Rating:  Summary: One of the better Roman novels . . . Review: There are plenty of reviews dealing with the plotline; so, if it's o.k., I'm mainly going to deal with my impression of the book . . ."Imperial Governor" is one of the better historical novels I've read. If you like your reading to be seamless, entertaining, as close to a "page turner" as possible AND chock full of factual history, then this is a very good book for you to pick up. The story deals with Rome's occupation of Britain, or at least the few years involving Paulinius' reign as governor, which spans Boudicca's revolt. The perspective is definitely that of the Roman, particularly Paulinius. Nothing wrong with that, but if you are looking for something more from the side of Britain or Boudicca, keep looking (but don't fail to read this too.) Well written, vastly entertaining, and enlightening . . . If you're into history in general or Roman in particular, get this book. If you want more on the occupation of Britain, you might also look at "Island of Ghosts" by Gillian Bradshaw . . .
Rating:  Summary: For military enthusiasts only Review: This book covers a critical period in British and European history, with fascinating, colorful historical figures as characters. Unfortunately, the prose is dry as toast and the characters -- arguably the most important figures in British history -- remain ciphers. Because there are no notes about sources, I can't even say if the history presented is accurate. When I saw on the inside cover that it had been reprinted by a military history press, I got a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, and that feeling was borne out as I read the book. If you already know the difference between a centurion and a legionnaire, if you care deeply about military tactics and strategy, if character development isn't a top priority ... then you may like this. If, however, you are looking for good storytelling and life-like characterizations ... then don't bother. The definitive novel about Boudicca's revolt has yet to be written, I believe.
Rating:  Summary: For military enthusiasts only Review: This book covers a critical period in British and European history, with fascinating, colorful historical figures as characters. Unfortunately, the prose is dry as toast and the characters -- arguably the most important figures in British history -- remain ciphers. Because there are no notes about sources, I can't even say if the history presented is accurate. When I saw on the inside cover that it had been reprinted by a military history press, I got a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, and that feeling was borne out as I read the book. If you already know the difference between a centurion and a legionnaire, if you care deeply about military tactics and strategy, if character development isn't a top priority ... then you may like this. If, however, you are looking for good storytelling and life-like characterizations ... then don't bother. The definitive novel about Boudicca's revolt has yet to be written, I believe.
Rating:  Summary: Excellent read Review: This is a well considered and thought out book. The historical detail is excellent and one would have thought that it was written by Seutonius Paulinus,Governor of Britain reincarnate. The author leaves nothing to chance and the military decisions are probably what the Governor would have made himself with the set of circumstaces presented.
|