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Rufius
In 4th century Alexandria, a poor orphan learns to scribe. Meanwhile Rufius, a rich Roman, tends the books in his care and yearns for the youth on the streets. It's a time of rampant bishops, mad heretics, and a city so ruled by passion it is set to consume itself along with the world's greatest library. As the poor boy and the rich Roman unite, hell almost literally breaks loose.
- GenresHistorical FictionLGBT
416 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2016
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62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 9, 2016
Rufius the Cinaedus is a swashbuckling adventure, a bildungsroman, a historical treatise, and a queer love story all rolled into one. As is the case in so many great historical novels, in Rufius, Walton imbricates the human story with the socio-historical story: history is made from our lives, but our lives are made from history. Rufius is an expertly-told historical adventure but also a grand tale about how the world became the way it is – in that regard it reminds me of books such as Luther Blissett’s Q and Robert Newman’s The Trade Secret.
The historical context couldn’t be more epic: Walton sets her scene as Christianity usurps Paganism in the ancient world – the foundations of our own society are being laid. But Rufius – an effeminate ‘cinaedus’ librarian – isn’t thinking about history: he’s busy chasing the next hot boy.
In particular, he’s chasing Aeson – the other half in this tale of star-crossed lovers. Aeson survives street gangs and robbers and rioters, learns to write, learns to love, and over the course of the novel grows in every way. But even Rufius can’t ignore history for long. As Christian mobs rampage through 4th-century Alexandria, and the Great Library goes up in flames, Rufius emerges as an unlikely hero and a reminder of the directions history did and didn’t take.
The novel presents a thrilling cast of urchins, slaves, prostitutes, mystics, sinister Bishops, crazy heretics, devoted believers, and one very special cinaedus. It will please in equal measure fans of LGBT literature, historical fiction aficionados, and those raised on boys’ own adventures. It will delight Ancient World enthusiasts and anyone interested in the ascension of Christianity, but it will also entertain and inform those who don’t know their togas from their trabeas. Fast-paced and elegantly written, Rufius is a delight from the opening page to the last. Highly recommended.
The historical context couldn’t be more epic: Walton sets her scene as Christianity usurps Paganism in the ancient world – the foundations of our own society are being laid. But Rufius – an effeminate ‘cinaedus’ librarian – isn’t thinking about history: he’s busy chasing the next hot boy.
In particular, he’s chasing Aeson – the other half in this tale of star-crossed lovers. Aeson survives street gangs and robbers and rioters, learns to write, learns to love, and over the course of the novel grows in every way. But even Rufius can’t ignore history for long. As Christian mobs rampage through 4th-century Alexandria, and the Great Library goes up in flames, Rufius emerges as an unlikely hero and a reminder of the directions history did and didn’t take.
The novel presents a thrilling cast of urchins, slaves, prostitutes, mystics, sinister Bishops, crazy heretics, devoted believers, and one very special cinaedus. It will please in equal measure fans of LGBT literature, historical fiction aficionados, and those raised on boys’ own adventures. It will delight Ancient World enthusiasts and anyone interested in the ascension of Christianity, but it will also entertain and inform those who don’t know their togas from their trabeas. Fast-paced and elegantly written, Rufius is a delight from the opening page to the last. Highly recommended.
October 13, 2023
I adored this novel, it may not count as great literature, but is a damned good historical novel that has everything you could want (warning there may be limited spoilers but honestly it as about well known historical events so everyone from Gibbon on down has already spilt the story line) Rome in the period of uneasy or declining tolerance of Paganism as Christianity because the oppressor, the Library of Alexandria, the destruction of said library and all the swirling political, personal and historical events and characters - saints, sinners, popes and political figures - that fought for control. It also deals without a hint of censoriousness, or any attempt to reframe them for current tastes, with the sexual realities of ancient times.
It is all in all a cracking good read, immensely fun and one of the best 'ancient Rome' novels I have read. The various characters are totally believable, in some cases impossible not to fall in love with. It was just an utterly engaging and wonderful read.
