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Julia
A partir de la historia de Julia, una joven hispana que al quedar huérfana viaja a Londinium para ocogerse a la protección de unos parientes lejanos, William Napier ha trazado en esta novela un fresco del mundo occidental en los momentos previos a la caída del imperio romano, al tiempo que un fiel y detallano retrato de la ciuda que le sirve de principal escenario.Esta novela nace del hallazgo en Londres del sarcófago de una mujer que, una vez analizado, resultó ser de una joven probablemente de origen hispano. El reportaje que realizó la BBC sobre este hallazgo sirvió de inspiración al autor para realizar esta novela.
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First published September 27, 2001
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About the author
William Napier
50 books61 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
A pseudonym of Christopher Hart
Christopher Hart (born 1965) is an English novelist and journalist.
He was educated at Cheltenham College (expelled), Leicester University (dropped out), Oxford Polytechnic and Birkbeck College, London, where he completed a PhD on W.B.Yeats.
Under his original name he has written two contemporary novels, The Harvest and Rescue Me. Since 2001, he has written four historical novels under the pseudonym of William Napier, the last three a best-selling trilogy about Attila the Hun and the Fall of the Roman Empire.
As a journalist he has worked as Literary Editor of the Erotic Review (magazine folded) and Agony Aunt for Time Out (sacked.) He currently writes regularly for the Sunday Times, where he is lead theatre critic, and the Daily Mail.
A pseudonym of Christopher Hart
Christopher Hart (born 1965) is an English novelist and journalist.
He was educated at Cheltenham College (expelled), Leicester University (dropped out), Oxford Polytechnic and Birkbeck College, London, where he completed a PhD on W.B.Yeats.
Under his original name he has written two contemporary novels, The Harvest and Rescue Me. Since 2001, he has written four historical novels under the pseudonym of William Napier, the last three a best-selling trilogy about Attila the Hun and the Fall of the Roman Empire.
As a journalist he has worked as Literary Editor of the Erotic Review (magazine folded) and Agony Aunt for Time Out (sacked.) He currently writes regularly for the Sunday Times, where he is lead theatre critic, and the Daily Mail.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 20, 2025
Hispania--340 AD. A young girl, Julia, is left an orphan, after both parents are taken by plague. With a faithful servant who dies en route, she travels to Britannia by ship and arrives with a deaf and dumb cabin boy, who attaches himself to her. She is then taken in by her uncle Lucius, City Treasurer of Londinium, a morose but scrupulously honest man. Her uncle has a ward, a boy, Marcus Flavius Aquila; this name was used deliberately, a nod to Rosemary Sutcliff, who used the name in one of her novels. The two youngsters grow up together and become friends after initial dislike. The story involves the usurper, Magnentius, Eastern Roman Emperor Constantius; Western Roman Emperor Constans and various shady government officials. After stealing money from Lucius [and being man enough to admit the theft], Marcus is whipped and forced to join the army as a common soldier by Lucius. We see his basic training under Centurion Milo, gruff and crude but basically good-hearted. We follow Marcus in his posting to Hadrian's Wall to fight Picts and Attacotti, then reassignment to the East [Antioch] to fight Persians under Shapur. Lucius is kidnapped and taken by the Attacotti. Both Marcus, who has returned to Britannia, and Julia, who insists on going along, both with an army vexillation, rush to his rescue. The detachment finally finds the kidnappers in the North and fights them there. The ending was bittersweet; I did mist over.
This novel was enjoyable. Julia, Marcus, and Uncle Lucius were engaging, as well as Milo. I admired the author for using as a basis for his novel the archaeological find of a young woman's skeleton buried in rich clothing with opulent grave goods from this period found near London in 1999. He created a whole personality and story for the figure and for "what could have been." The author gives details on why he wrote as he did in his Notes. The history seemed well researched. Unbelievable how villainous the historical "baddies" were, especially Paul the Chain! I loved the sardonicism throughout the novel. I thought the writing when the two youngsters were children was juvenile--as fitting the subject, but then as they grew to adulthood, the writing became more mature.
Highly recommended.
This novel was enjoyable. Julia, Marcus, and Uncle Lucius were engaging, as well as Milo. I admired the author for using as a basis for his novel the archaeological find of a young woman's skeleton buried in rich clothing with opulent grave goods from this period found near London in 1999. He created a whole personality and story for the figure and for "what could have been." The author gives details on why he wrote as he did in his Notes. The history seemed well researched. Unbelievable how villainous the historical "baddies" were, especially Paul the Chain! I loved the sardonicism throughout the novel. I thought the writing when the two youngsters were children was juvenile--as fitting the subject, but then as they grew to adulthood, the writing became more mature.
Highly recommended.
March 29, 2015
Great story with a good balance of historical accuracy and fictional imagination. Really enjoyable. The characters are well defined, the overall story is nicely developed, and the general cultural atmosphere of the late Roman Empire is accurately portrayed. One of the best historical fiction books about the late Roman Empire I have read for quite some time. Not perfect, but very enjoyable.
