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Matilde's General: Book Two of the Visigoth Saga
It is the late 4th century, and the Roman Empire groans under the repeated blows of civil war and barbarian invasion. The Visigoths, faced with annihilation by Roman legions, surrender a girl to the Romans as a hostage, as surety for her tribe’s good conduct. Young Matilde will live in Constantinople for years and flourish in the home of a senior army officer.
She befriends Empress Aelia Eudoxia and grows up in the high society of the imperial court. From there, she has an opportunity to help her tribe, who dream of a new home where they can live in peace and prosperity. But the court is a treacherous place of backstabbing and intrigue. When she and her lover have an opportunity to seize power and advance their cause, will they take it?
Robert S. Phillips has based Matilde’s General on the historical writings of Orosius and other historians of Roman antiquity.
She befriends Empress Aelia Eudoxia and grows up in the high society of the imperial court. From there, she has an opportunity to help her tribe, who dream of a new home where they can live in peace and prosperity. But the court is a treacherous place of backstabbing and intrigue. When she and her lover have an opportunity to seize power and advance their cause, will they take it?
Robert S. Phillips has based Matilde’s General on the historical writings of Orosius and other historians of Roman antiquity.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2024
1 person is currently reading
About the author
Robert S. Phillips
45 books8 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
American poet, author and editor, usually publishes under the name Robert Phillips.
Robert S. Phillips was born 1938 in Milford, Delaware and is the author or editor of some 30 volumes of poetry, fiction, criticism, and belles lettres and publishes in numerous journals. A graduate of Syracuse University's creative writing program, he is currently (May 2007) a professor of English at the University of Houston; he was also director of the Creative Writing Program there from 1991 to 1996. His honors include a 1996 Enron Teaching Excellence Award, a Pushcart Prize, an American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters Award in Literature, a New York State Council on the Arts CAPS Grant in Poetry, MacDowell Colony and Yaddo Fellowships, a National Public Radio Syndicated Fiction Project Award, a Syracuse University Arents Pioneer Medal, and Texas Institute of Letters membership. In 1998 he was named a John and Rebecca Moore Scholar at the University of Houston.
[Portions of biographical sketch taken from Mr. Phillips' faculty home page at the University of Houston, http://www.uh.edu/cwp/faculty/phillip..., retrieved 11 May 2007.]
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American poet, author and editor, usually publishes under the name Robert Phillips.
Robert S. Phillips was born 1938 in Milford, Delaware and is the author or editor of some 30 volumes of poetry, fiction, criticism, and belles lettres and publishes in numerous journals. A graduate of Syracuse University's creative writing program, he is currently (May 2007) a professor of English at the University of Houston; he was also director of the Creative Writing Program there from 1991 to 1996. His honors include a 1996 Enron Teaching Excellence Award, a Pushcart Prize, an American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters Award in Literature, a New York State Council on the Arts CAPS Grant in Poetry, MacDowell Colony and Yaddo Fellowships, a National Public Radio Syndicated Fiction Project Award, a Syracuse University Arents Pioneer Medal, and Texas Institute of Letters membership. In 1998 he was named a John and Rebecca Moore Scholar at the University of Houston.
[Portions of biographical sketch taken from Mr. Phillips' faculty home page at the University of Houston, http://www.uh.edu/cwp/faculty/phillip..., retrieved 11 May 2007.]
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 26, 2024
Matilde’s General by Robert S. Phillips is a captivating sequel to Elodia’s Knife that delves into the tragic love life of Matilde, Elodia’s daughter. Set against the backdrop of historical events between 394 CE and 400 CE, the novel masterfully intertwines fiction with history, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of the era's complexities. The story begins with Matilde, who, at the tender age of 11, falls in love with Gisalaric, a young warrior. However, her heart is shattered when Gisalaric dies in battle. Despite this loss, Matilde eventually finds love again with Ildefons, only to face another heartbreak when he is killed while delivering a crucial message to the Thessalians regarding Rufinus' decree. This decree, which demanded the Goths be awarded one-third of the Thessalians’ land, sparked conflict, leading to the Goths’ victory and eventual settlement. The peace of the Goths is short-lived as General Stilicho's actions force them to give up two hostages to the Roman Empire, one of whom is Matilde. While in captivity, Matilde discovers love and happiness once more, but her time as a hostage ultimately leaves her emotionally broken upon her return home.
