Title: The Course of Honor
Author: Lindsey Davis
First published February 25, 1997
336 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780446679664 (ISBN10: 0446679666)
Rating: 4.15
Overview
Step back in time to ancient Rome, where political power struggles and court intrigue were the norm. The Course of Honor by Lindsey Davis follows the rise of Vespasian, a destitute son of a provincial senator who defied all odds to bring peace to the empire.
Told through the eyes of Caenis, a female slave who is Vespasian’s forbidden love, we witness the climactic struggle for power as Vespasian rises through the ranks. As he brings hope to the people of Rome, he also brings heartbreak and despair to the one woman who loves him most.
This compelling tale will transport you to a world of passion, betrayal, and ambition.
About the Author
Lindsey Davis, an esteemed historical novelist, was born in Birmingham, England in 1949. She earned a degree in English literature from Oxford University’s Lady Margaret Hall before beginning her career as a civil servant.
After 13 years, she left the civil service and tried her hand at writing. Her first attempt was a romantic novel that received the runner-up prize for the 1985 Georgette Heyer Historical Novel Prize.
This success encouraged her to write more, and she started creating romantic serials for Woman’s Realm, a popular women’s magazine in the UK. Davis was interested in history and archaeology, which led her to write a historical novel about Vespasian and his lover Antonia Caenis.
Unfortunately, she was unable to find a publisher for the book. However, she persevered and wrote her first novel featuring the Roman detective Marcus Didius Falco, set in the same time period.
Published in 1989, it was the beginning of her illustrious career as a writer of historical whodunnits.
Since then, Davis has written nineteen more Falco novels and additional works, including “Rebels and Traitors,” which was finally published in 1998. Her latest novel, set during the English Civil War, was released in September 2009.
Davis has won many literary awards for her work and was the honorary president of the Classical Association from 1997 to 1998.
Editoral Review
Lindsey Davis The Course of Honor is a historical fiction novel that was first published on February 25, 1997. The novel is based on the true story of Vespasian, a Roman general who became Emperor and his lover, Antonia Caenis.
Davis, a British novelist and journalist, is known for her historical mystery novels set in Ancient Rome, as well as her feminist interpretation of Roman history. The Course of Honor is one of her standalone novels, but it also shares her signature wit, vivid characters and attention to historical detail.
The novel is set in Ancient Rome and follows the love story of Vespasian, a struggling general who rises to power, and Antonia Caenis, a slave who becomes a trusted aide to Emperor Claudius. Despite their different stations in life, the two form a deep bond and have to navigate the treacherous waters of Roman politics, power struggles and sexual politics.
Davis is a masterful storyteller, and she brings Ancient Rome to life in a visceral and engaging way. She uses richly imagined characters, lush descriptions and intricate plot machinations to paint a vivid picture of Roman life.
The novel is both a romance and a political intrigue, and it balances these two elements superbly. The main characters of Vespasian and Antonia are fully realized, complex and layered figures, and Davis does an excellent job of charting their growth and evolution over the course of the book.
Their struggles with power and love are universal and timeless, making the novel feel contemporary despite the historical setting. As a historical fiction novel, The Course of Honor also has significant cultural and historical significance, as it sheds light on the complex and often overlooked personal lives of Roman emperors and powerful women in Ancient Rome.
Additionally, the novel touches on issues of gender and class that are relevant to contemporary society. One of the strengths of the novel is Davis ability to convey historical detail and context in a way that feels organic and engaging.
She paints a complex portrait of Roman society and its discontents, without ever feeling didactic or dry. However, there are some minor flaws in the novel, such as pacing issues and some overwrought sections.
Some readers might also find the novels dense historical detail overwhelming or confusing. Overall, The Course of Honor is a beautifully written and engaging historical fiction novel that will appeal to fans of the genre and those interested in Ancient Rome.
The novel is a testament to Davis skill as a writer and her ability to create vivid, emotionally resonant characters. Rating: 4/5 stars.
