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sarahreadsbooks123's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
ssmith1407's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sara_dodd's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
thebookboy's review
5.0
I had great fun with this one! Set during the Roman occupation of Britain and inspired by the knowledge that black people have been in the British isles since that time, The Emperor's Babe is a fast flowing verse novel that explores various aspects of roman culture, sexuality, society and more through a tongue-in-cheek witty narrative.
Zuleika is an excellent character and despite her youth manages to be a lively and interesting focus for the novel. Born effectively poor and risen to great heights, she is an example of the fetishising of the exotic and the fluid nature of Roman society in many ways.
I adored the Latin, the puns, the fun speech and the characters, the representation and even the whole verse format which I thought may be a bit contrived and irritating after a while (it thankfully wasn't).
Obviously this is not a novel that is going to be everyone's cup of tea - it's very experimental and silly in some respects, but that just added to the whole feel of it for me - I found myself utterly transported and wanting more and more.
5 stars
Zuleika is an excellent character and despite her youth manages to be a lively and interesting focus for the novel. Born effectively poor and risen to great heights, she is an example of the fetishising of the exotic and the fluid nature of Roman society in many ways.
I adored the Latin, the puns, the fun speech and the characters, the representation and even the whole verse format which I thought may be a bit contrived and irritating after a while (it thankfully wasn't).
Obviously this is not a novel that is going to be everyone's cup of tea - it's very experimental and silly in some respects, but that just added to the whole feel of it for me - I found myself utterly transported and wanting more and more.
5 stars
stella94's review against another edition
3.0
Not often a book leaves me at loss for words, but this one did. Hm.
The genius of the book is in its writing, unsure about the story.. Will need to digest this one
The genius of the book is in its writing, unsure about the story.. Will need to digest this one
zdslade's review against another edition
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
coupes's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
thepsychonyx's review against another edition
5.0
An incredible work of poetic narrative with a fantastic execution of the convergence of old concepts and present ideals. At times it felt convoluted but what a fascinating text and dialogue to be had on how literature can evolve
kyra_tamara's review against another edition
2.0
I can see what this book was trying to do. I think it worked for a lot of people. It just didn't work for me. I enjoy a book that teaches a lesson, that gives commentary on certain subjects, ect. But this just didn't do it for me.