If your taste runs to historical novels then this is one of the best. If it is not necessarily your thing - and it isn't usually mine - then you should make an exception for this book.
It is all in all a cracking good read, immensely fun and one of the best 'ancient Rome' novels I have read. The various characters are totally believable, in some cases impossible not to fall in love with. It was just an utterly engaging and wonderful read.
If your taste runs to historical novels then this is one of the best. If it is not necessarily your thing - and it isn't usually mine - then you should make an exception for this book.
July 31, 2017
Interesting.
At least out of a historical point of view.
This story is set during a time and in a place I know little about, which was a plus for me. I would have wanted more explanations of some of the things that happened and that were sort of glossed over.
The characters were well written even if they were a bit of a cliché. What I didn't like was that Aesos was so young. I know 15 wasn't as young historically speaking as it is today, but it still wigged me out. Even if I have to admit he didn't act like an average teen of today.
The pacing was a bit slow and it dragged a bit on occasion.
It really was worth reading, but it wasn't as well executed as The Song of Achilles.
At least out of a historical point of view.
This story is set during a time and in a place I know little about, which was a plus for me. I would have wanted more explanations of some of the things that happened and that were sort of glossed over.
The characters were well written even if they were a bit of a cliché. What I didn't like was that Aesos was so young. I know 15 wasn't as young historically speaking as it is today, but it still wigged me out. Even if I have to admit he didn't act like an average teen of today.
The pacing was a bit slow and it dragged a bit on occasion.
It really was worth reading, but it wasn't as well executed as The Song of Achilles.
August 10, 2017
Actual rating: 3,5
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Much like "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller, this novel connected historical novel and LGBTQA. Both books also managed to invite the reader into a world we otherwise hardly get to read about, in this case 4th century Alexandria. This is a relatively unknown, and therefore unusual world, with lots of interesting dynamics. For example the position of Christianity, or the acceptance of homosexual relationships, but non-acceptance of grown man submitting themselves during sex. However, while these facts seemed logical and well-researched (besides the language the characters used - that was a bit too modern for my taste), I would have liked to read a bit more explicit explanation. Yes, there was the "Historical Note", but that should have been before, not after the text. Also, I was often confused as to who is in power or what certain actions mean - therefore: a bit more explanation of the historical background, please!
Other than that, the style of the novel was superb. It was easy to read and had a nice speed to it. What was rather curious was the narration through reactions and speech, rather than the actual action, but one gets used to that.
What I liked most, though, were the characters. Rufius, our main character and a so-called cinaedus - a man submissive in sex, was glamorous and sassy and a close-to-stereotypical picture of an effeminate gay man. He was always fun to read about. Our other main character, the orphan and dominant partner in the relationship, Aeson, was a nice quiet counterpart to that. The only problem I had with him was his apparent ease with sex. He is 15, a virgin, and yet there is no doubt whatsoever about entering a sexual relationship with an older guy. I am not asking for a "gay freak out", as in such a society, that would likely not have happened - I am only asking for a "virgin freak out", so to say. However, I liked that their relationship was full of care and romance and obvious emotion and love, without explicitly describing their sexual escapades.
Overall, this is book is certainly recommendable to all looking for an unusual combination of gay romance and historical novel.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Much like "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller, this novel connected historical novel and LGBTQA. Both books also managed to invite the reader into a world we otherwise hardly get to read about, in this case 4th century Alexandria. This is a relatively unknown, and therefore unusual world, with lots of interesting dynamics. For example the position of Christianity, or the acceptance of homosexual relationships, but non-acceptance of grown man submitting themselves during sex. However, while these facts seemed logical and well-researched (besides the language the characters used - that was a bit too modern for my taste), I would have liked to read a bit more explicit explanation. Yes, there was the "Historical Note", but that should have been before, not after the text. Also, I was often confused as to who is in power or what certain actions mean - therefore: a bit more explanation of the historical background, please!
Other than that, the style of the novel was superb. It was easy to read and had a nice speed to it. What was rather curious was the narration through reactions and speech, rather than the actual action, but one gets used to that.
