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yo Livia / I am Livia
A la tierna edad de catorce anos, Livia Drusilla escucha a su padre y a otros aristocratas preparar el complot contra Julio Cesar. Ahi comienza la participacion en la alta politica de una mujer que tendra una grandisima influencia en el devenir de Roma Livia habla en primera persona sobre todo lo que concierne a una mujer que crece, aprende, asume retos, conoce el matrimonio sin amor y luego el amor pasional, las crisis de matrimonio y una vision politica que la adelanta a su tiempo, gran defensora de la Republica y del valor de la dignidad su pueblo.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published March 22, 2011
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July 17, 2015
“If his oddity and mine did not take precisely the same form, still the edges of one seemed to fit those of the other, like two sides of a split piece of pottery.”
Caesar Octavianus Augustus and Livia Drusilla were the original power couple. During the course of a marriage that lasted 52 years, Augustus seized and consolidated power from the crumbling Roman republic to become Rome’s first Emperor. He defeated his rivals, ending the civil wars that took place after Julius Caesar’s assassination, and extended the Empire through conquest. He also squashed any hopes of Rome returning to a Republican government. The Senate that rejected the idea of Julius Caesar as a dictator eventually gave Augustus unprecedented power, deeming him “First Citizen,” a title that now seems more than a little ironic.
Caesar Octavianus Augustus - just a citizen like everybody else
Throughout all of these events, Livia was by his side. She was around fourteen or fifteen when she married her first husband, Tiberius Claudius Nero, a man she divorced five years later to marry the up-and-coming young Octavian. By all accounts she was as much a trusted adviser to Octavian Augustus as a wife, exerting tremendous influence behind the scenes.
Perhaps it’s not too surprising that this woman, who managed to convince her first husband to attend her second wedding, even giving her away in the ceremony, has had a dubious reputation. She is probably best known from Robert Graves’s wonderful novel and later miniseries I, Claudius, much of which is based on Suetonius’s The Twelve Caesars. Graves depicts her as something of a villain, a scheming and heartless she-wolf who wields the real power behind the throne. There is also a nagging little question as to whether or not she poisoned Augustus when she was ready for her son Tiberius to take over. She’s not exactly the most sympathetic character in history.
Livia Drusilla
In I Am Livia, Phyllis T. Smith gives a very different view of Rome’s first Empress. She lets Livia tell us her story. Make no mistake, this Livia hasn’t suddenly become a shrinking violet. Intelligent and analytical, she knows what she wants,
“Of course I wanted to control Tavius - to an extent. And to our mutual benefit, and the benefit of Rome. Any woman who says she does not want to guide the actions of the man she loves is, in my opinion, lying.”
But this Livia is human, too. She suffers doubts about marrying Augustus, fears for his safety in war, and the personal grief of being unable to bear a living child with him. She wants what she thinks is best for Rome, but at times this puts her on the wrong side of her husband, not the safest place to be. Her position and influence make her a target of gossip and innuendo during her lifetime (and in the nearly 2,000 years afterwards). The politics of the early Roman empire are a dangerous game, one even harder to play as a woman who isn’t supposed to be playing at all.
I Am Livia is a thought-provoking exploration into the mind of one of history’s most fascinating women. In I, Claudius, the fearsome Livia warrants a certain grudging respect. Here she earns sympathy. Her vulnerability makes her more likable, but she is above all a survivor.
Two thousand years later, the paint may be chipping, but the house of Augustus and Livia still stands (Rome - Palatine Hill)
Caesar Octavianus Augustus and Livia Drusilla were the original power couple. During the course of a marriage that lasted 52 years, Augustus seized and consolidated power from the crumbling Roman republic to become Rome’s first Emperor. He defeated his rivals, ending the civil wars that took place after Julius Caesar’s assassination, and extended the Empire through conquest. He also squashed any hopes of Rome returning to a Republican government. The Senate that rejected the idea of Julius Caesar as a dictator eventually gave Augustus unprecedented power, deeming him “First Citizen,” a title that now seems more than a little ironic.
Caesar Octavianus Augustus - just a citizen like everybody else
Throughout all of these events, Livia was by his side. She was around fourteen or fifteen when she married her first husband, Tiberius Claudius Nero, a man she divorced five years later to marry the up-and-coming young Octavian. By all accounts she was as much a trusted adviser to Octavian Augustus as a wife, exerting tremendous influence behind the scenes.
Perhaps it’s not too surprising that this woman, who managed to convince her first husband to attend her second wedding, even giving her away in the ceremony, has had a dubious reputation. She is probably best known from Robert Graves’s wonderful novel and later miniseries I, Claudius, much of which is based on Suetonius’s The Twelve Caesars. Graves depicts her as something of a villain, a scheming and heartless she-wolf who wields the real power behind the throne. There is also a nagging little question as to whether or not she poisoned Augustus when she was ready for her son Tiberius to take over. She’s not exactly the most sympathetic character in history.
Livia Drusilla
In I Am Livia, Phyllis T. Smith gives a very different view of Rome’s first Empress. She lets Livia tell us her story. Make no mistake, this Livia hasn’t suddenly become a shrinking violet. Intelligent and analytical, she knows what she wants,
“Of course I wanted to control Tavius - to an extent. And to our mutual benefit, and the benefit of Rome. Any woman who says she does not want to guide the actions of the man she loves is, in my opinion, lying.”
But this Livia is human, too. She suffers doubts about marrying Augustus, fears for his safety in war, and the personal grief of being unable to bear a living child with him. She wants what she thinks is best for Rome, but at times this puts her on the wrong side of her husband, not the safest place to be. Her position and influence make her a target of gossip and innuendo during her lifetime (and in the nearly 2,000 years afterwards). The politics of the early Roman empire are a dangerous game, one even harder to play as a woman who isn’t supposed to be playing at all.
I Am Livia is a thought-provoking exploration into the mind of one of history’s most fascinating women. In I, Claudius, the fearsome Livia warrants a certain grudging respect. Here she earns sympathy. Her vulnerability makes her more likable, but she is above all a survivor.
Two thousand years later, the paint may be chipping, but the house of Augustus and Livia still stands (Rome - Palatine Hill)
July 26, 2022
No ha sido lo que esperaba.
Novela los primeros años de la vida de Livia Augusta. Abarca desde su juventud hasta su matrimonio con Octavio. Toda la novela está contada desde el punto de vista de la propia Livia.
El ritmo es adecuado y se lee bien.
Aún así no me ha convencido. Parece más una novela romántica que de ficción histórica. Por otro lado el rigor histórico es bastante discutible.
Novela los primeros años de la vida de Livia Augusta. Abarca desde su juventud hasta su matrimonio con Octavio. Toda la novela está contada desde el punto de vista de la propia Livia.
El ritmo es adecuado y se lee bien.
Aún así no me ha convencido. Parece más una novela romántica que de ficción histórica. Por otro lado el rigor histórico es bastante discutible.
