2018-03-19
Lustrum shows a master writer at work.
The second book in a trilogy, it clearly establishes Robert Harris as one of the two great pillars of Roman historical fiction writing. What’s especially gratifying is that the other, Colleen McCollough, approaches the story from a completely different angle in her excellent Masters of Rome series.
So where she has Caesar as the protagonist and Cicero as an antagonist, Robert Harris tells the story of the fall of the Roman Republic very much from Cicero’s point of view.
He’s not presented as a flawless character, however – the story is told by Cicero’s secretary, Tiro, and because of this we see Cicero making mistakes that threaten to doom him. We also see Caesar as mercilessly ambitious.
And in case you’re wondering about the title, a lustrum is apparently a latin term for a span of five years.
Overall simply a brilliant read, as Robert Harris brings to life the poisonous patriarchy of the Roman Republic with an ease that feels effortless. If you haven’t tried the first book, Imperium, then pick it up.
Rating: 5/5