What I liked most, though, were the characters. Rufius, our main character and a so-called cinaedus - a man submissive in sex, was glamorous and sassy and a close-to-stereotypical picture of an effeminate gay man. He was always fun to read about. Our other main character, the orphan and dominant partner in the relationship, Aeson, was a nice quiet counterpart to that. The only problem I had with him was his apparent ease with sex. He is 15, a virgin, and yet there is no doubt whatsoever about entering a sexual relationship with an older guy. I am not asking for a "gay freak out", as in such a society, that would likely not have happened - I am only asking for a "virgin freak out", so to say. However, I liked that their relationship was full of care and romance and obvious emotion and love, without explicitly describing their sexual escapades.
Overall, this is book is certainly recommendable to all looking for an unusual combination of gay romance and historical novel.
April 20, 2016
Rufius belongs on the same shelf as Memoirs of Hadrian. You'll remember it as the funny one.
It's a stunning reading experience. Right out the gate, you start laughing. The story and characters are so bold and three-dimensional, it feels as if you've walked inside a movie that's playing around you. Even more rare, the setting is Alexandria, 379 A.D. Every single moment keeps you on edge, with the great fire looming.
Rufius really shines when confronted by administrative obstacles as he assumes his position as the new Director of the Scriptorium, also known as the Library of Alexandria, the greatest in history.
Deep down, Rufius isn't sure Alexandria is his bag. Kicked out of Rome and still smarting from it, he is urbane and coarse; sweet and ruthless; sensitive and negligent; comic and climbing; wistful and wise. He's been exiled from his social set, a delicious fish out of water. More underwhelming still, Alexandria is not the garden spot he saw in the travel brochures. People are walking around in last year's tunics and decorating to sub-Roman standards. But Rufius is a quick study and adept at intrigues, especially his own. As you read, you can't wait to hear his devilish take on everything, more resonant for his vulnerability.
Converging narratives follow the stories of Rufius, Kiya the street cripple, and young Aeson as they hurtle toward a moment of truth. Fantastic and gripping.
It's a stunning reading experience. Right out the gate, you start laughing. The story and characters are so bold and three-dimensional, it feels as if you've walked inside a movie that's playing around you. Even more rare, the setting is Alexandria, 379 A.D. Every single moment keeps you on edge, with the great fire looming.
Rufius really shines when confronted by administrative obstacles as he assumes his position as the new Director of the Scriptorium, also known as the Library of Alexandria, the greatest in history.
Deep down, Rufius isn't sure Alexandria is his bag. Kicked out of Rome and still smarting from it, he is urbane and coarse; sweet and ruthless; sensitive and negligent; comic and climbing; wistful and wise. He's been exiled from his social set, a delicious fish out of water. More underwhelming still, Alexandria is not the garden spot he saw in the travel brochures. People are walking around in last year's tunics and decorating to sub-Roman standards. But Rufius is a quick study and adept at intrigues, especially his own. As you read, you can't wait to hear his devilish take on everything, more resonant for his vulnerability.
Converging narratives follow the stories of Rufius, Kiya the street cripple, and young Aeson as they hurtle toward a moment of truth. Fantastic and gripping.
dnf
January 16, 2021Read the first few chapters, skimmed a bit throughout and really couldn't keep going.
I found the language jarringly out of place for the historical setting, the characters (Rufius in particular) walking caricatures and the writing frankly atrocious.
Also, as a side note, I can't get over the fact that the main character's name is literally Rufius Biblus Catamitus. Get it? 'Cause he's a librarian! And a bottom! Haha wow so clever!
I found the language jarringly out of place for the historical setting, the characters (Rufius in particular) walking caricatures and the writing frankly atrocious.
Also, as a side note, I can't get over the fact that the main character's name is literally Rufius Biblus Catamitus. Get it? 'Cause he's a librarian! And a bottom! Haha wow so clever!
February 16, 2017
In the Fourth Century, a gay man takes over the library in Alexandria and uses his position of power to take revenge on the leaders that sent him there, and take advantage on the gay, bisexual, homeless youths of the city.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews