Review & Blog Tour ~ I Am Livia by Phyllis T. Smith @I_AM_LIVIA

May 10, 2014

I Am Livia by Phyllis T. Smith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love historical fiction and getting a chance to read books that I might not find on my own. This historical fiction takes place in Ancient Rome and tells the story of Livia Drusilla in her point of view. It was interesting to be able to imagine how things happened through her eyes. We know we all see the same thing differently, and this is the fictional account from Livia herself.

This book was very well written and well researched. I found myself very intrigued with Livia. I like strong women in fiction and real life and she fit the bill. She worked circles men were only allowed to be in, I thoroughly enjoyed the portrayal of her in this story. In this novel and in that period, Livia was ahead of her time. That’s to be admired.

The author wrote an amazingly descriptive story placing the sights and sounds very real and vivid in my mind. Her characters, the ones that had an impact, were well fleshed out. I could feel the tensions of the time, of war, but Livia’s voice was so strong that I was immersed in her life instantly. Her thoughts, desires, and wishes became mine.

Not only would I recommend this book to any of the historical fiction lovers out there, but anything else she decides to write, I’ll be here waiting for it. She’s also peaked my interest in this time period. It’s not one I’ve read before this and now feel the need to find more during this time.

Very interesting read and one that will sweep you up until it’s over, and, believe me, you’ll wish there was more.

Summary:

Her life would be marked by scandal and suspicion, worship and adoration…

At the tender age of fourteen, Livia Drusilla overhears her father and fellow aristocrats plotting the assassination of Julius Caesar. Proving herself an astute confidante, she becomes her father’s chief political asset—and reluctantly enters into an advantageous marriage to a prominent military officer. Her mother tells her, “It is possible for a woman to influence public affairs,” reminding Livia that—while she possesses a keen sense for the machinations of the Roman senate—she must also remain patient and practical.

But patience and practicality disappear from Livia’s mind when she meets Caesar’s heir, Octavianus. At only eighteen, he displays both power and modesty. A young wife by that point, Livia finds herself drawn to the golden-haired boy. In time, his fortunes will rise as Livia’s family faces terrible danger. But her sharp intellect—and her heart—will lead Livia to make an unbelievable choice: one that will give her greater sway over Rome than she could have ever foreseen.