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blake_waddell 's review for:
The Confessions of Young Nero
by Margaret George
Reading The Confessions of Young Nero by Margaret George has been a long time since I bought this book almost a decade ago and lost it multiple times. But I finally finished it!
Following the beginning of the titular Roman emperor's life as he transitions from boy to man, George is incredible at breathing life into historical figures. The book lends Nero a sympathetic portrait. He's a patron of the arts, bolstering the ideals of athleticism and creativity, but he's also a power-hungry product of his ruthless environment.
As a book about the inner machinations of the Roman courts, it's fascinating. As a commentary on cultural memory, it's riveting. But Nero himself limps along within the novel, causing the plot to be stilted.
Altogether, I'd recommend it if you enjoy in-depth character studies or books on Roman history!
Following the beginning of the titular Roman emperor's life as he transitions from boy to man, George is incredible at breathing life into historical figures. The book lends Nero a sympathetic portrait. He's a patron of the arts, bolstering the ideals of athleticism and creativity, but he's also a power-hungry product of his ruthless environment.
As a book about the inner machinations of the Roman courts, it's fascinating. As a commentary on cultural memory, it's riveting. But Nero himself limps along within the novel, causing the plot to be stilted.
Altogether, I'd recommend it if you enjoy in-depth character studies or books on Roman history!