City of the Golden House

by Madeleine A. Polland

Brought to Rome from the British campaign by a kindly Roman officer, young Gretorix is made body slave to Diomed, the crippled son of a Roman senator. Both captives in their own way, the two boys become fast friends, and when Diomed hears of the man called Simon Peter, who heals the sick, he sends Gretorix to learn more about the new religion. Woven into this moving story of friendship and faith is the account of St. Peter's last days in Rome. This is a beautifully told tale of the early Christian movement, set against the flamboyant era of Nero's decadent reign. Originally published in 1963.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens

306 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

Madeleine Polland (who also wrote as Frances Adrian) was born in Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland, on May 31, 1918.

Madeleine was educated at Hitchin Girls' Grammar School, Herfordshire, from 1929 to 1937.

After leaving school, she served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, and shortly after leaving married Arthur Joseph Polland in 1946.

Madeleine Polland has written several books for children and many novels for adults. Her first book for young readers, CHILDREN OF THE RED KING, was published in the UK by Constable in 1960.

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous historical fiction novel about Christians during the persecution during Nero Caesar's time. The author brings the severity and consequences of this time to life with richly developed characters each with his and her own arcs, a clean plot that unfolds at an excellent pace for the reader, and a plethora of descriptions that engage all of the readers' senses.

We read this as a family read aloud, and my children and my other homeschool students (and all of their parents) adored this book.

Highly highly recommend!!

[Caitlin L · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Read aloud with my homeschooled kids, mostly the 8 and 9 year old. I was hoping that this would be like a children’s Quo Vadis and it really was. The story includes the scene from the Acts of Peter where Peter utters this very phrase. The terrible deaths of martyrs under Nero was recounted in a way that was not too intense for my children (I did skip a few lines but nothing was overly gruesome and it was respectfully done). I think it’s written well enough to appeal to adults who enjoy the sword-and-sandal genre.

Lots of juicy history involved; we begin at a Roman camp in Britain with a slave boy whose kindly master is almost like a second father. Later we meet Simon Magus and hear about his feud with Simon Peter, which is woven cleverly with the story of the burning of Rome. We see catacombs and baptisms and secret Eucharistic feasts. Dialogue and descriptions are neither overwrought nor corny, which is admittedly an easy trap to fall into among wholesome books and religious books! Brava to the author for that!

An adult will be able to tell that the author is coming from a Catholic perspective from a brief “ubi Petrus” moment at the very end, but it was nothing I found problematic as an Orthodox Christian. Really it was just a brief reference to Christ’s statement that “on this rock (he) will build (his) church,” which is perfectly biblical and correct. Several martyrs and other real historical figures (the judge!) make cameos and there is a nice little section in the back that explains some of the history.

The ending did feel a tiny bit anti-climactic for us, just because we wanted to hear more about these characters and whether they survived the persecution. But it was beautifully written and Mama had to clear her throat A LOT at the end.

Definitely will re-read at some point when the next batch of homeschoolers gets a little older!

[Tammie Groeneman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent children’s historical fiction. It would make a good read aloud. The best historical fiction regarding this time period is The Flames of Rome, in my opinion, but it is too graphic for young readers. This book gives the reader a good feel for this time period and the wickedness of Nero without giving too much of the details of that wickedness. I really enjoyed this book and it makes me want to read The Flames of Rome again. Really beautifully and tenderly written.

[Kelli Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this book concurrently with The Acts of the Apostles and The First Christians. This was great to read aloud as the suspense built slowly. It was not overly graphic, but still brought one of my kids to tears. The story of a slave and a Roman boy during the time of Nero and the first Christians. It was ironically poignant for today as many churches are still closed for the pandemic.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is pretty awesome. Historical fiction. Rome is run by Nero. A cripple and his slave. The last days of St.Peter. Even a special guest appearance from Simon the Magician from 33 years ago. What's not to love? This kind of book is my vibe. Recommend to everyone.

[Audie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may have stayed up way too late reading this book on multiple nights. My kids also give it 5 stars.

[Margareth8537 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written and moving story. Read it as an adult looking at children's fiction and thoroughly enjoyed it

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book that is eerily reminiscent of our current times.