Phillips skillfully uses Matilde’s story to highlight the low value placed on women in the Roman Empire. Despite her intelligence and wit, Matilde finds herself sidelined when Gainas, who once sought her counsel, rises to power. Her pregnancy serves as a stark reminder of the limited roles available to women during this time, reducing her from a trusted advisor to a figure treated according to societal expectations. While Matilde’s General is rooted in historical fiction, with Matilde as a fictional character, the wars and events depicted are based on real historical occurrences. This blend of fact and fiction not only enriches the narrative but also educates readers on the period. Readers familiar with Elodia’s Knife may notice similarities between the two novels. Both Elodia and Matilde find themselves in similar circumstances, taken as captives and developing relationships with powerful men who hold them. These parallels might make the story feel repetitive to those who have read the first book. Matilde’s General remains an engaging read, especially for those new to the series. Phillips provides ample background information, allowing readers who haven’t read Elodia’s Knife to easily follow the story and understand the context of events and characters.
Matilde’s General is a well-crafted historical novel that offers a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the harsh realities faced by women in the Roman Empire. While it may feel familiar to fans of Phillips' earlier work, it stands on its own as an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
Phillips skillfully uses Matilde’s story to highlight the low value placed on women in the Roman Empire. Despite her intelligence and wit, Matilde finds herself sidelined when Gainas, who once sought her counsel, rises to power. Her pregnancy serves as a stark reminder of the limited roles available to women during this time, reducing her from a trusted advisor to a figure treated according to societal expectations. While Matilde’s General is rooted in historical fiction, with Matilde as a fictional character, the wars and events depicted are based on real historical occurrences. This blend of fact and fiction not only enriches the narrative but also educates readers on the period. Readers familiar with Elodia’s Knife may notice similarities between the two novels. Both Elodia and Matilde find themselves in similar circumstances, taken as captives and developing relationships with powerful men who hold them. These parallels might make the story feel repetitive to those who have read the first book. Matilde’s General remains an engaging read, especially for those new to the series. Phillips provides ample background information, allowing readers who haven’t read Elodia’s Knife to easily follow the story and understand the context of events and characters.
Matilde’s General is a well-crafted historical novel that offers a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the harsh realities faced by women in the Roman Empire. While it may feel familiar to fans of Phillips' earlier work, it stands on its own as an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
October 4, 2024
Fascinating recreation of the late Roman Empire
We always hear about the early Roman Empire but not much about it in the centuries after Christ. The author takes pieces of history and weaves them into a fascinating story of treason, political intrigue, and love during the early centuries AD.
As someone not familiar with this time period, I liked the way the author includes excerpts from references in each chapter to provide context. It also lets the reader know which characters were actual parts of history. In addition, there is a glossary at the end to clarify terms and places.
This historical novel provides an interesting twist to history, as the author makes the strongest characters female.
I recommend this to fans of historical fiction and anyone who believes that behind every strong man is a smart woman.
We always hear about the early Roman Empire but not much about it in the centuries after Christ. The author takes pieces of history and weaves them into a fascinating story of treason, political intrigue, and love during the early centuries AD.
As someone not familiar with this time period, I liked the way the author includes excerpts from references in each chapter to provide context. It also lets the reader know which characters were actual parts of history. In addition, there is a glossary at the end to clarify terms and places.
This historical novel provides an interesting twist to history, as the author makes the strongest characters female.
I recommend this to fans of historical fiction and anyone who believes that behind every strong man is a smart woman.
October 13, 2024
Matilde's General: Book Two of the Visigoth Saga was a fun read, and I like the way the author weaves the story around actual history and one that is lesser known. I also enjoyed the snippets of information. Though I didn’t read the first book, I was able to jump right in and enjoy the story without feeling like I missed anything, though I’ll likely go back now that I’ve read it and can’t wait to read the next book. The story is very detailed, and I felt myself carried away at times. The story is original and entertaining, with many great characters and dialogue.
I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great fantasy story, especially one with ties to ancient history.
I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a great fantasy story, especially one with ties to ancient history.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews