing ;-)
Posted by: Irene Hahn | October 13, 2007 at 21:05
I like the beginning but I have list of about 100 historical novels I want peruse. Could anybody please recommend a series of pages so I can jump to the juice. I have the 305 page paperback copy.
Posted by: World History Teacher | October 13, 2007 at 17:04
My response to the above comment:
I gave some thought to whether or not I should approve this comment. I really do not want modern politics in my blog. But it gives me the chance to voice another bugbear of mine: The -- often strained -- analogies of today's US politics to the Roman Empire (both dear to the Left and to the Right). I think that this is totally ludicrous. The ancients didn't think the way we do, and society functioned very differently, as did the Republic as such.
As to Robert Harris and the pirate attack on Ostia, Mr. Harris has publicly compared this attack to 9/11 and its consequences. I think that's an overstatement, to say the least. This war was only one more step in Pompey's career, angling for the command against Mithradates.
Of course, Pompey and the pirate war makes for a nice story in the novel
Future comments on current political affairs will not be approved.
Posted by: Irene Hahn | December 10, 2006 at 15:04
Did anyone notice the not so veiled criticism of the Bush government in the Pompey/Caesar plan to use the pirate threat to usurp the constitution?
Posted by: Steve Kaufman | December 09, 2006 at 10:26
To Dorothy: I made a little blooper here, I thought 3 out of 4, forgetting that 5 was the standard.
So, I amend this to 3 1/2 out of 5.
Posted by: Irene Hahn | November 10, 2006 at 09:43
I would like to suggest my book, Flavius Aetius: The Last Conqueror for a read and review. I would appreciate feedback on the book.
Posted by: Jose Gomez-Rivera | November 10, 2006 at 08:56
Hmmm ... his Pompeii had a huge whoopsie right at the start, was not a fan of the style so didn't finish it.
Did you give this one 3 out of 5 or 3 out of 10?
Posted by: Dorothy King | November 10, 2006 at 06:01
On the basis of your review I am beginning to thaw towards Harris. I may even pick it up before it comes out in paperback!
Posted by: Adrian Murdoch | November 10, 2006 at 01:18