Arminius and Thusnelda Versus Rome

by Michael G. Kramer

In September of 9 A.D., The three legions and their supporting units under the command of Varus thought that they could complete the Roman conquest of Germania. Due to the efforts of Thusnelda and her husband, Armin or, if you like, his Latin name, Arminius, the Romans lost! When he was informed about the loss of his legions and their supporting units, Augustus began wailing, "Varus, Varus, give me back my legions!" For months afterwards, he left his hair to grow and also his beard and he appeared to be totally unkept! What made it all much harder for the Romans to bear was a few warriors only supported Arminius and Thusnelda. However, they did manage to increase their number for the final battle at Kalkriese Hill in the Teutoburg Forest. That battle set the current boundaries of Europe, between those who drink wine and speak the Latin based language, as opposed to those who like to drink beer and speak the Germanic languages!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, Drama, Historical, Novels, Ebooks

378 pages, Paperback

First published May 24, 2021

About the author

Served Australian army, including war service in the Vietnam War in 1968 - 1969. Came home to public shunning of Vietnam Veterans and discrimination against Vietnam Veterans by potential employers. This resulted in the setting up of the first business, (contract fencing) because I could not get a job. In due course, I studied for Advanced Diploma of Egineering Technology, Associate Degree of Civil Engineering and I am now doing my Arts degree. It was during the study of the arts degree that I became interested in the history of Northern Europe and Germania during the times of Julius and Augustus Ceasar. This led to researching and writing of the second book entitled 'For the Love of Armin'. Currently studying Bachelor of Construction Management.

Reviews

[Grady]

‘The ancient Germanic tribes thought that their women had many prophetic powers’

Australian author Michael Kramer earned degrees in architecture and engineering, and is a Veteran of the Vietnam War, having served with the First Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) in the Vietnam War during 1968 and 1969, and has published seven novels - FULL CIRCLE FOR MICK, FOR THE LOVE OF ARMIN, NOW WHAT?!! (and the version, ANGLO-SAXON INVASION), A GRACIOUS ENEMY, A CASTLE OF DOOMSDAY, and now ARMINIUS AND THUSNELDA VERSUS ROME – an updated version of FOR THE LOVE OF ARMIN – ‘a response to the female reviewers who have asked to read more about the wife of Armin or Arminius. She was named Thusnelda.’

Having read and enjoyed all of Michael Kramer’s books, it is with some assurance that this reader underlines the importance of his contribution to our understanding, appreciation, and respect for history. Not only is reading this book a fascinating journey back to ancient Rome, but it also is rich in descriptive and fictional details that make it a fine novel as well.

The complex plot is well condensed by the author – ‘In September of 9 A.D., The three legions and their supporting units under the command of Varus thought that they could complete the Roman conquest of Germania. Due to the efforts of Thusnelda and her husband, Armin or, if you like, his Latin name, Arminius, the Romans lost! When he was informed about the loss of his legions and their supporting units, Augustus began wailing, "Varus, Varus, give me back my legions!" For months afterwards, he left his hair to grow and also his beard and he appeared to be totally unkept! What made it all much harder for the Romans to bear was a few warriors only supported Arminius and Thusnelda. However, they did manage to increase their number for the final battle at Kalkriese Hill in the Teutoburg Forest. That battle set the current boundaries of Europe, between those who drink wine and speak the Latin based language, as opposed to those who like to drink beer and speak the Germanic languages!’

Michael introduces this epic with a section on the origins of the Germanic people – ‘I am the ghost of Adalhard, an ancient Germanic warrior…I will now tell you of the goings-on that took place and finally resulted in the Roman army leaving Germania forever. The events that preceded it and the events after my people’s great victory over the cruel and arrogant Roman invaders.’ It is that degree of history placed in context with contemporary writing style that brings his saga to immediate life.

Fine writing, well considered research, and a sense of immediacy make this a fine history book – and novel!

