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The Uncertain Hour: A Novel
A.D. 66: Having been falsely implicated in a plot to assassinate the emperor Nero, Titus Petronius has a await the executioner at dawn, or die a noble Roman death by his own hand. Deciding that his will be a suicide like no other the world has ever seen, he summons a small circle of intimate friends to his magnificent villa on the enchanting Tyrrhenian coast of southern Italy. There, over the course of a balmy autumn's night, Petronius throws the party of a lifetime. As they feast on course after course of the most sumptuous and exotic fare the empire has to offer, his guests are expressly forbidden to dwell on the imminent tragedy; instead, they are enjoined to sing, eat, drink, and celebrate. But as his life dwindles to a few precious hours, Petronius himself cannot shake off the ghosts of his past or his regret over mistakes that can no longer be set right. With the fateful dawn approaching, he recalls the great love affair of his life, and his years as Nero's "Arbiter of Elegance." Not until the very end will he bequeath his magnum opus, The Satyricon, to posterity. Exquisitely written and profoundly moving, The Uncertain Hour is a vivid portrait of life in ancient Rome and a gripping entrée into the mind of a great man during his final hours. "Lush and sorrowful...splendid...lusciously described... gorgeous."-The New York Observer "The Uncertain Hour is that very rare thing - a historical novel of love and ideas not only free of pedantry, but also serious and entertaining. Browner has done a fine and meticulous job borrowing from the actual "Satyricon" dishes for Petronius' lovingly described last supper...a rewarding new novel."-Los Angeles Times
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2007
6 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Jesse Browner
20 books47 followersJesse Browner is the author of six books including the novels Conglomeros (Random House 1992), Turnaway (Random House 1996) and The Uncertain Hour (Bloomsbury 2007). He has also translated a number of notable books including the award winning Celine: A Biography. He lives in New York City. http://jessebrowner.com/index.htm. "
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 22, 2020
This is an unusual book about the last hours of Petronius, arbiter of excellence for the ungrateful despot Nero. There’s no real action or movement. The entire book takes place over the course of a single banquet, with some additional elements of Petronius’ story told via flashbacks. Petronius has been ordered to commit suicide for no real reason beyond falling out of favor in court politics, but rather than quiet reflection he decides to go out doing the same sort of thing he enjoyed so much in life. Hence the banquet.
The novel is an interesting exploration of what truly matters in the final hours before your death. What matters the most in your life? What will people think of you after you’re gone? What do they really think of you now? Who are you really? Is how you see yourself the same as how you are seen by others?
Obviously this sort of plot-lite self introspection is not for everybody. But I found it a fascinating character study and a chance to enjoy an area of Roman life we don’t usually get to see dramatized. Petronius himself is fascinating, but it does take a while for him to become so. His careful deconstruction of what it means (for him) to be a Roman is thoughtful and complex. And he’s aided immensely by the poet Martial, who had no ties to Petronius that I know of but came to Rome at around this time and would be exactly the sort of person Petronius would cultivate (just compare Petronius’ Satyricon to Martial’s Epigrams). Martial’s non-Romanness (overstated I suspect) makes him a perfect mirror for Petronius to judge himself in. Plus, his openly emotional and disruptive behavior keeps the drama interesting.
I suspect that anyone for whom the idea of introspection in the face of death appeals would find this book interesting, even if they normally have no interest in historical fiction. For those who find both topics appealing, this book offers a well-researched and realistic treat.
The novel is an interesting exploration of what truly matters in the final hours before your death. What matters the most in your life? What will people think of you after you’re gone? What do they really think of you now? Who are you really? Is how you see yourself the same as how you are seen by others?
Obviously this sort of plot-lite self introspection is not for everybody. But I found it a fascinating character study and a chance to enjoy an area of Roman life we don’t usually get to see dramatized. Petronius himself is fascinating, but it does take a while for him to become so. His careful deconstruction of what it means (for him) to be a Roman is thoughtful and complex. And he’s aided immensely by the poet Martial, who had no ties to Petronius that I know of but came to Rome at around this time and would be exactly the sort of person Petronius would cultivate (just compare Petronius’ Satyricon to Martial’s Epigrams). Martial’s non-Romanness (overstated I suspect) makes him a perfect mirror for Petronius to judge himself in. Plus, his openly emotional and disruptive behavior keeps the drama interesting.
I suspect that anyone for whom the idea of introspection in the face of death appeals would find this book interesting, even if they normally have no interest in historical fiction. For those who find both topics appealing, this book offers a well-researched and realistic treat.
