Claudias Rome (Claudia: Daughter of Rome - Antoinette May)

Member Name: blackviolets

Product:	Claudia: Daughter of Rome - Antoinette May
Date:	01/07/09 (31 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: takes a different view on roman life

Disadvantages: lots of characters which gets confusing.

I haven't found many historical novels which appeal to me from the Roman era. Maybe it was because this was told by a young woman. Starting from when she was in her teens and continuing into her 20s.

As a young girl Claudia had led a privileged life. One where she lives in the lap of luxury, loved by her family and slaves at her beck and call. It isn't long before she discovers that she has the gift of second sight.

Her dreams reveal many things. Warnings shown by images dictate some of the troubles which come her way. Sometimes proving too late when she doesn't understand their meanings.

Much to her roman parents disapproval Claudia becomes initiated into the House of Isis. A goddess of the egyptians. They expected to be a fleeting fancy of a teenager but are unaware of the fact that Claudia has visted the temple, Isenium, to plead with the Mystagogue asking him to help her make Pontius Pilate, a 27 year old rising star, love her.

She learns the hard way that no amount of spells can stop somebody from forming relationships with other people.

Even her dreams can betray her, despite her plea on a table passed to Pilate, it can't stop him from casting a decision of a man whose life is at stake. The story which is still famous now as what it was then.

This novel has been well written and shows the characters always in their different syles of personality. Never making them seem one dymensional.

Claudia, although seemingly at first driven by jealousy and envy, also comes across as loving, determined and courageous. Sometimes defying her husbands orders when she feels strongly about something.

The same goes for Pilate. Despite his slightly controlling nature, you know that he does love Claudia and is willing to see some sense on occassions. Listening to her points of view.

There are a few facts which I didn't know as well. For a start that Jesus's parents were appareantly wealthy people. And that he was supposedly married. Now this could just be part of the story and there's no proof whatsoever but it gave me something to think about.

Occassionally there are a few issues I had. The novel is packed with a wide variety fo characters. Making it at times confusing when trying to work out who is related to who. Which of them are friends and which are enemies. The good, the bad. I think in this case, less is more.

This was a good read and is worth taking a look at. Especially if you haven't read a book from the roman history. It challenges everything from love and lust, living or dieing, true loyalty and traitors.

It will cost you £6.99 from book shops buy online you can get it for £5.49 from Amazon-this is the paperback version.

Very enjoyable.

Summary: .