April 7, 2014
I downloaded I Am Livia as a part of the Kindle First program, and I read it immediately, finishing early this morning. I absolutely loved it. This is not surprising. I remember watching I Claudius with my parents in the 1970s, and later, when I read the books by Robert Graves, I loved them even more than the mini-series. I also devoured Colleen McCoullough's series of novels about ancient Rome. Livia has been much maligned in history, but I am not sure how much truth there is in these stories and how much is reactionary vilification toward a woman who lived outside the normal expectations for a woman of her age. This novel paints attempts to pain a more flattering portrait of a strong-willed and impetuous girl, a girl who has a sharp intelligence, a girl thrown into difficult circumstances, a girl who demands to be accepted for who she is without apology. It is not a difficult novel and I highly recommend it to people who like historical fiction with strong female characters.
abandoned
February 25, 2015This book does NOT do Livia justice. She was one of the most powerful women in Roman history - and probably world history, as well - so I have trouble believing that the thinly sketched protagonist of this novel has any relation to the woman who becomes the first Augusta of Rome.
I think I'm a little put out because a) I really want a novelization of Livia's rise to power, b) this somehow manages to make Octavian into a golden YA hero which is awful (he was a snake in the grass let's get real!!!), and c) oh my god Livia you are SO BORING IN THIS BOOK HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE. However, I'd also argue that it is well-nigh impossible to write an account of the years in which Caesar is assassinated and Antony is defeated in only 60 pages. This book is a little less than 400 pages long, and Livia lived for over eighty turbulent years. There is no possible way to do justice to her in such a short book.
Basically, the woman in this book is a naive child who likes "politics" (hilariously flattened into good and evil here), and I don't think she bears any relation to the woman who, while six months pregnant with someone else's child, convinces Octavian to divorce his wife and marry her, granting her the power to co-rule the empire. I mean, come on. I'd rather read about Livia as the stereotypical evil stepmother than this Livia.
I did appreciate that Cicero was a dick, though. FACT: Cicero is always a dick.
I think I'm a little put out because a) I really want a novelization of Livia's rise to power, b) this somehow manages to make Octavian into a golden YA hero which is awful (he was a snake in the grass let's get real!!!), and c) oh my god Livia you are SO BORING IN THIS BOOK HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE. However, I'd also argue that it is well-nigh impossible to write an account of the years in which Caesar is assassinated and Antony is defeated in only 60 pages. This book is a little less than 400 pages long, and Livia lived for over eighty turbulent years. There is no possible way to do justice to her in such a short book.
Basically, the woman in this book is a naive child who likes "politics" (hilariously flattened into good and evil here), and I don't think she bears any relation to the woman who, while six months pregnant with someone else's child, convinces Octavian to divorce his wife and marry her, granting her the power to co-rule the empire. I mean, come on. I'd rather read about Livia as the stereotypical evil stepmother than this Livia.
I did appreciate that Cicero was a dick, though. FACT: Cicero is always a dick.
April 4, 2014
I haven't been so sucked into a book in a long while. I received this book free from Amazon Firsts, and I've lost the entire day to it! I am a student of Roman art and culture and history, so this was a natural fit for me. I Am Livia tells the story of Caesar Octavianus from the point of view of his wife, Livia, in the form of a personal memoir. It was lovey to read, very well written, and faithful to what we know of that era (to the best of my knowledge). It was refreshing to read of a Roman woman as a rounded character, rather than a caricature deified or vilified by historians.
I really, really enjoyed this book. Bravo to the author; I will be looking for more works from her!
I really, really enjoyed this book. Bravo to the author; I will be looking for more works from her!
April 10, 2014
3.5 stars
The history of ancient Rome, in general, has cloaked the women of the Caesars in shadows and obscurity. Undoubtedly, these women are worthy of greater attention; their stories are fascinating in their own right, and rife with intrigue and scandal.
Livia Drusilla (58 B.C.- 28 A.D.) was extremely charitable to the cause of orphans and provided relief support to victims of disasters. She was privy to affairs of state and had the ear of "the ruler of the world." She has been viewed as the most powerful woman in the history of ancient Rome and was deified as a goddess after her death.
Livia was described by her grandson in I Claudius (1934) as: both "remarkable and abominable," and one of the worst of the ancient Claudian family of Rome. Robert Graves's Claudius leaned to the beliefs that she was shrewd, cunning and responsible for poisoning many who crossed her path to power. Contemporary historians dispel this idea, finding these accusations baseless - a fair sentiment which Smith achieves in I am Livia by portraying her in a more judicious light.
To be appreciated as a woman, and also to be appreciated as a creature with a mind --what more could I have wanted?
The novel's similarity to I Claudius is its autobiographic-fictional device, used in this case, to tell the historical events starting from the murder of Julius Caesar to the last Civil War. Smith's work however, skims the surface of historical details and their significance in shaping the Empire, focusing more on the characters' relationships, specifically, the woman behind the man.
Any woman who says she does not want to guide the actions of the man she loves, is in my opinion, lying.
Readers get to see the developing inner machinations of an astute, intuitive woman, viewing Livia as a young, out-spoken daughter of a nobleman, as a teen-bride, a wife to a Caesar and mother to a dynasty - a woman who could capably exercise influence over Caesar Octavianus, in her mind, "for the good of Rome" ; whose political savvy and sound advice were probably her husband's greatest assets.
I can't claim to know much of ancient Roman history (a paucity I regret and look forward to remedy), so it was a little confusing for me with all the key figures (who bred like rabbits), their offspring, extended family members and/or adopted heirs with same or similar names. It is for this reason that I would have liked to see a genealogy map. Trust me, this is important! In the mean time, for those of like-mind, I am Livia is an enjoyable prompter to pulling out those ancient history books.
Generous marks to Phyllis T. Smith's I am Livia for a very good start (there's a follow up in the works).
The history of ancient Rome, in general, has cloaked the women of the Caesars in shadows and obscurity. Undoubtedly, these women are worthy of greater attention; their stories are fascinating in their own right, and rife with intrigue and scandal.
Livia Drusilla (58 B.C.- 28 A.D.) was extremely charitable to the cause of orphans and provided relief support to victims of disasters. She was privy to affairs of state and had the ear of "the ruler of the world." She has been viewed as the most powerful woman in the history of ancient Rome and was deified as a goddess after her death.
Livia was described by her grandson in I Claudius (1934) as: both "remarkable and abominable," and one of the worst of the ancient Claudian family of Rome. Robert Graves's Claudius leaned to the beliefs that she was shrewd, cunning and responsible for poisoning many who crossed her path to power. Contemporary historians dispel this idea, finding these accusations baseless - a fair sentiment which Smith achieves in I am Livia by portraying her in a more judicious light.
To be appreciated as a woman, and also to be appreciated as a creature with a mind --what more could I have wanted?
The novel's similarity to I Claudius is its autobiographic-fictional device, used in this case, to tell the historical events starting from the murder of Julius Caesar to the last Civil War. Smith's work however, skims the surface of historical details and their significance in shaping the Empire, focusing more on the characters' relationships, specifically, the woman behind the man.
Any woman who says she does not want to guide the actions of the man she loves, is in my opinion, lying.
Readers get to see the developing inner machinations of an astute, intuitive woman, viewing Livia as a young, out-spoken daughter of a nobleman, as a teen-bride, a wife to a Caesar and mother to a dynasty - a woman who could capably exercise influence over Caesar Octavianus, in her mind, "for the good of Rome" ; whose political savvy and sound advice were probably her husband's greatest assets.
I can't claim to know much of ancient Roman history (a paucity I regret and look forward to remedy), so it was a little confusing for me with all the key figures (who bred like rabbits), their offspring, extended family members and/or adopted heirs with same or similar names. It is for this reason that I would have liked to see a genealogy map. Trust me, this is important! In the mean time, for those of like-mind, I am Livia is an enjoyable prompter to pulling out those ancient history books.
Generous marks to Phyllis T. Smith's I am Livia for a very good start (there's a follow up in the works).
May 7, 2014
I Am Livia by Phyllis T. Smith is a 2014 Lake Union publication. I received this book as a part of the Amazon kindle first program for Amazon Prime members.
This period of history is endlessly fascinating to me, but I have not read a lot about Livia Drusilla. I will now want to read everything I can about her whenever I can find the time. The important thing to remember when reading historical fiction is that it is FICTION. Too often historical fiction is critized because it took too many liberties with the facts. If this were a biography then you could complain. I found this novel very aborbing as we are told the story through the eyes of Livia. She grew up with a father involved in politics and regularly discussed this with Livia. Women were not typically informed about such matters and Livia became a plain spoken woman that boldly expressed her opinions. At the ripe old age of fifteen, Livia married Tiberius Claudius Nero. This was a marriage based on politics and Livia was never in love with him, although they did form a close friendship after having gone through so much together. After the assissination of Julius Caesar, his nephew claims his heritage as Caesar's" son" and spends he life seeking justice for his murder. Livia liked Octavius from the first time she saw him and her feelings for him became stronger over time. Finally, Octavius made Nero an offer he couldn't refuse and so Livia was divorced and then married Octavius. The couple remained married for 52 years. The marriage, as depicted in this novel shows this to be an actual love match. Livia was his advisor and best friend and was completely devoted to him all the way up until the civil war that pitted Octavian against Marc Antony and Cleopatra. Livia was adamant about avoiding war but Octavius saw no other way and so some issues in their relationship came to light that caused a rift so deep it looked as if the marriage would crumble.
Livia's greatest regret was her inability to conceive a child with Octavius. This issue weighed heavily on her for many long years. By all accounts Octavius was as devoted to Livia and she was to him, although he is said to have been unfaithful on several occasions. He made sure she was bestowed the greatest honor he could and also made it possible for her and his sister to have control over their finances without a guardian. This was unheard of in those times. Livia was not always popular with the Roman people and was the subject of malicious gossip.
A quick internet search will show that much of this book has a basis in fact. We don't know what conversations took place between Livia and her husband but it's always fun to imagine what might have gone on behind closed doors. There were women that chose to buck tradition and forged as much independence as was possible in those days, and Livia was fine example of that. She speculates about how the world might be a different place if only women were the rulers instead of men and admitted she would make a better senator than those who held that position. I enjoyed many of her insights and understood her fervent wish to avoid war at all cost. This woman certainly lived an interesting and full life with many heartbreaks and frustrations but also knew true love and passion in her marriage and eventually acheived some true contentment despite the ugly rumors that swirled around her at times.
If you enjoy fictionalized accounts of history, especially of ancient Rome, I really urge you to check this one out. This one gets 5 stars.
This period of history is endlessly fascinating to me, but I have not read a lot about Livia Drusilla. I will now want to read everything I can about her whenever I can find the time. The important thing to remember when reading historical fiction is that it is FICTION. Too often historical fiction is critized because it took too many liberties with the facts. If this were a biography then you could complain. I found this novel very aborbing as we are told the story through the eyes of Livia. She grew up with a father involved in politics and regularly discussed this with Livia. Women were not typically informed about such matters and Livia became a plain spoken woman that boldly expressed her opinions. At the ripe old age of fifteen, Livia married Tiberius Claudius Nero. This was a marriage based on politics and Livia was never in love with him, although they did form a close friendship after having gone through so much together. After the assissination of Julius Caesar, his nephew claims his heritage as Caesar's" son" and spends he life seeking justice for his murder. Livia liked Octavius from the first time she saw him and her feelings for him became stronger over time. Finally, Octavius made Nero an offer he couldn't refuse and so Livia was divorced and then married Octavius. The couple remained married for 52 years. The marriage, as depicted in this novel shows this to be an actual love match. Livia was his advisor and best friend and was completely devoted to him all the way up until the civil war that pitted Octavian against Marc Antony and Cleopatra. Livia was adamant about avoiding war but Octavius saw no other way and so some issues in their relationship came to light that caused a rift so deep it looked as if the marriage would crumble.
Livia's greatest regret was her inability to conceive a child with Octavius. This issue weighed heavily on her for many long years. By all accounts Octavius was as devoted to Livia and she was to him, although he is said to have been unfaithful on several occasions. He made sure she was bestowed the greatest honor he could and also made it possible for her and his sister to have control over their finances without a guardian. This was unheard of in those times. Livia was not always popular with the Roman people and was the subject of malicious gossip.
A quick internet search will show that much of this book has a basis in fact. We don't know what conversations took place between Livia and her husband but it's always fun to imagine what might have gone on behind closed doors. There were women that chose to buck tradition and forged as much independence as was possible in those days, and Livia was fine example of that. She speculates about how the world might be a different place if only women were the rulers instead of men and admitted she would make a better senator than those who held that position. I enjoyed many of her insights and understood her fervent wish to avoid war at all cost. This woman certainly lived an interesting and full life with many heartbreaks and frustrations but also knew true love and passion in her marriage and eventually acheived some true contentment despite the ugly rumors that swirled around her at times.
If you enjoy fictionalized accounts of history, especially of ancient Rome, I really urge you to check this one out. This one gets 5 stars.
February 8, 2015
This is the first novel written by Phyllis Smith.
The plot describes Livia Drusilla's life, being the daughter of Marcus Livius Drusus Claudianus by his wife Aufidia.
The book starts with the assassination of Julius Caesar. Her first marriage was with Tiberius Claudius Nero, her cousin of patrician status who was fighting with er father on the side of Julius Caesar's assassins against Octavian. She had two children, namely Tiberius and Drusus.
But her true love was the emperor Augustus but she wasn't able to produce an heir to his throne.
The book doesn't bring anything new to the well-known Livia's life: it depicts all facts which are described by Wikipedia.
Additionally, the writer doesn't employ the ordinary historical fiction's style of writing, on the contrary, this book is mostly a historical romance than anything else. For further details, please take a look at Twelvejan's review.
Livia's like was described in several other books such as: I Claudius, by Robert Graves and Antony and Cleopatra, the last novel in Colleen McCullough's Masters of Rome series.
A movie, written by Eric Lerner, was made based on Augustus' life: Imperium: Augustus (2003), with Peter O'Toole, Charlotte Rampling, Vittoria Belvedere. This movie is available at YouTube.
The plot describes Livia Drusilla's life, being the daughter of Marcus Livius Drusus Claudianus by his wife Aufidia.
The book starts with the assassination of Julius Caesar. Her first marriage was with Tiberius Claudius Nero, her cousin of patrician status who was fighting with er father on the side of Julius Caesar's assassins against Octavian. She had two children, namely Tiberius and Drusus.
But her true love was the emperor Augustus but she wasn't able to produce an heir to his throne.
The book doesn't bring anything new to the well-known Livia's life: it depicts all facts which are described by Wikipedia.
Additionally, the writer doesn't employ the ordinary historical fiction's style of writing, on the contrary, this book is mostly a historical romance than anything else. For further details, please take a look at Twelvejan's review.
Livia's like was described in several other books such as: I Claudius, by Robert Graves and Antony and Cleopatra, the last novel in Colleen McCullough's Masters of Rome series.
A movie, written by Eric Lerner, was made based on Augustus' life: Imperium: Augustus (2003), with Peter O'Toole, Charlotte Rampling, Vittoria Belvedere. This movie is available at YouTube.
January 17, 2025
2025 m. Po septynerių metų ir vėl perskaičiau! Nenuvylė ir šį kartą...❤️ Tai tikrai nėra ta knyga, kur rautumeis plaukus ir rėktum, kokia ji nuostabi ir nepakartojama, tikrai ne, tad, kodėl 5 žvaigždutės? Na ji man tiesiog tokia sava, tokia artima, aš ją skaitau ir man tokia ramybė, toks džiaugsmas, rašymo stiliaus lengvumas - karo fonas, bet viskas taip paprastai išdėstyta, neperkrauna galvos, leidžia mėgautis. Ar skaitysiu dar kartą? Manau, kad tikrai taip! Gal nebeprireiks laukti dar 7 metų. 🫢
******
2018 m.Perskaičiusi „Aš esu Livija“ iš karto įsigijau nuosavą. ŠITAIP man patiko šis istorinis romanas! Troškau, kad knyga nesibaigtų, bet, kai teko užversti paskutinį puslapį, žinojau, kad ją skaitysiu dar ne kartą. Rekomenduoju ne tik istorijos mėgėjams, bet ir romantikams. Viskas taip gražiai persipynę, ak, tiesiog puiki knyga!
******
2018 m.Perskaičiusi „Aš esu Livija“ iš karto įsigijau nuosavą. ŠITAIP man patiko šis istorinis romanas! Troškau, kad knyga nesibaigtų, bet, kai teko užversti paskutinį puslapį, žinojau, kad ją skaitysiu dar ne kartą. Rekomenduoju ne tik istorijos mėgėjams, bet ir romantikams. Viskas taip gražiai persipynę, ak, tiesiog puiki knyga!
February 2, 2023
INSANE.
after finishing this book this is literally only what comes to mind.
“Stay with me, and a hundred years from now, historians will ask this question—how could a man who fought like such a savage for preeminence, in the end become such a great, just, and merciful ruler? And the historians, being men, will never credit you. But who cares about them? What do historians ever accomplish? It will be a wonderful joke. We’ll laugh about it together.”
the way i cried and screamed because ohmygod livia and tavius OWN ME.
I rose. I did not take his hand. I kissed him on the lips. He gripped me in his arms and buried his face in the crook of my neck and heaved a sigh like a spent runner. I felt he might fall, and I was propping him up. But only for a moment. He straightened and smiled at me. I win again, his eyes said. He kissed me hungrily. He took a step back and held out his hand again. I laid my hand on his. Then, together, we went to greet the Senate of Rome.
there are a lot of tws and even i was shocked and disgusted by some shit the mcs did but the writing, the setting, the love shared between these two just I AM BLOWN AWAY.
100/5 stars. couldn't recommend it enough.
after finishing this book this is literally only what comes to mind.
“Stay with me, and a hundred years from now, historians will ask this question—how could a man who fought like such a savage for preeminence, in the end become such a great, just, and merciful ruler? And the historians, being men, will never credit you. But who cares about them? What do historians ever accomplish? It will be a wonderful joke. We’ll laugh about it together.”
the way i cried and screamed because ohmygod livia and tavius OWN ME.
I rose. I did not take his hand. I kissed him on the lips. He gripped me in his arms and buried his face in the crook of my neck and heaved a sigh like a spent runner. I felt he might fall, and I was propping him up. But only for a moment. He straightened and smiled at me. I win again, his eyes said. He kissed me hungrily. He took a step back and held out his hand again. I laid my hand on his. Then, together, we went to greet the Senate of Rome.
there are a lot of tws and even i was shocked and disgusted by some shit the mcs did but the writing, the setting, the love shared between these two just I AM BLOWN AWAY.
100/5 stars. couldn't recommend it enough.
May 12, 2014
Livia Drusilla, wife to Caesar Augustus, mother of the Emperor Tiberius, ancestress to Emperors Caligula, Claudius, and Nero, and the first Empress of Rome is the subject of Phyllis T. Smith’s novel, I Am Livia. If you’re thinking that she sounds pretty intriguing I can assure you that she is!
As the daughter of a Roman Senator, Livia is incredibly intelligent and politically astute – a trait that comes in handy in later her role as wife and confidante of Caesar. Like most powerful women in history, Livia’s been given a bad rap. Smith’s Livia is not necessarily what you would call a “schemer”, but more a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it. Her marriage with Caesar was both politically important, but also a true love match. They were married for over 50 years and their relationship is sweetly portrayed in the book.
All in all I was quite impressed by Smith’s ‘I Am Livia’. There were a few areas where the dialogue could have been a little stronger and less modern, and there were occasional info dumps, but I was greatly entertained and educated. Livia Drusilla was a woman before her time, a true inspiration for future Empresses, and a fascinating historical figure. I greatly recommend this novel to those who enjoy Ancient Rome and strong female protagonists.
I thank TLC Book Tours for including me on this tour and giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful historical novel.
More Historical Fiction Reviews at Passages to the Past!
http://www.passagestothepast.com
As the daughter of a Roman Senator, Livia is incredibly intelligent and politically astute – a trait that comes in handy in later her role as wife and confidante of Caesar. Like most powerful women in history, Livia’s been given a bad rap. Smith’s Livia is not necessarily what you would call a “schemer”, but more a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it. Her marriage with Caesar was both politically important, but also a true love match. They were married for over 50 years and their relationship is sweetly portrayed in the book.
All in all I was quite impressed by Smith’s ‘I Am Livia’. There were a few areas where the dialogue could have been a little stronger and less modern, and there were occasional info dumps, but I was greatly entertained and educated. Livia Drusilla was a woman before her time, a true inspiration for future Empresses, and a fascinating historical figure. I greatly recommend this novel to those who enjoy Ancient Rome and strong female protagonists.
I thank TLC Book Tours for including me on this tour and giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful historical novel.
More Historical Fiction Reviews at Passages to the Past!
http://www.passagestothepast.com
April 28, 2014
"I am Livia" is a historical fiction tale of Ancient Rome that tells the story of Livia Drusilla, who moves in and out of the political circles of Rome. Told from Livia's own perspective, this book gives the reader a front row seat to an absolutely fascinating time. I really enjoyed seeing all of the political intrigue and romance of the time through Livia's eyes. My fellow historical fiction fans will really enjoy this tale with its fantastic detail.
I really liked Livia as a character. She was definitely one of the elements that really made the book for me. She is so smart and I loved that she was a book lover like I am. She realizes that the way that she moves in the political circles of the time is not something that is open to all women and she really takes advantage of her position. We get to see how she moves in and out of these circles and how she makes decisions that really change the way the politics of Rome move. This book definitely has a strong romantic element to it, which I loved reading about. Livia and Octavianus' relationship was really intriguing to me. I loved reading about them.
One thing that I really like about book blogging is that it has opened the doors to so many new doors for me. Before book blogging, I had read very few books set during the ancient time period. I am always happy to visit some place new. This book had some great armchair traveling in it. There is a lot of good detail there!
Overall, this is a great historical fiction story!
I really liked Livia as a character. She was definitely one of the elements that really made the book for me. She is so smart and I loved that she was a book lover like I am. She realizes that the way that she moves in the political circles of the time is not something that is open to all women and she really takes advantage of her position. We get to see how she moves in and out of these circles and how she makes decisions that really change the way the politics of Rome move. This book definitely has a strong romantic element to it, which I loved reading about. Livia and Octavianus' relationship was really intriguing to me. I loved reading about them.
One thing that I really like about book blogging is that it has opened the doors to so many new doors for me. Before book blogging, I had read very few books set during the ancient time period. I am always happy to visit some place new. This book had some great armchair traveling in it. There is a lot of good detail there!
Overall, this is a great historical fiction story!
November 15, 2015
I recently saw Mary Beard give a talk about her new book. She actually referenced I, Claudius and the character of Livia. Because, you know, who doesn't love Sian Phillips.
Seriously, who doesn't?
So, in part, this book seems to be influenced by that BBC production of the Graves novel - though the Livia here comes across as a bit strong willed but a bit meh. In fact, the book is simply about her early life and leaves out the whole bit where Augustus becomes Augustus. It also becomes a bit soap operay and bit too I, Claudius without the fun bits.
It's not bad. It's just not great.
Seriously, who doesn't?
So, in part, this book seems to be influenced by that BBC production of the Graves novel - though the Livia here comes across as a bit strong willed but a bit meh. In fact, the book is simply about her early life and leaves out the whole bit where Augustus becomes Augustus. It also becomes a bit soap operay and bit too I, Claudius without the fun bits.
It's not bad. It's just not great.
February 7, 2021
Second read: 02/02/2021 - 02/07/2021
Everything I wrote below still stands. On re-read I adored this book just as much as the first time, and I adored Livia. Of course nobody can truly know what she was like, but Phyllis T. Smith's version is definitely my Livia. And anyway she remains a wonderfully complex, beautifully crafted character.
First read: 07/31/2016 - 08/04/2016
Livia, wife of Caesar Augustus, has suffered a bad reputation. By many historians, she has been considered a ruthless, power-hungry woman, who poisoned half of her husband’s family, and maybe even Augustus himself. Still, I have always greatly admired her, probably because I can’t help but love powerful women in ancient history. In I Am Livia, Phyllis T. Smith finally does Livia justice, giving a sympathetic but not too biased portrayal of this enigmatic woman.
Livia comes across as a very intelligent, competent, determined woman, with many admirable traits but also some defects which only make her more realistic and human. While her main priority is always the safety and peace of Rome, she is also interested in securing her personal power, which I found completely understandable. She is not ruthless, but she is very shrewd, and she is also a very skilled manipulator when she needs to. But again, these less positive traits only made me love her more. There wasn’t a single moment where I despised her.
Augustus, or Tavius as he is called by Livia, is of course a secondary character compared to his wife, but he is still a wonderfully complex and fascinating individual. Historically, he is a very ambiguous figure, both ruthless and magnanimous, and Smith did quite a good job capturing his opposites traits. He isn’t always likeable, but overall he is consistent and realistic, and overall I loved him almost as much as I loved Livia.
Predictably, since I adored both of them, I also absolutely loved their relationship. While not bereft of physical attraction, it is mostly an affinity of mind and character. It is evident from their interactions that they are two kindred souls who are just meant to be together. And, while their relationship is not overly romanticized, there are also some unexpectedly emotional scenes. I am not ashamed to say I was tearing up a little
The secondary characters are not overly featured but I still found the majority of them very well drawn. Apart maybe from Mark Antony, none of them is completely good or bad, but they are realistically complex individuals.
Concluding, I had a wonderful time reading I Am Livia: it is a captivating story full of memorable characters, which every fan of historical fiction will surely enjoy. Highly, highly recommended.
Everything I wrote below still stands. On re-read I adored this book just as much as the first time, and I adored Livia. Of course nobody can truly know what she was like, but Phyllis T. Smith's version is definitely my Livia. And anyway she remains a wonderfully complex, beautifully crafted character.
First read: 07/31/2016 - 08/04/2016
Livia, wife of Caesar Augustus, has suffered a bad reputation. By many historians, she has been considered a ruthless, power-hungry woman, who poisoned half of her husband’s family, and maybe even Augustus himself. Still, I have always greatly admired her, probably because I can’t help but love powerful women in ancient history. In I Am Livia, Phyllis T. Smith finally does Livia justice, giving a sympathetic but not too biased portrayal of this enigmatic woman.
Livia comes across as a very intelligent, competent, determined woman, with many admirable traits but also some defects which only make her more realistic and human. While her main priority is always the safety and peace of Rome, she is also interested in securing her personal power, which I found completely understandable. She is not ruthless, but she is very shrewd, and she is also a very skilled manipulator when she needs to. But again, these less positive traits only made me love her more. There wasn’t a single moment where I despised her.
Augustus, or Tavius as he is called by Livia, is of course a secondary character compared to his wife, but he is still a wonderfully complex and fascinating individual. Historically, he is a very ambiguous figure, both ruthless and magnanimous, and Smith did quite a good job capturing his opposites traits. He isn’t always likeable, but overall he is consistent and realistic, and overall I loved him almost as much as I loved Livia.
Predictably, since I adored both of them, I also absolutely loved their relationship. While not bereft of physical attraction, it is mostly an affinity of mind and character. It is evident from their interactions that they are two kindred souls who are just meant to be together. And, while their relationship is not overly romanticized, there are also some unexpectedly emotional scenes. I am not ashamed to say I was tearing up a little
The secondary characters are not overly featured but I still found the majority of them very well drawn. Apart maybe from Mark Antony, none of them is completely good or bad, but they are realistically complex individuals.
Concluding, I had a wonderful time reading I Am Livia: it is a captivating story full of memorable characters, which every fan of historical fiction will surely enjoy. Highly, highly recommended.
April 27, 2014
Livia in an absolutely fascinating historical figure, and this book really doesn't do her credit. She both annoyed me and bored me, and the heart of this novel was essentially a romance novel. Obviously, her relationship with Augustus is hugely important and the reason she could wield so much power, but there wasn't enough on her relationship with her sons and her ambitions for them. It felt more like a teen romance than a biography of one of the most powerful women in the Roman Empire.
And unfortunately her romance with Augustus is rushed and overwrought. They fall in love almost instantly (which, granted, may be historically accurate) so it's hard to root for them. I didn't feel the depth of emotion they were supposed to have for each other. And it doesn't help that their relationship is written in such a hyperbolic way: "Looking at him was bliss beyond bliss" and "I wanted to be with him more than anything else in the entire world." It's just over the top romantic drivel.
I will give credit that the book is fairly historically accurate. It's not like Philippa Gregory's books thankfully. But at the same time, Livia deserves a more mature, engaging book, not something that feels so YA romance.
And unfortunately her romance with Augustus is rushed and overwrought. They fall in love almost instantly (which, granted, may be historically accurate) so it's hard to root for them. I didn't feel the depth of emotion they were supposed to have for each other. And it doesn't help that their relationship is written in such a hyperbolic way: "Looking at him was bliss beyond bliss" and "I wanted to be with him more than anything else in the entire world." It's just over the top romantic drivel.
I will give credit that the book is fairly historically accurate. It's not like Philippa Gregory's books thankfully. But at the same time, Livia deserves a more mature, engaging book, not something that feels so YA romance.
April 8, 2014
Got this as a Kindle First Reads. Having read a lot of HUGE books about ancient Rome, I was wondering how informative this could be based on the page count....P.T. Smith did a great job!
The book limited itself to the view point of one character, and didn't focus on ALL of the political machinations of the era, but rather on the affect Livia could have on politics....and the affects the politics had on Livia and her relationships.
There is no lengthy discussion of battles or other political intrigue; it isn't a primer on ancient Rome. Yet it gave a great insight on the turbulence of the time, the role of women, and the crazy power-hungry men who ruled Rome. This tight scope made the book work.
This book is about Livia and her influence, so fairly female centric. Having said that there isn't rampant man-hating feminism. It more shows how a union of two beings can be powerful for good (Octavian and Livia), or destructive (Anthony and Cleopatra). It focuses on a balance of a strong woman, but a supportive woman. And the sacrifices made by individuals for the good of others.
Why 4 instead of 5? The ending. Although I liked that it was short, the ending was a little abrupt. Ten or so more pages depicting the rest of Livia and Octavia's lives and the "good" they did would have built a stronger storyline.
Can't wait for her next one!
The book limited itself to the view point of one character, and didn't focus on ALL of the political machinations of the era, but rather on the affect Livia could have on politics....and the affects the politics had on Livia and her relationships.
There is no lengthy discussion of battles or other political intrigue; it isn't a primer on ancient Rome. Yet it gave a great insight on the turbulence of the time, the role of women, and the crazy power-hungry men who ruled Rome. This tight scope made the book work.
This book is about Livia and her influence, so fairly female centric. Having said that there isn't rampant man-hating feminism. It more shows how a union of two beings can be powerful for good (Octavian and Livia), or destructive (Anthony and Cleopatra). It focuses on a balance of a strong woman, but a supportive woman. And the sacrifices made by individuals for the good of others.
Why 4 instead of 5? The ending. Although I liked that it was short, the ending was a little abrupt. Ten or so more pages depicting the rest of Livia and Octavia's lives and the "good" they did would have built a stronger storyline.
Can't wait for her next one!
November 16, 2015
3.5 stars. This was an audiobook. It wasn't heavy and I'm not an expert on Livia, but I believe this was a good way to get familiar with her. Most women were forgotten in this time period, because men wrote the history books, but as Emperor Augustus' wife, no one can deny she left her mark on Rome. This covers her childhood, marriage to Tiberus, then Tavius, up to The Battle of Actium aka Marc Antony and Cleopatra's demise. I enjoyed this story. How powerful was she? I believe a lot, but we will never know. If you're interested in this era, I'd recommend this for light reading or listening.
August 29, 2017
I'll admit it, the cover of this really got my attention, and when I won it here, I was intrigued to see what went beyond that.
I AM LIVIA tells the story of the wife of Augustus/Octavius. I've long been interested in Roman history (and wit Robert Harris' excellent Cicero series fresh in my mind) I was very curious to learn more, and especially to do so from a woman's account of events. This is, of course, a work of fiction, but I trust that Pyllis Smith did a fair amount of research for this book, because from what I know of the Roman world at that time, she remained quite true to fact. We cannot know the inner workings of Livia Drusilla's mind, that is true, but I liked imagining Smith's account to be a fair portrayal of this fascinating woman.
Livia was not Octavian's first wife, nor he her first husband, but by all accounts, their marriage was surprisingly based on love and mutual respect, rather than a bargain with relatives. Livia was, in a sense, ambitious in her own right, especially in furthering the role and rights of women in Rome. Despite her privileges, she did not have an easy life. I won't give too much away, but as you can imagine being a woman in a country ruled by men and rooted in sexism and inequality, was not an easy lot. Still, she was a tough one, and made the best of what she had, trying along the way, to do the same for others, too.
Coming away from this book, I do not know whether I really liked Livia all that much. But one cannot deny a swelling of respect for this woman.
At times the book felt a little repetitive, but never dull. This will probably appeal to fans of Robert Harris, Tracy Chevalier and Diana Vreeland.
I was lucky to have won this in a First Reads giveaway from Amazon Publishing and have written, what I think is a fair and fitting review. Thanks!
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
I AM LIVIA tells the story of the wife of Augustus/Octavius. I've long been interested in Roman history (and wit Robert Harris' excellent Cicero series fresh in my mind) I was very curious to learn more, and especially to do so from a woman's account of events. This is, of course, a work of fiction, but I trust that Pyllis Smith did a fair amount of research for this book, because from what I know of the Roman world at that time, she remained quite true to fact. We cannot know the inner workings of Livia Drusilla's mind, that is true, but I liked imagining Smith's account to be a fair portrayal of this fascinating woman.
Livia was not Octavian's first wife, nor he her first husband, but by all accounts, their marriage was surprisingly based on love and mutual respect, rather than a bargain with relatives. Livia was, in a sense, ambitious in her own right, especially in furthering the role and rights of women in Rome. Despite her privileges, she did not have an easy life. I won't give too much away, but as you can imagine being a woman in a country ruled by men and rooted in sexism and inequality, was not an easy lot. Still, she was a tough one, and made the best of what she had, trying along the way, to do the same for others, too.
Coming away from this book, I do not know whether I really liked Livia all that much. But one cannot deny a swelling of respect for this woman.
At times the book felt a little repetitive, but never dull. This will probably appeal to fans of Robert Harris, Tracy Chevalier and Diana Vreeland.
I was lucky to have won this in a First Reads giveaway from Amazon Publishing and have written, what I think is a fair and fitting review. Thanks!
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
July 21, 2015
This book was specially priced on Amazon. I have not read many breakout novels worthy of five stars, but sometimes I get lucky!
'Your congratulations on my victory were not fulsome.'
I liked that quote because Octavian wanted some recognition from Livia that he had finally won a battle. This author portrays Octavian as more than a puny peacock and Livia more than a power hungry poison pusher. I have read about Octavian, Livia, Cleopatra, Antony and the other main characters in all kinds of lights by other authors. It was refreshing to read about them under this author's beam.
Thank you, Ms. Smith, for a Good Read!
'Your congratulations on my victory were not fulsome.'
I liked that quote because Octavian wanted some recognition from Livia that he had finally won a battle. This author portrays Octavian as more than a puny peacock and Livia more than a power hungry poison pusher. I have read about Octavian, Livia, Cleopatra, Antony and the other main characters in all kinds of lights by other authors. It was refreshing to read about them under this author's beam.
Thank you, Ms. Smith, for a Good Read!
March 29, 2016
Olvasmányos történelmi regény, cseppet sem látszik rajta, hogy a szerző első regénye. Nagyon remélem, hogy sok hasonló követi még. Rendkívül jól ragadta meg ezt a kevéssé ismert, de szellemalaknak korántsem nevezhető nőt a régmúltból, Livia Drusillát, aki a későbbi Augustus császár jobbkeze is volt, nem csak a felesége. Finom érzékenységgel, és hihető részletekkel szőtt eköré a nehezen visszakereshető kapcsolat köré egy olyan történetet, aminél jobbat talán az élet sem szőhetett annak idején Livia és Augustus köré...
