A review by diana_dea
The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper

dark emotional informative inspiring tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Honestly, this was everything I want from a historical fiction book. It conjured a vivid and complex picture of ancient Pompeii from the perspective of those who lived in the city. I enjoyed that while this was set in Pompeii, it did not revolve around the eruption of Vesuvius, as most books set in the city do, but merely used the fact that we know so much about this city to build a believable backdrop to the story. Centering the story on an enslaved prostitute offered a unique perspective, and one that managed to show both light and darkness, both the cruelty humans are capable of and the warmth and solidarity they can show to each other. I found Amara's character very intriguing, she is not perfect but flawed, not all of her decisions may be unanimously considered correct, she may even be selfish and cruel sometimes, but she is very much shaped by her circumstances and at no point did I not find myself rooting for and sympathizing with her.  
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