Reviews

Caesar by Colleen McCullough

julis's review

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

In case it wasn’t obvious in the last book, in this one it’s really blatant that McCollough has a crush (academic or otherwise). Caesar’s actions are excused and justified far beyond the other characters–although since I’m no longer 17 (thank god) she does give Cato and Pompey more credit than I remembered–and the book structure is set up to make the crossing of the Rubicon seem like an acceptable response.

Which is all to say, these are writing decisions  that can (and have) been justified from the sources. McCollough treats the Gauls and Germans largely abominably, and again this treatment doesn’t stand up to saying that it’s written from a Roman point of view. And again! Again! Far too long.

lollalong's review

4.0

It was such a good book. I have really enjoyed it and I can't wait to read the next one!

megami's review

4.0

Yet another book in the fantastic Masters of Rome series written by Colleen McCullough, this one has some of the best known history from Ancient Rome - Julius Caesar in Gaul and his march of Rome and the crossing of the Rubicon. McCullough does a masterly job of making it all alive, and is one of the few writers who can include bucketloads of historical detail and it feels warranted, rather than like an author showing off how much study they did. The characters are all interesting in their own way, from Uberman Caesar to snivelling Brutus, crass Antonius and the flawed Pompey. There is even an inkling of the future Octavius.

gilgamesh's review

adventurous challenging informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

christycorr's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5