Domina

This is easily the best fictional account of the first Roman imperial dynasty, the Julio-Claudians, since Robert Graves' "I Claudius." The history is accurate, as are the elements of ancient Roman society and culture which become part of the story, and the characters are an intriguing blend of what is known about them and Doherty's speculations. The man is extraordinarily knowledgeable and comfortable with the various periods and cultures in which he sets his stories and is a story-teller who never fails to keep his reader's interest and curiosity.

The prose here is simple and easy to follow which helps as there are many characters in and out of it. I am personally intrigued by historical fiction whereby I am entertained while learning various cultures. Doherty does a fine job of accurately putting us in the middle of ancient Rome, right down to the aromas in the air. All is covered including architecture and interior design, clothing, speech, flora and fauna, and of course the caste system and wretched deceipt of the royals. The latter deadly and scandalous nature of which allows us to become voyeurs, gladly from a safe distance in time. The fun ends all too soon, but Doherty has other books of the same entertaining and informative nature.

Paul Doherty is the consummate professional when it comes to writing historical novels. I for one do not know how he can be so prolific with his offering of books and yet make sure that each of them is well researched. Whether they be 13th, 14th, or fifteenth century they are always true to the period. He also writes about Ancient Egypt and Alexander the Great. Paul Doherty has the rare talent of making you feel as though you are there, be it medieval England, or battling with Alexander. The sounds and smells of the period seem to waft from the pages of his books. He has now turned his attention to Ancient Rome and this is the first book in the series. Agrippina was the wife of Claudius and the mother of perhaps the most hated Emperor Rome had ever had (or so the history books would have us believe). She was a stunningly beautiful woman, but talented too. She led a privileged but traumatic life. She saw her own father murdered. She was then banished by her brother and was killed on the orders of a son, when the balance of his mind was undoubtedly in question. This is her story, told by her freed man, Parmenon, a one-eyed former gladiator. He tells of Agrippina's constant battle to survive in the depraved and violent Imperial Roman court and also her attempts to stem the crumbling relationship between herself and her son.

Having read a number of Doherty's historical/mystery novels, I came to read 'Domina'with thoughts that it would be of similar ilk to the others - entertaining. I like Doherty's style. Domina is entertaining - and much more. With this novel there is more a sense of history and its drama. The author brings to life an Agrippina The Younger who is every bit the scheming and manipulative woman we've read about, but also a more 'earthier' person - believable. She is a survivor! Daughter of the hero Germanicus and Agrippina The Elder - an overbearing mother of the first order! Sister of Caligula. Wife to the emperor Claudius ( her uncle and well known lecher)and then mother to Nero. How's that for a disfunctional family! In Doherty's tale I felt some sympathy for Agrippina, despite her own devious behaviour. This was encouraged by the story being told by her confidant and life-long admirer - Parmenion. Historical fact abounds here entwined with gripping drama vividly told. His best historical novel yet!