August 21, 2017
-Cualquier excusa es buena para escribir una novela. Otra cosa es la calidad o el interés de lo escrito.-
Género. Novela Histórica.
Lo que nos cuenta. En el libro Julia (publicación original: Julia, 2001), inspirado por un hallazgo arqueológico real, el autor escribe la historia de una niña romana de origen hispano de mediados del siglo IV que debe escapar junto a su nodriza de su tierra natal y termina en Britannia intentando localizar a su tío.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Novela Histórica.
Lo que nos cuenta. En el libro Julia (publicación original: Julia, 2001), inspirado por un hallazgo arqueológico real, el autor escribe la historia de una niña romana de origen hispano de mediados del siglo IV que debe escapar junto a su nodriza de su tierra natal y termina en Britannia intentando localizar a su tío.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
December 29, 2018
This standalone book about the life of Julia is absolutely astounding and certainly one to cherish.
Story-telling is of a very good quality because the author brings his characters, real or fictional, wonderfully to life, and the interactions between all the characters are very lifelike within this superb tale of love and war.
At the beginning of the book you'll notice a nice introduction by Jenny Hall about the Roman discovery in London in March 1999; you'll also find well drawn maps of Roman Britain, London and the Roman Empire at that particular time of Roman History, as well as a very interesting prologue about this same discovery on 15 march 1999, while at the end you'll see a well documented Notes on the Characters.
The book starts in the year AD 340, and in Spain, until the year AD 354 in London, and it tells us the life tale of our heroin Julia while living and trying too survive in the ever crumbling Western Roman Empire.
In part 1 of the book our main character nine-year old Julia Valeria, daughter of the Roman soldier Marcus Julius Valerius and his wife Aelia Fabia, flees Spain after the death of her parents due to the plague in Cordoba with the help of the nurse Dorcas, and after a boat journey she finally arrives in London and starts seeking out her Uncle Lucius Fabius Quintilianus, the Praepositus or Director of the Treasury, together with the help of the deaf and dumb Cennla, where she will also meet Bricca and most importantly young Marcus Flavius Aquila.
In part 2 the main character at first is Centurion Milo of the Sixth Legion Victrix, and it is with this same Milo that Marcus, after having being sent into the army by his guardian Praepositus Lucius, that Marcus learns to live and fight as a Roman soldier during these declining uncertain Roman times.
What will follow is the twilight years of the Western Roman Empire, where in these uncertain deceitful times and in these crumbling and decaying environments our main characters Julia, Lucius and Marcus have to find a way to survive, not only from the British tribes who can be bought with Roman money but also from Roman deceit and treachey itself, but dire circumstances will finally turn their lives completely upside down.
Very much recommended, for this book, having been written after an astounding discovery in London, is a joy to read and thus: "A Glorious Roman Tale After Amazing Find"!
Story-telling is of a very good quality because the author brings his characters, real or fictional, wonderfully to life, and the interactions between all the characters are very lifelike within this superb tale of love and war.
At the beginning of the book you'll notice a nice introduction by Jenny Hall about the Roman discovery in London in March 1999; you'll also find well drawn maps of Roman Britain, London and the Roman Empire at that particular time of Roman History, as well as a very interesting prologue about this same discovery on 15 march 1999, while at the end you'll see a well documented Notes on the Characters.
The book starts in the year AD 340, and in Spain, until the year AD 354 in London, and it tells us the life tale of our heroin Julia while living and trying too survive in the ever crumbling Western Roman Empire.
In part 1 of the book our main character nine-year old Julia Valeria, daughter of the Roman soldier Marcus Julius Valerius and his wife Aelia Fabia, flees Spain after the death of her parents due to the plague in Cordoba with the help of the nurse Dorcas, and after a boat journey she finally arrives in London and starts seeking out her Uncle Lucius Fabius Quintilianus, the Praepositus or Director of the Treasury, together with the help of the deaf and dumb Cennla, where she will also meet Bricca and most importantly young Marcus Flavius Aquila.
In part 2 the main character at first is Centurion Milo of the Sixth Legion Victrix, and it is with this same Milo that Marcus, after having being sent into the army by his guardian Praepositus Lucius, that Marcus learns to live and fight as a Roman soldier during these declining uncertain Roman times.
What will follow is the twilight years of the Western Roman Empire, where in these uncertain deceitful times and in these crumbling and decaying environments our main characters Julia, Lucius and Marcus have to find a way to survive, not only from the British tribes who can be bought with Roman money but also from Roman deceit and treachey itself, but dire circumstances will finally turn their lives completely upside down.
Very much recommended, for this book, having been written after an astounding discovery in London, is a joy to read and thus: "A Glorious Roman Tale After Amazing Find"!
February 24, 2020
This novel is a perfect example of don't judge a book by its cover! I adored this story and Julia as a character. The fact that the author took a real archaeology find and created a story around it made it an even better story. I laughed at parts and cried at others. This novel was an absolute jem! I needed to find a story set in the 4th century and I am so happy I found this book. This is why I do book challenges because I don't think I ever would have picked this book up otherwise. An exceptional story!
