"Caesar" by Colleen McCullough is the fifth installment in the 'Masters of Rome' series, focusing on Julius Caesar's rise to power, his Gallic Wars, and the subsequent civil war against Pompey's faction. The plot delves into the intricacies of Roman politics, the clash of powerful leaders like Caesar, Pompey, and Cato, and the historical events that shaped Ancient Rome. The writing style is described as detailed, immersive, and historically accurate, bringing to life the characters and the political climate of the time.

Characters:

Characters are drawn from history and depicted with varying degrees of complexity, with notable emphasis on their relationships and motivations.

Writing/Prose:

The author's writing combines vivid descriptions with fluid prose, adeptly blending historical information into the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative spans significant historical events including Caesar's military campaigns and political maneuverings during a chaotic period in Roman history.

Setting:

Set in the late Roman Republic, the novel captures a vivid landscape of Rome, Gaul, and Egypt, reflecting both familiar and foreign aspects of the era.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with a slower start that picks up as the narrative progresses, ultimately maintaining a more streamlined momentum.

The orders were that while Caesar and the major part of his army were in Britannia, none but the most urgent communications were to be sent to him; even directives from the Senate had to wait in Portu...

Notes:

Caesar is the fifth book in Colleen McCullough's Masters of Rome series, covering crucial years from 54 BC to 48 BC.

The story features key historical figures like Cato, Pompey, and Cleopatra, amidst a chaotic political landscape in Rome and Egypt.

The book goes in-depth into the Gallic Wars and the lead-up to Caesar's civil war against Pompey, providing a comprehensive view of this historical period.

McCullough's writing is praised for turning historical figures into relatable characters filled with emotions like love, hate, and envy.

The phrase 'Let the dice fly high' reflects Caesar's risk-taking attitude, contrasting with the more fatalistic view of 'the die is cast'.

Critics noted that Caesar is portrayed as overly idealized and heroic, often lacking flaws that make him relatable.

The book blends historical fact with engaging storytelling, making it enjoyable even for readers unfamiliar with ancient Rome.

Some readers found the complexity of names and tribes in Gaul challenging to follow, initially making it hard to engage with the story.

The book critiques the narcissism of Roman leaders who prioritized personal fame over the well-being of Rome.

The portrayal of Caesar includes a hint of mental illness, with his epilepsy viewed as a sign of being 'touched by the gods'.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of violence, war, and political manipulation, meriting a medium level of content warnings.

From The Publisher:

It is 54 B.C. Gaius Julius Caesar is sweeping through Gaul. While his victories in the name of Rome are epic, the conservative leaders of the Republic are not pleased - they are terrified. Where will the boundless ambition of Rome's most brilliant soldier stop? He must be destroyed before he can overthrow the government and install himself as Dictator.

When Cato and the Senate betray him, Caesar resolves to turn his genius against his ungrateful country. Backed by a loyal and skilled army, he marches on Rome. But before reaching his goal, he must contend with Pompey the Great, a formidable adversary who underestimates the renegade Caesar.

These are tumultuous times - for Caesar, who endures personal tragedies even as he wages war; for Pompey, who must wrestle with his fear that his greatness is at an end; for Cicero, whose luminous rhetoric is shattered by threat of violence; and for the citizens of Rome, whose destiny lies in Caesar's hands.

The fifth novel in Colleen McCullough's unforgettable Masters of Rome series, Caesar brings to life the passion and genius of an incomparable man.

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About the Author:

Colleen McCullough, a native of Australia, established the department of neurophysiology at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney before working as a researcher at Yale Medical School for ten years. She is the bestselling author of numerous novels, including The Thorn Birds, and lives with her husband on Norfolk Island in the South Pacific.

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