[Michael Kramer]

"Arminius and Thusnelda Versus Rome" is the story of the battle that defined Europe. In today's Europe, there is a boundary between those who prefer beer and those who drink wine.
The activities of the Romans resulted in the Germanic leader named Armin (Germanic name) or Arminius (Latin name) wiping out the Roman army and then cutting off the head of the Roman general (Varus) before sending it to Rome. That resulted in Augustus not shaving or combing his hair for months afterwards. He could be heard yelling, "Varus, Varus, give me back my legions!"
After their victory, the Germanic tribesmen were worried that Amrin would become a king and end their fiercely independent lifestyles. Therefore, they murdered him. His wife, Thusnelda, was betrayed by her father. She was paraded in Rome as part of three triumphs for Germanicus. She was made a slave after she was taken to Rome. The son of Armin and Thusnelda became a gladiator who had some successes. I was surprised during researching this, that the ancient Germanic and Nordic women had full equality with their men. something they lost after the coming of the church and the end of the warrior.

[Pegboard]

Arminius and Thusnelda Versus Rome by Michael G. Kramer is told by the ghost of Adalhard, a Germanic warrior. The story begins with much history about the origins of present Germanic people and the attempt Rome had in overtaking them. Mixed in with history is the story of Arminius when he goes off to train in the Roman Calvary. At five, he was feisty and demanded respect the officers refused to give. We also meet Thusnelda, a girl who takes her training as a warrior seriously. Julius Caesar and his contribution to the Roman cause. This novel is a historian's dream as so much research was put into this book. The chapters are short and told from a storyteller's point of view, instead of your usual novel form. I loved the skill in which the author places you in the story. You feel the pride of the women defending their men. This historical fiction was a delight to read, and I highly recommend it to lovers of ancient tales.

[Emerson]

Michael G. Kramer takes you back in time in his book Arminius and Thusnelda Versus Rome. The story follows the clash between Rome and Germany back in 9 A.D. Arminius and his bride Thusnelda become disgusted by the way Rome treats its people and also turns on them. The book is an epic and complex adventure that brings to life history. Kramer does a wonderful job of providing interesting context and details as well as sharing his passion for history into the book. The book has a unique voice as we get short chapters that delve into different elements of the conflict. I found this book to be both informative as well as engaging. I would highly recommend this book to history lovers.

[Valery]

Arminius and Thusnelda Versus Rome by Michael G. Kramer is a fascinating look at this not often studied period of history. The book opens with a history of the Germanic people, their origins, all of this told by a ghost which is a great touch. The book is all about battles between the Germans and the Romans, and how the Germans ultimately won. Rome was constantly trying to conquer new lands, and this time, Arminius and Thusnelda were in the middle of the action and proved to be victorious. Truly an epic historical fiction novel, you will learn so much by reading this. This is a well-constructed book that explains succinctly what happened during this time and makes it enjoyable and entertaining. If you want to learn more about history, this is the perfect book. Highly recommend.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer]

A really great book!

A man named Armanious who was originally from the Germania territory, but was raised and taught the Roman ways and grow up to be the head honcho in the Roman military. I love the story about Arminius and his wife I love the great research that went into the book I love the word the author made each chapter build on the last until its conclusion. This is a great book for anyone who loves history. I have recently become obsessed with the Roman history, but mostly the enemies of Rome and I do think this falls in that category. It’s a great book with great research in the flow of the book is not academic at all but easy to read I’m very comprehensive I found a lot of books about Roman history are dry and hard to get into and that wasn’t the case with Arminius it’s Nelda. I do believe it is my new favorite book about Rome. I highly recommend it!This is such a good story about a

[Michael Weinraub]

This was so spectacularly not what I expected and am still confused about how some people love it. But I fully acknowledge and affirm that there are different writing strokes for different folks. There is simple and effective historical storytelling here, but it feels like it is written for older children, with a straightforward and detailed style that was not very compelling for me.

[BRETT GARRETT]

Interesting topic, horrendously written

[Harbeey Readone]

I really enjoyed Arminius and Thusnelda Versus Rome. The story does a great job bringing history to life without feeling heavy, and I liked how it balanced the larger conflict with the personal relationship between Arminius and Thusnelda. The pacing kept me interested, especially during the build-up to the major events. It’s an engaging read that makes the history feel vivid and easy to connect with.

[Heather Mills]

Hfggggffggf b 2gww

[Noah Kidd]

The tone was awful and I had to read the same sex scene 4 times.

[LemonSlice]

5