Ancient & Medieval Historical Fiction discussion

This is the discussionthread for our June Group Read of Feast of Sorrow: A Novel of Ancient Rome by Crystal King.

All welcome in discussion, even if you have already read it.

I'll be joining in the read if the library gets the book in for me in time. I've put in a purchase request.

This review ran in our Sunday paper today. https://www.washingtonpost.com/entert...

That's great, Patricia. Thanks for sharing it.

Bit concerned by the reviewer classing the author's writing as "spare and simple". I hope that isn't using word play to make a positive out of a negative. Not a fan of simplistic, unintelligent writing.

I didn't see it as negative, but I understand what you mean. Hopefully, it means more that she doesn't waste words; over explaining as some writers tend to do. I found it interesting to read about the author learning Italian & spending 5 years cooking to replicate the recipes. Actually, I found it impressive.

Patricia wrote: "I didn't see it as negative, but I understand what you mean. Hopefully, it means more that she doesn't waste words; over explaining as some writers tend to do. I found it interesting to read about ..."

So did I. I took them as positives -- laconic, not enamoured of big words when small ones would do.

Enticing review!!! Thank you for sharing!!

Terri wrote: "I'll be joining in the read if the library gets the book in for me in time. I've put in a purchase request."

Same here Terri. Not available on Overdrive for my library yet (Brisbane City) and to buy its $9.60 for the ebook. Too expensive for me!

This story reminds me of The Serpent and the Pearl. This one left my mouth watering too.

Was there a cultural food theme in that Kate Quinn book too, Ace?

Does the Brissie Library do purchase requests for ebooks? So they should. As should all libraries.

Terri wrote: "Was there a cultural food theme in that Kate Quinn book too, Ace?

Does the Brissie Library do purchase requests for ebooks? So they should. As should all libraries."

Not really Terri. Many of the recipes were true to the era apparently. Was an entertaining read.

On the Overdrive app, you can Recommend a book that they don't already own but I'm not sure about purchase requests. Many of my recommendations haven't materialized yet! I could try AskALibrarian on their website. Stay tuned…

I will stay tuned!

Another article on this book:
http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2...

That is a good article. I've never read a fiction book that focuses on food in history before. Could be interesting.

Update from the library:

"Thank you for using the Ask a Librarian service.
I have forwarded your suggestion to our Collection Development team. While the team appreciates customer feedback and purchase suggestions, not all can be purchased. The team needs to decide whether this title falls within budget and Collection Development Guidelines.
We will let you know whether or not Feast of sorrows is purchased."

Sounds promising!

That DOES sound promising. Seeing as it is a high quality new release I am expecting you'll get the nod. :)

I received this message. Not as personal as the first one, but wow that was quick!

"Brisbane/Yarra Plenty Download Collection user,

Your digital hold is ready to borrow:

Feast of Sorrow: A Novel of Ancient Rome
Crystal King
eBook"

Wow. That was quick indeed! I guess now you know that they're open to ebook purchase requests.

The paper copy still hasn't come into my library.

I have it on hold at my library. I'm tenth & there is four copies. So, may be awhile before I get it, but I do plan to read it.

On my. Haha. Well at least you'll get to read it soon. Maybe by the time you get your copy, I'll also be receiving my copy. Timing could work out.

Just finished and loved it. My review (no spoilers): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I just started the audiobook for this one this morning so I'm not very far into yet. I like the narrator though so that's a plus.

Terri wrote: "On my. Haha. Well at least you'll get to read it soon. Maybe by the time you get your copy, I'll also be receiving my copy. Timing could work out."
Just checked & I'm still 10th. The line is not moving too quickly.
Veronica: I'll be interested to hear how you like the audio.

My copy is still not in at library.
I won't be able to check in on discussion for a bit as I am having major internet issues at home.

This was a fantastic read!

Patricia wrote: "Veronica: I'll be interested to hear how you like the audio."

The narrator is doing a good job. That said, to me the Egyptian slave sounds an awful lot like an old Jewish man, lol. I have about three and a half hours left before I'm done. I will be back with my final thoughts then.

So far, here and on the book's GR reviews, there are a lot of people who liked it.
I wonder what I'll make of it. Intriguing.

I am a quarter of the way into the book and enjoying a very readable story. The characters are developing well and the culinary theme of the story is both refreshing and creative. The plot kind of "skips along" and has yet to make an intense "deep dive" on any one aspect. Maybe this is not necessary . . . we'll see.

Terri wrote: "So far, here and on the book's GR reviews, there are a lot of people who liked it.
I wonder what I'll make of it. Intriguing."

I'm curious, too. You and I agreed on the Riches book -- ugh -- but disagreed on the Kachel.

Disagreed on Uhtred too. :-)

Guy wrote: "I am a quarter of the way into the book and enjoying a very readable story. The characters are developing well and the culinary theme of the story is both refreshing and creative. The plot kind of ..."

It is the culinary aspect that makes me unsure of what to expect. But nobody who is reading it seems to be put off by it, so that is heartening.

Still no word from library on when it will be in.

Guy wrote: " The plot kind of "skips along" and has yet to make an intense "deep dive" on any one aspect."

I finished the audiobook last night. As I've said before, the narration was fine but I agree with your assessment of the overall plot. It feels as though it skims over the surface of what should be, or at least could be, an emotionally deeper story. Some of the problem stems from the fact that the story is being told through the perspective of Thrasius, a slave. IMO this hamstrings the plot because he can never truly react to anything going on around him because it's all being orchestrated by those of the upper classes. So mostly I found myself feeling emotionally unsatisfied. I gave it three stars.

Terri wrote: "Disagreed on Uhtred too. :-)"

Right! :)

I will begon this book tonight....I am curious and attracted by the plot, the last HF books I read were historical mysteries and I welcome the change.

Sorry for the typos...I am using my d**n smartphone.

I finished this last week, and while I liked it, and found it entertaining and unique, I also felt that the crux of the story was really the "upstairs/downstairs" relationship in the book. For at least the first 2/3 of the book, I kept visualizing it on screen, as a Roman "Downton Abbey" lol.

However, the obvious research the author put into the daily life in Apicius' villa household as experienced by Thracius impressed and captivated me. And not to say too much for those still reading, I felt the book deepened in its almost classically tragic last third. Also, As an avid cook, I found the gourmand aspect fascinating, particularly the concept of bartering the utmost of culinary savvy for political power to the Caesars of Rome.

I'm an avid cook too, so it surprises me that it is the food element that I have trepidation about,

Veronica wrote: "Guy wrote: " The plot kind of "skips along" and has yet to make an intense "deep dive" on any one aspect."

I finished the audiobook last night. As I've said before, the narration was fine but I ag..."

I can see where "emotionally unsatisfied" would be an assessment of the book. I have finished the book and for me it never "grabbed hold". Even the tragedies were suddenly presented and then quickly swept to the side. And then at the end, we are presented with Apicius receiving accolades for an interesting life and career. The story never ties together and feels very disjointed.

I've finished the book and thought it was okay but not great. It's interesting that a book supposedly about Apicius never gives him a voice/narrative. We know that Apicius existed based on historical documents, but rather than focusing on him King has created an entirely new character in the form of Thrasius the slave. I think I'd have preferred the story to have Apicius as the main character, or at least for him to have a voice in part of it.

I wondered at the choice of Thrasius as our POV character too. It just makes for a more...passive perspective.

Guy wrote: "Even the tragedies were suddenly presented and then quickly swept to the side."

Exactly. The story felt like it was missing too many emotional beats.

I happened to see this group is reading this book which I just started. Although I am only on Chapter 3, so far I am okay with the story being written from Thrasius' perspective. I tend to like culinary books written from the cook's/chef's perspective and his position as an outsider also seems to lend to him providing observations of the household which is helping to give me a picture of it as a reader. I will be interested to see if that changes once I am further along. I am enjoying hearing about the foods that are specific to this time and place.

I'd take a pass on the pig vulva. O_O

Crystal King came along and liked our reviews. I don't have this happen a lot so I get rather excited. Thank you Crystal :)

That's wonderful, Ace.

It is Renata. Now I wish I'd written a better review haha.

Give yourself a break. I liked your review, agreed with it. Always envy those who write coherent, well written full scale reviews.
(As so many do here on AMH!) I'm lucky if I can put together a decent comment! I'm working my way up to more reviews...I always enjoy yours. It seems Crystal King agrees ;)

STILL not in at the library. I kind of expected it though. Had hoped it would come in time to join in, but wasn't too optimistic.

I just got a notice that the book is at the library, so I guess I will be reading it for July.

I'm surprised at how long it is taking my library to get this one in for me. I need to check up on it. Maybe they decided not to bother.