Book review: Nero by Conn Iggulden
In AD37, a child is born into the bloody rule of Tiberius. When Tiberius dies, Caligula becomes emperor.
The child’s mother is Agrippina, granddaughter to Emperor Augustus and sister to the new emperor. But royal blood doesn’t mean she or her child are safe.
Facing exile, poverty and the threat of death at any moment, Agrippina must fight and plot to make sure she and her son stay alive. And she’ll do anything to make sure her son will one day rule an empire.
The Julio - Claudian dynasty
The Julio-Claudian dynasty were the first five emperors of Rome. Augustus, initially known as Octavian, was Julius Caesar’s adopted son and the first of this dynasty. Their lineage was not direct, as it involved adoptions and different family lines. For more information on their relationships, you can visit this link.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a historical fiction book set in Ancient Rome. And this read reminded me what I’ve been missing. It is an incredible period of history that is full of might and awe, but also of brutality and power struggles.
Iggulden captures the glamour and gore of Rome in a horrifying and glorious way, balancing the two to create a real sense of what was an immensely powerful empire, and what it was like to live under the rule of the Julio-Claudius dynasty.
This book isn’t so much about the Nero we know, but about the world and the people he grew up with. Iggulden creates vivid insights and in-depth interpretations of the people who raised him. From Agrippina, who grows into a powerful and calculating woman, to Italius, a lesser but still important and genuine character. Throw in the impressive might of the Praetorian Guard and a few unhinged emperors, and it’s a stellar cast.
For me, strong historical fiction is immersive and feels real. When you read those pages, it should feel like you’re stepping in to the world of the characters. Iggulden certainly achieves this – creating the ultimate escape (though I’m not sure Ancient Rome would be one of my Top 10 destinations). It’s a way to step into Ancient Rome, but watch as an observer, rather than fall foul of an emperor.
Although we only see Nero’s first five or so years of his life in this book, Iggulden builds and layers his story, giving the reader an understanding of who he was and paving the path to the infamous emperor he is to become.
The novel is fast paced, punchy and energetic. Despite the politics, war and history which could make for one heavy read, it is addictive and brings the ancient world into the modern one.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC.
Now excuse me whilst I go watch Gladiator.