A wryly humorous story
Written by Mark Edwards on September 27, 2024
This is the wryly humorous story of Gaius Obsequens Dolo, once a mediocre a law student in Rome, now— because of his late father’s tax problems— a military tribune on the Rhine trying to prosper by means of institutionalized graft, administrative ineptitude and mutiny while the Roman Empire totters around him. The unwitting secret agent of a high government official, Gaius blunders through a peasant insurrection, two civil wars, three stints in jail, and the pursuit of an acrimonious lawsuit against his brother. He’s ably assisted by his cynical former slave and by his strong-willed wife, who, fortunately for him, is a human calculator.
The Big Book Review
Geoff Carter from the Flagship UK Talk Radio Breakfast Show says, The protagonist, Gaius Obsequens Dolo, is a former law student who, due to his late father’s tax problems, finds himself as a military tribune on the Rhine. Gaius navigates a world rife with administrative corruption, political instability, and personal disasters—sometimes causing more chaos than he prevents. From peasant uprisings to civil wars, three stints in jail, and a contentious legal battle with his own brother, Gaius is an endearing and comic character that readers can’t help but root for. The brilliance of the book lies in its witty take on Roman history, paired with the unforgettable personalities of Gaius’ cynical former slave and his formidable wife, who plays a major role in keeping his life together. What makes this book stand out is its perfect blend of humor, historical intrigue, and human drama. Its fresh perspective on life in ancient Rome, filled with relatable yet absurd predicaments, makes it an absolute must-read for lovers of historical fiction, satire, and anyone who enjoys a laugh.
Fortuna at the Rudder on UK Talk Radio
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