"One of the best pieces of sci-fi I've ever read."
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I know this book is a prerequisite for any self respecting geek, but as much as I appreciate the humor found in obscure references to the book, it is not one of my favorites. ]]>
I have been a fan of Ruth Downie since I randomly selected her second novel, Terra Incognita, from my local library a few months ago. Her characters are endearing, her mysteries compelling, and her use of historical elements enthralling.
This book is my favorite of the three Ruso novels. Like the previous two, it follows Gaius Petreius Ruso, a doctor in the Roman army, and his lover Tilla, a "barbarian girl" from Britannia. This time, Ruso is summoned home to Gaul by a cryptic letter from his brother. Upon arriving, he finds his house in more disorder than he could have imagined: the family is facing bankruptcy, his widowed step-mother is in denial, and his brother is overwhelmed. Things only get worse when the agent in charge of the bankruptcy proceedings drops dead in Ruso's house, a victim of slow poisoning. What follows is Ruso's attempts to clear his name, investigate the murder and find the real culprit, all the while trying desperately to maintain order among his family.
This novel brings to life the absurd dynamics of the Ruso family that were only hinted at in the previous books. The relationship between Gaius and Tilla his tested and simultaneously strengthened as they continue to learn more about each other. Alongside these fictional story elements Downie introduces us to the real ancient town of Nemausus and its amphitheater, the genesis of the rise of Christianity in the Roman era, Roman politics and many other historical events and facts.
I would recommend this book to anyone that counts themselves as an armchair-historian, or anyone who enjoys a great classic mystery. ]]>
bookshelves: to-read
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Chris
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