Stephanie Jane reviewed Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn (An empress of Rome novel)
An entertaining read
3 stars
I wasn't sure whether I would like Mistress Of Rome before I started reading it because it isn't really my usual type of novel. However, my OH, whose daughter we borrowed the book from, enjoyed it and recommended it as being a very readable story so I gave it a try. He was right! Mistress Of Rome cracks along at a good pace giving the reader glimpses of many aspects of life in the Roman Empire, especially that of the wealthier classes. Most of the story focuses on the changing relationships and fortunes of a handful of characters as their lives intertwine over a number of years. I don't think anyone was actually a 'nice' person and it was fun to follow the intrigues and back stabbings as they all clamber over each other to get ahead. Historical accuracy is sometimes sacrificed in favour of a more interesting plotline which …
I wasn't sure whether I would like Mistress Of Rome before I started reading it because it isn't really my usual type of novel. However, my OH, whose daughter we borrowed the book from, enjoyed it and recommended it as being a very readable story so I gave it a try. He was right! Mistress Of Rome cracks along at a good pace giving the reader glimpses of many aspects of life in the Roman Empire, especially that of the wealthier classes. Most of the story focuses on the changing relationships and fortunes of a handful of characters as their lives intertwine over a number of years. I don't think anyone was actually a 'nice' person and it was fun to follow the intrigues and back stabbings as they all clamber over each other to get ahead. Historical accuracy is sometimes sacrificed in favour of a more interesting plotline which irritated me, but on the whole Mistress Of Rome is a good escapist novel. I was reminded very much of the HBO television series Rome and think people who enjoyed watching that, as I did, would like this book too.