Latest News
Augustus by John Williams - Book Review
This beautifully written novel by John Williams vividly brings to life a band of famously historical figures through a compelling set of letters, memoirs, poems etc. Jumping back and forth, mostly between 44B.C. and 13B.C., we follow the rule of Augustus Caesar as he prematurely inherits the Roman Republic (at 18 years old) after his uncle, Julius Caesar, is unexpectedly murdered. From this Augustus, previously known as Octavius, must navigate complex machinations: conspirators, powerful Roman politicians, journeys, marriage and divorce and civil wars against ‘friends turned foes’. The themes of betrayal, greed and power weaved constantly throughout the book forces us to question the stability of democratic systems and the uncertain foundations onto which the Roman Republic was built.
Split into three parts Williams explores the power struggles of the Roman Empire and the life of Augustus’ only child, Julia. Even as a self-disciplined and sometimes cold individual, Williams paints the picture of a man who does value close friendships and fatherhood but has a calculated, hard to read aura about him. The secrecy and historical ambiguity surrounding Augustus’ persona makes him an easily mouldable character. Maybe explaining Williams’ interest in him? The fact that the majority of the book is not narrated by Augustus himself, but by other characters who were somehow involved in his life, was a nice touch – we learn fragments about his nature and can contemplate the ideas behind his actions through the eyes of others. In a way–from the outside looking in.
I would definitely recommend this novel because even if you have no historical knowledge of the events that take place, the way in which Williams presents this history always had me on the edge of my seat and I can assure you it is a fascinating read.
By Ru Chivere