May 25, 2019
For such a short book, there's a lot to unpack. This works on many levels - as a historical fiction offering a glimpse into patrician Roman life, as an exercise in philosophy, as an examination of a life at the end of all things. I really enjoyed this.
October 24, 2014
One night in Cumae – una nox vigilanda
If this is not the best novel I have read this year, it certainly comes close.
In a short chapter in his Annals of Roman History, Tacitus gives a brief summary of the end of the life of one Petronius, the emperor Nero’s ‘arbiter elegantiae’ or style councillor. This man had been sentenced to death following a conspiracy against Nero’s life, in which he had probably not been involved. As a concession to past friendship the emperor permitted Petronius one night to settle his affairs and end his own life. There is a general agreement that this Petronius is also the author of the Satyricon, an intensely scatological Latin novel, which may possibly be a satire of Nero’s own way of life.
Browner’s novel fleshes out that final night, taking Petronius, his house guests and the reader through those hours leading up to the condemned man’s death. The novel is an intensely moving experience, as Petronius strives to fathom some purpose to his life, revisiting in his mind his past experiences and the mistakes which have brought him to this end. The author keeps close to scholarly theory about who Petronius was and also to Tacitus’ account, showing how Petronius opened his veins and then bandaged them up more than once so that his death would not come sudden; how he held a banquet where his imminent death was the only subject not permitted for discussion; how he penned a frank letter to Nero expressing his opinion honestly and without flattery.
Browner writes rich and limpid prose, the narrative flowing and subtle. There is a strong sexual element, especially in the flashback scenes, reflective of the nature of the times, but also, like the dishes served at the banquet, suggestive of the Satyricon itself. For me two aspects really stand out.
The idea of making Petronius the patron of the scarcely Romanised poet Martial was a masterstroke. The portrayal of the emotionally prodigal poet is a brilliant counterpoint to the Romans who deliberately repress all emotional display. The final scene with Petronius and Martial conversing as they walk through the land and village around the villa in ‘the uncertain hour’ just before dawn is simply wonderful. The scenes with Martial are often not just moving but also very funny.
The second element I enjoyed especially is how Browner integrates the suicides of Seneca and Lucan, two others of Nero’s circle caught up in the same plot. Lucan had botched his attempt, as had Seneca. Petronius is determined not to do the same. His dinner guest Lucilius complains about how Seneca has ruined his life by making him the respondent for his letters from a stoic, letters which still survive and profess to advise on how best to live one’s life – an attempt at gaining an immortal memory.
Finally, the history and course of Petronius’ relationship with Melissa, a soldier’s wife who becomes his lover, is haunting and sensual, containing strong elements of the Biblical relationship of David and Bathsheba.
A terrific novel – one I will certainly revisit.
If this is not the best novel I have read this year, it certainly comes close.
In a short chapter in his Annals of Roman History, Tacitus gives a brief summary of the end of the life of one Petronius, the emperor Nero’s ‘arbiter elegantiae’ or style councillor. This man had been sentenced to death following a conspiracy against Nero’s life, in which he had probably not been involved. As a concession to past friendship the emperor permitted Petronius one night to settle his affairs and end his own life. There is a general agreement that this Petronius is also the author of the Satyricon, an intensely scatological Latin novel, which may possibly be a satire of Nero’s own way of life.
Browner’s novel fleshes out that final night, taking Petronius, his house guests and the reader through those hours leading up to the condemned man’s death. The novel is an intensely moving experience, as Petronius strives to fathom some purpose to his life, revisiting in his mind his past experiences and the mistakes which have brought him to this end. The author keeps close to scholarly theory about who Petronius was and also to Tacitus’ account, showing how Petronius opened his veins and then bandaged them up more than once so that his death would not come sudden; how he held a banquet where his imminent death was the only subject not permitted for discussion; how he penned a frank letter to Nero expressing his opinion honestly and without flattery.
Browner writes rich and limpid prose, the narrative flowing and subtle. There is a strong sexual element, especially in the flashback scenes, reflective of the nature of the times, but also, like the dishes served at the banquet, suggestive of the Satyricon itself. For me two aspects really stand out.
The idea of making Petronius the patron of the scarcely Romanised poet Martial was a masterstroke. The portrayal of the emotionally prodigal poet is a brilliant counterpoint to the Romans who deliberately repress all emotional display. The final scene with Petronius and Martial conversing as they walk through the land and village around the villa in ‘the uncertain hour’ just before dawn is simply wonderful. The scenes with Martial are often not just moving but also very funny.