Hamarosan a blogon is áradozok róla! :)
Hamarosan a blogon is áradozok róla! :)
October 22, 2020
Tenía una impresión bastante diferida del personaje de Livia Druso, en que no la ponen en buen lugar, por ejemplo en Yo, Claudio, de Robert Graves. Agradezco mucho a la autora el haber sabido presentarnos a una Livia humana, mujer fuerte y a la vez sensible y desde luego muy inteligente.
Esta es por cierto la primera novela de Phyllis T. Smith.
Esta es por cierto la primera novela de Phyllis T. Smith.
January 12, 2025
It’s hard to enjoy a book when you don’t like the main character. However, I can still recognize Livia’s formidable character and intelligence. She managed to carve out power for herself during a time when it wasn’t common for women to do so.
April 8, 2014
I Am Livia by Phyllis T. Smith
Like the author, I read and saw (and was fascinated by) Robert Graves rendition of Livia in I, Claudius and Claudius the God. Graves, along with some historians, completely excoriated the third wife of Caesar Augustus. The contemporaneous historians went through a bit of a "he said, she said" routine and your view of Livia depends on which one you believe. But it must be considered what each historian had to gain or lose by his comments. And, it must be remembered how women were viewed, and treated in that time frame.
Smith writes from Livia's point of view and while we can believe that Livia may not be an entirely reliable narrator, I did see that at the least the fiction fit the facts known. I enjoyed reading about Livia's young life but was a little disappointed that the book didn't cover more of her married life. It ends with Octavian's return from Egypt after Antony and Cleopatra's defeat and death(s).
If possible I'd go with a 3.5/5 rating, but didn't round up to a 4/5 mostly because of a certain flatness to the prose. I'm not convinced this is due to Livia's personality.
It won't keep me from reading more of this author. I enjoy her slant on things.
Like the author, I read and saw (and was fascinated by) Robert Graves rendition of Livia in I, Claudius and Claudius the God. Graves, along with some historians, completely excoriated the third wife of Caesar Augustus. The contemporaneous historians went through a bit of a "he said, she said" routine and your view of Livia depends on which one you believe. But it must be considered what each historian had to gain or lose by his comments. And, it must be remembered how women were viewed, and treated in that time frame.
Smith writes from Livia's point of view and while we can believe that Livia may not be an entirely reliable narrator, I did see that at the least the fiction fit the facts known. I enjoyed reading about Livia's young life but was a little disappointed that the book didn't cover more of her married life. It ends with Octavian's return from Egypt after Antony and Cleopatra's defeat and death(s).
If possible I'd go with a 3.5/5 rating, but didn't round up to a 4/5 mostly because of a certain flatness to the prose. I'm not convinced this is due to Livia's personality.
It won't keep me from reading more of this author. I enjoy her slant on things.
January 28, 2017
In simple English, Phyllis Smith tells the story of Rome's most powerful woman. (Undoubtedly the most powerful woman of all times in ancient Rome, besides Cornelia Gracchi or Agrippina the Younger. )
It's historically accurate, and although I already knew the whole story of the Roman Republic's demise, I hung on until the end. Livia has been portrayed in different ways, usually as ruthless and tyrannical.
What her true motives were, we'll never know. Smith chooses to depict her as a woman who cares solely for the good of Rome, and Octavianus' welfare. She does not grasp for power, but she knows that power enables her to accomplish the things needed to be done. In short, Livia is a patriot. As predicted, she is the mother of great sons, Tiberius, who later becomes emperor, and Drusus, an outstanding general.
It was rumored she poisoned Augustus; Smith potrays a woman deeply in love with her husband, not at all ready to dispose him to place her son on the throne. Because much of the book focuses on the relationship between Livia and Augustus, I would say it is a more of an historical romance rather than simply historical fiction. Overall, pretty good story.
It's historically accurate, and although I already knew the whole story of the Roman Republic's demise, I hung on until the end. Livia has been portrayed in different ways, usually as ruthless and tyrannical.
What her true motives were, we'll never know. Smith chooses to depict her as a woman who cares solely for the good of Rome, and Octavianus' welfare. She does not grasp for power, but she knows that power enables her to accomplish the things needed to be done. In short, Livia is a patriot. As predicted, she is the mother of great sons, Tiberius, who later becomes emperor, and Drusus, an outstanding general.
It was rumored she poisoned Augustus; Smith potrays a woman deeply in love with her husband, not at all ready to dispose him to place her son on the throne. Because much of the book focuses on the relationship between Livia and Augustus, I would say it is a more of an historical romance rather than simply historical fiction. Overall, pretty good story.
December 1, 2014
The best historical fiction I've read this year. Livia has received a lot of bad press and has earned the nickname of the most evil woman that ever lived in the Roman Empire. Roman historians did her no favors, though they did speak how intelligent and devoted she was, and how she made so many contributions to the common people. Phyllis T. Smith has done a terrific job rescuing Livia, I hope that everyone who reads this thinks the same and starts becoming interested in learning more about her. I remember my jr. sr. seminar when we read the lives of Caesars and other Roman chronicles of Imperial Rome, and when we discussed the character of Livia we asked if it was true she was so evil as she has been portrayed in some fiction, including in television and according to the chroniclers. My professor told us, no one can really know who she really was but one thing was true: She was a survivor and one of the most remarkable women of the period.
After reading this I want to read a biography on her I recently purchased to know more about her. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a well-rounded portrayal of Livia and Octavius aka Caesar Augustus.
After reading this I want to read a biography on her I recently purchased to know more about her. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a well-rounded portrayal of Livia and Octavius aka Caesar Augustus.
March 6, 2021
Una novela histórica muy amena y que nos acerca de una forma totalmente diferente al personaje de Livia Drusila, esposa del emperador Augusto.
Desde Yo, Claudio, el personaje de Livia ha sido representado como el prototipo de mujer ambiciosa, inteligente, malvada y sin escrúpulos. Aquí su inteligencia y ambición se mantienen, pero a cambio encontramos a una Livia mucho más humana, con sus luces y sus sombras.
Una novela muy recomendable para los amantes de la Roma Antigua, de la Historia en general o simplemente para alguien que quiera leer algo sobre una mujer importante y fascinante, todo desde un punto de vista ficticio.
Desde Yo, Claudio, el personaje de Livia ha sido representado como el prototipo de mujer ambiciosa, inteligente, malvada y sin escrúpulos. Aquí su inteligencia y ambición se mantienen, pero a cambio encontramos a una Livia mucho más humana, con sus luces y sus sombras.
Una novela muy recomendable para los amantes de la Roma Antigua, de la Historia en general o simplemente para alguien que quiera leer algo sobre una mujer importante y fascinante, todo desde un punto de vista ficticio.
April 6, 2014
Couldn't put it down all weekend.
September 22, 2020
We begin the book with a young Livia Drusila, only 14, who hears in her own home a plan to assassinate Julius Caesar by her father and his colleagues. In the eyes of many, he is a dictator who has broken the sacred Republic that was the Roman Empire. A month later, she is married off to an older man, Tiberius Nero, who she doesn’t like and who is a good friend to her father. She isn't happy, even though she knows it's her duty and her mother keeps reminding her of that. On one of their dates as newlyweds, they go to a chariot race and meet a young Gaius Octavius, the nephew and heir of the now-dead Julius Caesar.
The connection between Octavius and Livia was there since the first moment. Their first meeting might have been short but it was so telling. They are not only attracted to and curious about each other since that moment, but there is also a connection there. He reads her like an open book and she doesn't play any games, she is truthful and straightforward. No fakeness or pretenses as was common from women to do in the elite Roman society.
