A review by julis
Caesar by Colleen McCullough

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.