A review by lightningsews
Lavinia by Ursula K. Le Guin

informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved how Le Guin broke the fourth wall for this story because the Lavinia in Vergil is such a different character from the Lavinia seen in histories written by Vergil's contemporaries. As said in the blurb for the book, Vergil doesn't give Lavinia a single line, and so she may come across as just a footnote in history- especially when compared to the other women featured in the tale. But, in the histories written by Romans, Lavinia is viewed as a powerful mother who started Emperor Augustus and Julius Caesar's family. Le Guin handles this dichotomy with so much care  and, as a Classist who's read some pretty bad takes on Greco-Roman mythology (and especially on Roman mythology), I was so happy. I could tell how much care and research went into crafting the Italy of Lavinia's day, even though there isn't as much information out there as there is for Vergil's Italy. I can't wait to read this book again to catch even more nods to the history and to Vergil's story.