January 3, 2025
Una historia pequeña que no tiene grandes pretensiones pero tampoco decepciona.
Es difícil no pensar en Atila cuando surge el nombre de William Napier, pero Julia no pretende ser una trilogía completa sino una historia corta de apenas 500 páginas.
Como ya hizo en la susodicha trilogía Napier ahonda en la política y sociedad del momento dibujando un contexto rico en detalles en el que es fácil engacharse (personalmente es la parte que mas he disfrutado). La trama no aburre pero tampoco mantiene al borde del asiento, Julia y Marco se hacen querer pero poco más. La excepción se da en la última parte del libro (la busqueda por llamarla de alguna manera) donde si se mantiene el suspense acerca de lo que será de nuestro protagonistas y secundarios.
Es un buen libro, a secas, como digo no creo que pretenda ser más de lo que es, pero es funcional y da para pasar un buen rato.
Es difícil no pensar en Atila cuando surge el nombre de William Napier, pero Julia no pretende ser una trilogía completa sino una historia corta de apenas 500 páginas.
Como ya hizo en la susodicha trilogía Napier ahonda en la política y sociedad del momento dibujando un contexto rico en detalles en el que es fácil engacharse (personalmente es la parte que mas he disfrutado). La trama no aburre pero tampoco mantiene al borde del asiento, Julia y Marco se hacen querer pero poco más. La excepción se da en la última parte del libro (la busqueda por llamarla de alguna manera) donde si se mantiene el suspense acerca de lo que será de nuestro protagonistas y secundarios.
Es un buen libro, a secas, como digo no creo que pretenda ser más de lo que es, pero es funcional y da para pasar un buen rato.
March 22, 2016
Decepcionante. No da lo que promete. ¿Sobre ella? No, sobre él. Es casi insultante cómo lo interesante de su vida está supeditada a lo que haga él, un soldado que hacía la guerra como todos los demás. Claramente el autor sólo sabe hablar de batallas.
April 4, 2015
Una convincente imagen de lo que debió de ser la vida cotidiana en el Imperio cuando éste daba ya sus últimos estertores.
December 29, 2024
Libro interesante en su primer arco (viaje e infancia de Julia en Londinium). Se logra empatizar con ella por la historia con sus padres y su viaje a tan corta edad.
En el segundo arco se centran en Marco, exclusivamente. Quizás el libro debería haberse llamado Julia y Marco.
Ya en el arco final sus historias se vuelven a juntar, cerrando el libro de buena manera a mí parecer.
El libro en si es interesante, más tiene el problema de dejar de lado por todo un arco entero a la protagonista. Quizás entendiendo que "lo interesante" transcurre en el lado de la historia de Marco.
Recomendable para quienes busquen historias ubicadas en el imperio romano (ya en su etapa final).
En el segundo arco se centran en Marco, exclusivamente. Quizás el libro debería haberse llamado Julia y Marco.
Ya en el arco final sus historias se vuelven a juntar, cerrando el libro de buena manera a mí parecer.
El libro en si es interesante, más tiene el problema de dejar de lado por todo un arco entero a la protagonista. Quizás entendiendo que "lo interesante" transcurre en el lado de la historia de Marco.
Recomendable para quienes busquen historias ubicadas en el imperio romano (ya en su etapa final).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 13, 2020That is a good historic novel
June 14, 2015
Really, maybe more of a 3 and a half stars. The story was good, and there aren't many novels that take place in this time and place, so that was a plus. The negatives were the anachronisms in the book. "OK" was used multiple times - not good for a novel of the 4th century. The dialogue between one of the leading characters, Marcus, and his Pict friend sounded more like dialogue between cowboys and Indians than between a Roman soldier and a barbarian. The author also chose to use modern names for the British locations (but not for those outside of England - Constantinople was not called Istanbul!). In a note he said it was because he found reading fiction using the ancient names tiresome. Perhaps so, but using those names has not stopped many other writers from using them successfully, and I think it adds to giving the reader the flavor of the period. Finally, some of his descriptions of ancient London sounded more like descriptions of modern London, but maybe that was just me.
It was an interesting book that added to my understanding of the period; I was just aggravated by the author's lack of attention to period details.
It was an interesting book that added to my understanding of the period; I was just aggravated by the author's lack of attention to period details.
Read
October 31, 2009Colourful adventure story set in Roman Britain in the mid-fourth century AD. The main character, Julia, is based on the intact burial of a young woman discovered in Spitalfields, London, in 1999. A rather odd mix of styles; the first part reads almost like a pastiche of Rosemary Sutcliff's children's novels, the second part is more Simon Scarrow.
Review: http://www.carlanayland.org/reviews/j...
Review: http://www.carlanayland.org/reviews/j...
March 24, 2013
A hauntingly beautiful story. I loved the ending in particular--Julia's sacrifice for the two men she loves. Prose is typical William Napier in style: captivating.
June 19, 2013
it is an amazing book that takes you to an age of glory filled with action love and excitement
April 29, 2014
Not a bad read but not a great one!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews