Synopsis: This is big a book and a big story based on the History of Rome and the Great men that ruled when she was one of the important Empires. The year is 110 BC and the two main characters are Gaius Marius and Lucius Cornelius Sulla, and the fortunes of these two men and their rise in the Roman Empire through politics and battles. Review:When I first came across Colleen McCullough's Roman series of books the first one I picked out of mild interest in Roman history, by the time I had got to the third chapter I was totally hooked. The personal and political lives of the Romans have been richly described here. The characters very like real people you are immediately intrigued by, and though it takes a while to get use to the Roman terms and Latin names, the book comes with a glossary of explanations for the words. This is a history lesson which will have you sitting unable to put the book down as you follow the lives of the two main characters who start of with a very lowly reputation in the Roman Empire. Gaius Marius, considered a no good Greek with ideas above his station, takes on the Roman Senate and with the help of the powerful Caesar to win over the hearts of the people and become the first man in Rome. His best friend and brother-in-law, Lucius Cornelius Sulla rises to political fame and power, but starts off with a more dark and notorious beginning, Still. you will find yourself cheering both of these men on, as they have to not only fight battles with Germans, and various other enemies of Rome but with their own Roman citizens who are determined to bring them down. You also get a chance to delve into their personal lives, their loves, and the women that play a big part. If you like political intrigue and battles, it is all here told in a glorious down to earth fashion that keeps the reader interested, even if you can't grasp all the concepts. There are so much story and sub plots I could not even know where to begin, except that it is all enjoyable and the writer has made it it a wonderful story telling tale. I give this book 5 out of 5!
Title: The First Man in Rome |
2/31/05
