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Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome

Book 1 in the series:Cicero

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Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome by Robert Harris is a gripping historical fiction novel that follows the life and career of Roman politician and orator Cicero. The story is narrated in the first person by his slave and secretary, Tiro, offering a unique perspective on Cicero's early and mid-life, detailing his rise to consul. The book delves into the intricate political machinations of ancient Rome, bringing to life well-known historical figures like Julius Caesar, Pompey the Great, and more. The vivid depiction of Rome and the engaging narrative style make this book a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction and the classical era.

Characters:

The characters are richly drawn, with Cicero depicted as a driven orator and politician, while Tiro provides a sympathetic lens through which to view Cicero's ambitions and struggles.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is accessible, favoring clarity and detail over ornate language, effectively conveying both the historical context and personal nuances of the characters.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot delves into Cicero's ascent to power and the political dramas surrounding his career, emphasizing the intricacies of Roman governance and the personal challenges he faced.

Setting:

The setting vividly captures the complexities of Roman political life during a transformative era, highlighting both the grandeur and corruption of the Republic.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with a gradual buildup leading to crucial political milestones, balancing detailed exposition with suspenseful developments.
MY NAME IS TIRO. For thirty-six years I was the confidential secretary of the Roman statesman Cicero. At first this was exciting, then astonishing, then arduous, and finally extremely dangerous. Durin...

Notes:

Imperium is the first book in a trilogy about Marcus Tullius Cicero, a famous Roman orator.
The story is narrated by Tiro, Cicero's slave and secretary, who lived to be a hundred years old.
Tiro is credited with creating a shorthand system that was adopted by the Senate.
Cicero was unique because he rose to power without family wealth or military backing; he relied solely on his talent as an orator.
The book intertwines real historical events with political intrigue, making it a compelling read.
Cicero married for wealth to enter the Senate but was a loving husband and father.
Politically, Cicero had to navigate a treacherous landscape filled with shifting loyalties and power struggles among Roman elites.
The novel highlights parallels between ancient Roman politics and modern political scenarios, emphasizing the timeless nature of political maneuvering.
Cicero's successful prosecution of the corrupt governor Gaius Verres is a significant plot point in the book.
The story culminates in Cicero's election as consul, which grants him imperium, the highest political authority in Rome.

From The Publisher:

From the bestselling author of Fatherland and Pompeii, comes the first novel of a trilogy about the struggle for power in ancient Rome.

In his "most accomplished work to date" (Los Angeles Times), master of historical fiction Robert Harris lures readers back in time to the compelling life of Roman Senator Marcus Cicero. The re-creation of a vanished biography written by his household slave and righthand man, Tiro, Imperium follows Cicero's extraordinary struggle to attain supreme power in Rome.

On a cold November morning, Tiro opens the door to find a terrified, bedraggled stranger begging for help. Once a Sicilian aristocrat, the man was robbed by the corrupt Roman governor, Verres, who is now trying to convict him under false pretenses and sentence him to a violent death. The man claims that only the great senator Marcus Cicero, one of Rome's most ambitious lawyers and spellbinding orators, can bring him justice in a crooked society manipulated by the villainous governor. But for Cicero, it is a chance to prove himself worthy of absolute power. What follows is one of the most gripping courtroom dramas in history, and the beginning of a quest for political glory by a man who fought his way to the top using only his voice-defeating the most daunting figures in Roman history.

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About the Author:

Robert Harris is the author of Pompeii, Enigma, and Fatherland. He has been a television correspondent with the BBC and a newspaper columnist for the London Sunday Times and The Daily Telegraph. His novels have sold more than ten million copies and been translated into thirty languages. He lives in Berkshire, England, with his wife and four children.

 
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