Reviews of historical novels by Sherry Christie

SPQR XI: Under Vesuvius, by John Maddox Roberts

Under Vesuvius is a satisfying historical novel, not just fiction that happens to be set in the past. Author John Maddox Roberts has been developing his main character, Decius Caecilius Metellus, over 10 previous books in the SPQR series. By now, constant readers are familiar with Decius's shrewd wife, Julia (niece of that controversial conqueror, Julius... continue reading

Pompeii, by Robert Harris

In Robert Harris's Pompeii, the volcano is the real protagonist. To be sure, there's a hero — Marcus Attilius, a hydraulic engineer — who has been sent from Rome to fix the failing water supply of towns near Mount Vesuvius. As a newcomer to the area, Attilius plumbs Pompeii's political turmoil while trying to find out what's happening to... continue reading

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