“I am sorry for you,” I said. It was true. But the words slipped out against my will. I did not intend to speak them.
“Really? I’m surprised you’re so softhearted.”
“I’m not the least bit softhearted.”
“I didn’t mean it as an insult,” he said.
I was silent. We sat looking at each other for a long time. He tilted his head and studied me. Then all at once he smiled. I was a married woman. And my father had helped plot Caesar’s assassination, as had my husband. This boy who sat happily gazing at me was Caesar’s adopted son. We were enemies. Yet I could not keep from smiling back at him.”
They meet again a few days later for a social dinner and their connection is even more obvious; she even warns him off about the intentions of a possible assassination attempt against him when she shouldn't have said anything, for the assassination of him would have helped her husband a lot.
A few days later, Octavius starts his war against the assassins of his uncle Caesar and those who participated in the plot. Livia has to flee Rome with her husband and so does her parents. For three years she doesn’t see Octavius, she is a runaway and even has a child with her husband. She faces many troubles, barely gets by, almost dies burnt by a fire and she is always on the run.
Those years were hard for her and it was amazing seeing her grow into a woman. She uses her intelligence and now understands that while women don't have the same power as men, behind closed doors she can convince her husband to make the correct decisions so their small family can survive. She is great at reading people and you will see that when she first meets Marc Anthony. Also, she becomes friendly with her husband and even builds a healthy relationship. There is no love for him on her part, but she respects him and he adores her.
From what Livia knows, in those 3 years, Octavius becomes a powerhouse (now going by the name Caesar Augustus), and he is prosecuting those that participated on the assassination of his uncle. He has the army behind him, the funds, a short but brilliant political career, he is a married man and the common people respect him for executing those that killed Caesar. He is very much following his uncle's footsteps and he is making a name for himself.
Yet, when her own father dies (who she hasn't seen since she flew), Octavius gives him a proper funeral. He is the only one from the assassination plot that is given a proper Roman funeral and everyone is puzzled. Why would Octavius give a traitor a proper funeral with honors?
“Caesar gave your father a funeral.”
I rose. “What?”
“He gave him a perfectly proper military funeral, with sacrifices and incense, and legions lined up in rows to do him honor. He lit his funeral pyre himself.”
“Did he say why he treated my father differently?”
Tiberius Nero shook his head.
After those three years, she is heavily pregnant with her second child and her small family is finally able to step a foot in Rome again. Her husband has done many schemes and political alliances, so she is no longer a traitor's wife and is able to go back to Rome. Yet, she sees Octavius as her enemy and blames him for her family demise (her mother died as well), for her years on the run and her many misfortunes.
Everyone in Rome sees Octavius as a God, it's like he walks into a room and everyone holds their breaths. The elite and wealthy bow to him, he is the most powerful man in the Roman Empire (together with Marc Anthony) and if he asked them to jump, they would all ask how high. He creates trends, men emulate how he behaves and women threw themselves at his feet.
Livia doesn't want to see him again and she is annoyed with how all the people are so awed by him. Nevertheless, when they finally meet after so many years, sparks fly. The connection is there and despite the many years, they still know each other and they can't read each other to perfection. I was squirming throughout the whole chapter and it's so clear he set his sight on her the moment she stepped a foot in Rome.
He is her enemy, she is his weakness. He is ruthless and cunning, but now she is just as cunning and smart as him. The enmity is not mutual though, Octavius clearly adores her. He wants her and she hates herself for wanting him.
Since the first moment, Octavius (or Tavius) makes it clear that his marriage was a political arrangement and despite his wife being pregnant, he will divorce her the day she gives birth because they can't stand each other and the only thing they agree on is that they need to get a divorce. Livia is shocked about his straightforwardness and rejects him.
“Of course it is. And you have nothing to fear from me. The difficulty, as I see it, is that you think you’re supposed to hate me. And you don’t.” He paused, studying my face. “You don’t, do you?”
“I thought I did.”
“But you don’t.” There was a trace of triumph in his voice.
I do not hate you. Of all the emotions I could feel, fear and hatred are the ones that make sense. And those are the ones I feel no trace of.
“What do you feel?” he asked.
I shook my head.
“If I were to go to kiss you, you wouldn’t back away, would you? You wouldn’t do that.”
I took a sharp breath. My heart hammered. A part of me wanted to feel his lips on mine. A part of me wanted to run. “Don’t,” I said.
“Well, you’re right, this isn’t the place or the time. But strangely enough, I still feel like doing it.”
I made myself say, “There is no place and no time. There can never be a place or a time.”
When they finally get together, after their little push and pull, they become this powerful couple that people are in awe and scared of. This is a marriage of love and mutual respect. He respects, listens and sees her as his equal. Plus, they are each other’s Achilles Heel. If you want to hurt him, you hurt her and he is done. The same goes for her.
But as every marriage, there are ups and downs. The drama and the angst almost brought me to tears. Seeing them fight and throw hateful comments to the other after everything they went through was hard and for a moment I thought they would never recover from that. They were vicious and Octavius can be very cruel when he wants to hurt someone. Yet, they overcame that because they were IT for each other. He couldn't go on without her, he needed her like he needed air because only with her, he becomes more human and we can see the true Octavius. And same with Livia, she comes alive when she is with him.
The Livia from the beginning is completely gone at the end of the book. She grows into this powerful, respected and intelligent woman. She is a grown woman, mother of two and the woman that sets the rules of how women should behave in Roman society. She lives for charity, for helping people and wants to have peace. She has lived through so many wars, she just wants peace. At the end of the book, you can see clearly that if Tavius is the King, Livia is the Queen. No one had as much power as she did.
He came and sat beside me again. He said in a low voice, as if he were telling me a secret, “You might want to consider this: I love you. I will love you until the end of my life. If you never bear me a child who lives, I will accept it. I will leave this empire to some other man’s son, rather than marry elsewhere and give you up.”
I won’t say much more, but if you like Ancient Rome and historical books with well-built romance, this is your book. It is a rollercoaster of emotions, it is amazingly written and Livia and Augustus are THAT couple. Much recommended!
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March 30, 2023
2.75⭐️
Promising in the beginning and okayish almost until the end. But, I could never connect with Lívia, she was too kind and lovey, and then too angsty, and the story was super fast paced and the end very anticlimactic, I guess I expected more than some name dropping and the story of how she married Augustus and kept that marriage even though she gave him no children.
So, it was more of a love story with some facts thrown into it, but not even a great love story to be honest.
It was mildly entertaining and I liked the arc of the story somewhat if not for the rushed ending and the lack of more, more history.
Promising in the beginning and okayish almost until the end. But, I could never connect with Lívia, she was too kind and lovey, and then too angsty, and the story was super fast paced and the end very anticlimactic, I guess I expected more than some name dropping and the story of how she married Augustus and kept that marriage even though she gave him no children.
So, it was more of a love story with some facts thrown into it, but not even a great love story to be honest.
It was mildly entertaining and I liked the arc of the story somewhat if not for the rushed ending and the lack of more, more history.
August 26, 2025
Loetud eesti keeles. Oletatatav täiendus ajaloost teadaolevatele faktidele, mis on olnud vastuolulised. Peategelase kujutamine liialt pehme, nõretav-romantiline.
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