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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
I'm glad I already had some knowledge of the people and events featured here because this would have been difficult to follow otherwise.
Like other novels in this style, I do find the format of written letters a bit distracting when characters write whole conversations in detail and with dialogue structure like they themselves are writing a novel.
Like other novels in this style, I do find the format of written letters a bit distracting when characters write whole conversations in detail and with dialogue structure like they themselves are writing a novel.
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
5/5
About a third of the way through this novel, I knew that there was only the tiniest sliver of a chance that I would not be rating it five stars. This novel is an absolute masterpiece of omniscient storytelling, using epistolary form to bring a multi-POV character study of one of the most prolific leaders in ancient history to life.
We meet Gaius Octavius shortly before the assassination of his adopted father, Julius Caesar, and throughout 300 pages are given an immersive look into his character and rise to power. John Williams' choice to write this character study within an epistolary format is frankly brilliant, and I think it's one of the best examples of its form existing in fiction.
The nuances of characterization, both in Octavius and the inner circle of friends, enemies and family that lived alongside him, are incredibly deep and provocative. To me, the best examples of historical fiction bring these titans of history off the page as living, breathing reality, and Williams gives a masterclass in this book.
Another beauty of this story and the way it is written is that I believe it lends itself to lovers of many different genres. It is a pinnacle of historical fiction storytelling, but also may appeal to SFF fans who love epic tales of war, love, and political machinations. It may also appeal to readers of literary fiction for its incredibly beautiful prose and form.
This was a book that not only expanded my experience and awareness as a reader, but will no doubt be influential on my writing. In my mind, this is a must read for any history and/or fiction lover.
About a third of the way through this novel, I knew that there was only the tiniest sliver of a chance that I would not be rating it five stars. This novel is an absolute masterpiece of omniscient storytelling, using epistolary form to bring a multi-POV character study of one of the most prolific leaders in ancient history to life.
We meet Gaius Octavius shortly before the assassination of his adopted father, Julius Caesar, and throughout 300 pages are given an immersive look into his character and rise to power. John Williams' choice to write this character study within an epistolary format is frankly brilliant, and I think it's one of the best examples of its form existing in fiction.
The nuances of characterization, both in Octavius and the inner circle of friends, enemies and family that lived alongside him, are incredibly deep and provocative. To me, the best examples of historical fiction bring these titans of history off the page as living, breathing reality, and Williams gives a masterclass in this book.
Another beauty of this story and the way it is written is that I believe it lends itself to lovers of many different genres. It is a pinnacle of historical fiction storytelling, but also may appeal to SFF fans who love epic tales of war, love, and political machinations. It may also appeal to readers of literary fiction for its incredibly beautiful prose and form.
This was a book that not only expanded my experience and awareness as a reader, but will no doubt be influential on my writing. In my mind, this is a must read for any history and/or fiction lover.
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Went in dubious but was quickly hooked. Intelligent, nuanced, perfectly structured. The nonpareil of ancient historical fiction.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
informative
tense
slow-paced