The second element I enjoyed especially is how Browner integrates the suicides of Seneca and Lucan, two others of Nero’s circle caught up in the same plot. Lucan had botched his attempt, as had Seneca. Petronius is determined not to do the same. His dinner guest Lucilius complains about how Seneca has ruined his life by making him the respondent for his letters from a stoic, letters which still survive and profess to advise on how best to live one’s life – an attempt at gaining an immortal memory.
Finally, the history and course of Petronius’ relationship with Melissa, a soldier’s wife who becomes his lover, is haunting and sensual, containing strong elements of the Biblical relationship of David and Bathsheba.
A terrific novel – one I will certainly revisit.
October 17, 2021
I couldn't make up my mind between 3 or 4 stars. A philosophical novel, it recounts the Saturnalia Eve on which the Roman nobleman Petronius, gives his "suicide dinner" to which he has invited his closest friends. Having displeased Nero, he has been given a death sentence. At various points in the dinner he slips away to open his veins, then bandages them. The menu is strictly that of Trimalchio's Feast in the "Satyricon", which Petronius is supposed to have written. I could practically taste every dish, though some of them sounded really strange.
The story begins in Petronius' garden before the dinner, and moves back and forth between the dinner and flashbacks to his relationship with his mistress and with his good friend, the poet Martial. Petronius meditates on life, death... More and more of his character is revealed as the book progresses; at first I was disappointed but got to know him.
At one point, he destroys a beautiful myrrhine ladle that Nero had coveted and gives the shards to his friends as a remembrance of him and their friendship. Especially poignant is his farewell to Martial, in which they take a walk together and Petronius bequeaths him the "Satyricon" together with a very honest letter addressed to Nero. He also smashes his signet ring so no one else can use it. The novel was well-written except for some very modern slang expressions.
The story begins in Petronius' garden before the dinner, and moves back and forth between the dinner and flashbacks to his relationship with his mistress and with his good friend, the poet Martial. Petronius meditates on life, death... More and more of his character is revealed as the book progresses; at first I was disappointed but got to know him.
At one point, he destroys a beautiful myrrhine ladle that Nero had coveted and gives the shards to his friends as a remembrance of him and their friendship. Especially poignant is his farewell to Martial, in which they take a walk together and Petronius bequeaths him the "Satyricon" together with a very honest letter addressed to Nero. He also smashes his signet ring so no one else can use it. The novel was well-written except for some very modern slang expressions.
May 24, 2012
Read it in a day. Would send to my dad but I want to re-read.
November 8, 2025
honestly, a biased 4.5⭐, because i have a weak spot for the historical figure of Petronius Arbiter and his various interpretations.
This was something different from what I expected, if I were to be frank. Which is not in itself a bad thing, but the reason why I'm not rounding it up to a 5. And also the writing not being too satisfactory. And me being reluctant to rate any book below a 3. And some other things that are not too important to mention but vex me nonetheless.
Alas, it's a fun (in the easy-to-read-and-follow-the-plot way, not the humourous way, although I did quietly laugh at some points, and the depressing mood is not really... there? that's a fail too, to me) and quick read, worth the time of any curious person. Would I recommend it to someone not interested in ancient Rome at all? Probably not. But would I recommend it to someone that's a freak about it? Most likely not. I did not have the feeling that it was particularly historically accurate, not strictly anyway, and to the cautious eye (which in this case I do not possess) there would be unpleasantries to be found.
On the characterisation of Petronius himself — I feel like there's not a lot left to be desired, but in my personal, very biased opinion it is not perfect. I'm not talking about the (modern) immorality of some of his actions, these were inevitable and I'm glad they were not left out for the sake of being unproblematic to the public eye. I don't remember when it was published? Perhaps before the unlogical obsession with purity that my generation unfortunately shows, and thus why I did not see any unreasonably negative reviews. Which is good. Because in summary this is a decent book. Not a masterpiece, but I'd say it's decent to the average reader.
I can't say I loved any of the other characters, and honestly some of the interactions or relationships felt weirdly unnecessary. Like the thing with Pollia at the end? What was it supposed to show? We already had one, no, sorry, two tragic love stories in it, and we also were shown how choices make the rest of our lives more miserable, so why was this kept in? It lacked reason, and fairly, made me cringe a little. But overall, I think that having such a range of different personalities (though wildly stereotypical or overdone at times) put in one place gave it a kind of a spirit that was in a way needed here. I can't explain it, but otherwise it would've felt... flat.
