David B. Hollander

Love and engineering in Rome’s underbelly

Revisado: 11-09-21 El oyente recibió este título gratis

I’ve been hoping Nicastro would write a novel set in ancient Rome since I first read Empire of Ashes. The River Through Rome is every bit as lively and inventive as his Greek novels but goes in a very different direction. Instead of focusing on major historical figures and great events, this novel considers the lives of the distinctly non-elite Amaris and the talented but struggling engineer who falls for her. As usual, Nicastro has done his research. His depiction of Rome in the 30s BC, as the Romans transitioned from Republic to Imperial rule, rings true. There’s crime, dirt, and despair, of course, but also lighter moments as we get to know some of the inhabitants of an ordinary neighborhood. Potential readers should be aware that Nicastro does not shy away from the cruel realities of Roman slavery. What most impressed me, however, was how he imagines the inner life of a woman trapped in a profoundly patriarchal world. While there are some street battles, fundamentally this is a novel about relationships. Last but not least Melanie Crawley provides excellent narration

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