Publication Date: 20th February 2012
Pages: 448
Book Source: Author & Random House Australia
Synopsis: The first of two
epic novels which tell the story of one of the most charismatic heroes history
has ever known -- Spartacus, the gladiator slave who took on and nearly
defeated the might of Rome, during the years 73-71 BC.
In historical terms we know very little about
Spartacus the man -- partly because most contemporary Roman historians were
keen to obliterate his memory and prevent him from attaining mythic status.
This of course is grist to the novelist's mill. Ben Kane's brilliant novel
begins in the Thracian village to which Spartacus has returned, after escaping
from life as an auxiliary in the Roman army. But here he quickly falls foul of
his overlord, the Thracian king, who has set his heart on Dionysian priestess, Ariadne
-- later to become wife of Spartacus. Betrayed again to the Romans by his
jealous king, Spartacus -- and with him Ariadne -- are taken in captivity to
the school of gladiators at Capua. It is here -- against the unbelievable
brutality of gladiatorial life -- that Spartacus and Crixus the Gaul plan the
audacious overthrow of their Roman masters, escaping to Vesuvius, where they
recruit and train a huge slave army -- an army which will keep the might of
Rome at bay for two years and create one of the most extraordinary legends in
history. Spartacus: The Gladiator takes the story up to the
moment when the slave army has inflicted its first great defeat on Rome.
My
Thoughts:
Compelling reading, Spartacus The Gladiator was an absolute
page turner. Ben Kane covers the well known story of Spartacus with a brilliant
balance of historical detail and fictional flare bringing the story to life in
fascinating, horrifying and brutal glory.
Spartacus
is known as one of the greatest military commanders in history, a master
tactician, a man of strength, intelligence, honour, loyalty and while
understanding the inhumanities and cruelties inflicted during war he possessed
a strong moral code.
Skilled
in Roman warfare from years spent in the Roman legions, Spartacus returns to
his home village after a ten year absence to be betrayed, sold into slavery and
trained as a gladiator in the Ludus in Capua. He masterminds the escape from
the Ludus and along with fellow gladiators trains and leads a growing army of
slaves in rebellion against the might of Rome.
Kane's
vivid writing and graphic descriptions give an excellent sense of time and
place. Not for the faint hearted; battle after battle, violence,
pillaging, rape, carnage and the horror endured by women of this time was
difficult to read but I couldn't get enough Spartacus and the
'Gladiator War'. If I'm nit-picking my one query would be on the authenticity
of the 'f-bomb' in 74BC??
After
finishing what would have to be one of my favourite reads this year I cannot
wait for the sequel, Spartacus: Rebellion.
Wow!! I normally wouldn't be drawn to this type of book, but your review has really got me interested!!! Sounds like a great read!
ReplyDeleteIt was Julie, I loved it and even though we know how the story ends I still can't wait to read the sequel.
DeleteThis sounds like it ticks all the right boxes for me. I will keep my eye out for it that is for sure.
ReplyDeleteWhat's your email, I did try to put Ben in touch with you for a review copy ... are you interested??
DeleteWhat, the f bomb? Sighs, that would annoy me. Just let them say Ceasar's beard or something. But other than that is sounds good
ReplyDeleteSounds good, but the f-bomb does seem out of place!
ReplyDeleteSpartacus...brilliant movie and glad this author has written a brilliant book too. The f-bomb is a little off putting as I doubt it was around then. Otherwise sounds like a winner to me. thanks sweetie!
ReplyDeleteHi Sheree, and thanks for the great review. I am so pleased that you liked it.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your query/problem with the 'F bomb' (not heard of that expression before!). Many people do not know that there is some evidence to suggest that the word might have been around in ancient times. The verb 'futuere' has the same meaning as 'to f*ck'.
Also, the Romans were incredibly foulmouthed. They used the most revolting words 'c**ksucker' was very common, as were other very very crude words for genitalia etc. I have no doubt that there were other curses that we are not aware of. It is for this reason, and because the 'F word' is so very pithy, that I chose to use it.
Best wishes
Ben
Thanks for commenting Ben and clearing up my query on the 'f' word. Foul language itself doesn't bother me in the slightest, I just like to know it's used authentically. Can't wait for Spartacus: Rebellion!!
ReplyDelete