So, I (really? extraordinarily? can't say weirdly, 'cause that won't fit) liked Melissa, who I thought was a nicely made up fit for my guy Petronius and showed how much of a blind ass he is despite his achievements and reputation. That was nice. And it was actually kinda funny to read about how smitten he was, and honesty Jesse, yeah, he's the kind that would like to be degraded. I will not speak on the matter of eroticism in this book, because I feel neither qualified nor kind enough to praise it. Because I mostly did not like it.
And I (really?) liked Marcus, who was a really nice contrast. The things he said at the end (and at one point in the middle. actually two, i think) were actually touching, and showed how wrong, lost, confused, and puzzled one can be no matter the age, experience, situation, or how much one might want to not be so. His character was mostly a comedic relief though, or so I felt, which, fair, but I want justice for my boy.
Oh, and yeah, I was so disappointed by the ending? I mean, not completely, it was actually nice with the dog and the metaphor, but I wanted to actually 'witness' his death? The whole book was building up to it only to not include it. Come on.
Okay I'll stop ranting. Hit me up on ig(cowboymorpheus) or email(fleamontsoleil@gmail.com) if you wanna hear more thoughts about it, I don't know. Also, I do not talk like this most of the time. I don't know why I sound so upper class and oldstyle in this review. Let it be the fault of me reading The Great Gatsby at the moment and adopting the language and style, like with every other long book I get invested in. A blessing, but mostly a curse.
This was something different from what I expected, if I were to be frank. Which is not in itself a bad thing, but the reason why I'm not rounding it up to a 5. And also the writing not being too satisfactory. And me being reluctant to rate any book below a 3. And some other things that are not too important to mention but vex me nonetheless.
Alas, it's a fun (in the easy-to-read-and-follow-the-plot way, not the humourous way, although I did quietly laugh at some points, and the depressing mood is not really... there? that's a fail too, to me) and quick read, worth the time of any curious person. Would I recommend it to someone not interested in ancient Rome at all? Probably not. But would I recommend it to someone that's a freak about it? Most likely not. I did not have the feeling that it was particularly historically accurate, not strictly anyway, and to the cautious eye (which in this case I do not possess) there would be unpleasantries to be found.
On the characterisation of Petronius himself — I feel like there's not a lot left to be desired, but in my personal, very biased opinion it is not perfect. I'm not talking about the (modern) immorality of some of his actions, these were inevitable and I'm glad they were not left out for the sake of being unproblematic to the public eye. I don't remember when it was published? Perhaps before the unlogical obsession with purity that my generation unfortunately shows, and thus why I did not see any unreasonably negative reviews. Which is good. Because in summary this is a decent book. Not a masterpiece, but I'd say it's decent to the average reader.
I can't say I loved any of the other characters, and honestly some of the interactions or relationships felt weirdly unnecessary. Like the thing with Pollia at the end? What was it supposed to show? We already had one, no, sorry, two tragic love stories in it, and we also were shown how choices make the rest of our lives more miserable, so why was this kept in? It lacked reason, and fairly, made me cringe a little. But overall, I think that having such a range of different personalities (though wildly stereotypical or overdone at times) put in one place gave it a kind of a spirit that was in a way needed here. I can't explain it, but otherwise it would've felt... flat.
So, I (really? extraordinarily? can't say weirdly, 'cause that won't fit) liked Melissa, who I thought was a nicely made up fit for my guy Petronius and showed how much of a blind ass he is despite his achievements and reputation. That was nice. And it was actually kinda funny to read about how smitten he was, and honesty Jesse, yeah, he's the kind that would like to be degraded. I will not speak on the matter of eroticism in this book, because I feel neither qualified nor kind enough to praise it. Because I mostly did not like it.
And I (really?) liked Marcus, who was a really nice contrast. The things he said at the end (and at one point in the middle. actually two, i think) were actually touching, and showed how wrong, lost, confused, and puzzled one can be no matter the age, experience, situation, or how much one might want to not be so. His character was mostly a comedic relief though, or so I felt, which, fair, but I want justice for my boy.
Oh, and yeah, I was so disappointed by the ending? I mean, not completely, it was actually nice with the dog and the metaphor, but I wanted to actually 'witness' his death? The whole book was building up to it only to not include it. Come on.
Okay I'll stop ranting. Hit me up on ig(cowboymorpheus) or email(fleamontsoleil@gmail.com) if you wanna hear more thoughts about it, I don't know. Also, I do not talk like this most of the time. I don't know why I sound so upper class and oldstyle in this review. Let it be the fault of me reading The Great Gatsby at the moment and adopting the language and style, like with every other long book I get invested in. A blessing, but mostly a curse.
August 14, 2022
Pewnego dnia dowiadujesz się, że za kilka godzin umrzesz...
Wspominasz swoje życie, wybory których cofnąć nie możesz, błędy nie do naprawienia, słowa których cofnąć nie da się...
Organizujesz najwspanialszą ucztę, jaką tylko możesz zorganizować, zapraszasz przyjaciół, pojecie najlepsze wino, jecie najlepsze jedzenie, bawicie się.
Petroniusz, służący na dworze Nerona, zostaje oskarżony o udział w spisku na życie cesarza. Pozostaje mu kilka godzin życia. Wspomina, analizuje i bawi się.
Dosyć ciekawy pomysł na fabułę. Jednak książka na długo w mej pamięci nie zostanie. 📚📖🍵🤓
Wspominasz swoje życie, wybory których cofnąć nie możesz, błędy nie do naprawienia, słowa których cofnąć nie da się...
Organizujesz najwspanialszą ucztę, jaką tylko możesz zorganizować, zapraszasz przyjaciół, pojecie najlepsze wino, jecie najlepsze jedzenie, bawicie się.
Petroniusz, służący na dworze Nerona, zostaje oskarżony o udział w spisku na życie cesarza. Pozostaje mu kilka godzin życia. Wspomina, analizuje i bawi się.
Dosyć ciekawy pomysł na fabułę. Jednak książka na długo w mej pamięci nie zostanie. 📚📖🍵🤓
December 18, 2016
Browner's novel tells the story of the last night of the Roman author, Petronius Arbiter. Proscribed by Nero, his former patron, he had the choice presented to other condemned individuals in the ancient world of either waiting for execution or ending his own life. The story is told with great sensitivity in its treatment of Petronius and the friends who gather for one less meal before dawn. The book is beautifully written and tightly-drafted; I particularly commend it to writers, as well as to general readers, as an exemplar. (I noticed the occasional use of modern expressions, but see that as a minor flaw, underscoring Browner's skillfulness in his line-by-line writing.)
February 19, 2009
actually read this book because three out of the four blurbs at the back were from writers i like (michael cunningham, jim crace and sigrid nunez). what a fine read it has turned out to be. its the time of the roman saturnalia and petronius (putative author of satyricon and nero's arbiter of elegance) - having fallen out of favor of the emperor - hosts a suicide banquet. a brilliant fictive meditation on life, love and death.
May 29, 2009
Set in AD 66 this short novel hits on all the high points of acient Roman life. my only dislike was some of theuse of current vocabulary.
set in one night that will find the main character dead by dawn,it portrays a party of his closest friends with all the Roman foods.
there was one line that i will use again and again..."professional headonists". it is a good read not a great read. i wish tha author would have used chapter breaks.
set in one night that will find the main character dead by dawn,it portrays a party of his closest friends with all the Roman foods.
there was one line that i will use again and again..."professional headonists". it is a good read not a great read. i wish tha author would have used chapter breaks.
September 29, 2014
I found this a very quiet, introspective story. The intimate look at this roman family and their close friends on the eve of a massive change in all their lives was interesting.
For me, this book was a little slow. The self introspection was often too meandering and left me bored.
I liked the concept and the characters but couldn't give it more than a solid like.
For me, this book was a little slow. The self introspection was often too meandering and left me bored.
I liked the concept and the characters but couldn't give it more than a solid like.
February 12, 2010
This is a historical fiction, only the historical part doesn't seem accurate. I could be wrong. It is an interesting look into daily Roman life however, the writing leaves something to be desired. Worth the time, but not ground breaking or anything.
March 7, 2012
A really beautiful book. Superb in any sense but really nice if your interested in Ancient Rome and historical fiction. But if not I thought it was really nicely written and at the ending I couldn't put it down.
March 10, 2008
food and roman history.
April 1, 2009
Historical fiction wins again. Set in Roman times we witness the final hours of a disgraced noble-man who lead a quintessentially excellent life.
September 27, 2012
One of those books that still haunts me even though I read it 5 years ago.
January 1, 2013
Started slowly, but when the dinner guests begin the arrive, the pace of the book picks up. Quick read.
May 26, 2014
Completely different look into Roman life-the acceptance of suicide as a way to save face. This story encompasses a dinner party as the host gradually kills himself through blood-letting.
May 4, 2015
A special, unusual book about the night of the Roman Petronius's suicide banquet. Much internal dialog, well done though only possible to be conjecture. A portrait of the ways of the Roman culture.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews