Phyllis T. SmithReseñas

Phyllis Smith's I Am Livia is a fictionalized account of a very powerful woman who has been regarded suspiciously by history: Livia Drusilla, wife of the Roman emperor Augustus (born Octavius). I'd actually never heard of her before I read this book, but it was a Kindle First title and I'm into historical fiction, so I picked it up and I'm glad I actually got the chance to read about Livia and her life. And a lady who gets her first husband to give her away to her second husband just days after she gave birth to the first husband's child (true story!) is someone I'm interested in learning about.

Livia was the older of two daughters of a Roman senator, and Smith kicks off her story just as Livia's father is throwing his support behind the assassins of Julius Caesar. Like many historical fiction heroines, Livia is a smart and strong-willed young woman, educated by her father about government and politics. Despite having had a chance meeting with young Octavius in which the two become besotted with each other, Livia's marriage to her older cousin, Tiberius Nero, is arranged for political purposes. Smith doesn't take the easy way out and make Tiberius cruel to Livia to get readers to root against him and their marriage: he's not a bad man or even a bad husband, Livia simply doesn't love him. She tries to be a good wife to him anyways, bearing him two sons and trying to advise him on how to best navigate the complicated world of Roman politics in the era of the Triumvirates. But when Livia and Octavius re-encounter each other years after her marriage (and when she's heavily pregnant with her second of those sons she had with Tiberius), their connection can no longer be denied and Tiberius is persuaded to bow out as graciously as any person possibly could, really, with the whole giving-her-away bit I mentioned above.

Livia uses her status as wife of the First Citizen of Rome to assume some power of her own: she handles his correspondence, gets him to allow her the legal right to make her own decisions about her own property under the guise of giving the same right to his popularly-beloved sister Julia, helps him see the advantages of making sure the citizens of Rome are taken care of and not just focusing on war and conquest. The use of one of my least favorite literary tropes, love at first sight, bothered me like it always does, but I appreciated that Smith drew Livia and Tavius (a pet name for Octavius) as a complicated couple. Besides their ultimately unsuccessful struggle to have a child of their own and the strain that situation places on their relationship, they're both hard-headed and stubborn and there's a point at which their marriage is very near breaking down because of miscommunication and pride. And while Livia loves her husband, she's not so crazy about him that she can't see advantages to their separation, which takes some of the saccharine out of the tired "we've been in love since we first laid eyes on each other" sweetness that underlies their relationship.

Smith does a good job of neither making Livia a paragon of virtue nor a tyrant greedy for ever-more authority as she acquires and uses power over the course of her life. It lets us ask ourselves why we're uncomfortable with the idea that a woman would want the power to make her own decisions even if her husband would never deny her the opportunity to do what she wanted. Livia's mother was content to be in the traditional female "power behind the throne" role, why does Livia want more active power? If she plants ideas with her husband after they've slept together, is it her using her body to get what she wants or simply taking advantage of the time they're most relaxed and are actually alone together to discuss the things that are important to both her individually and them as a couple? The questions the book raises and the strong characterization of Livia overrides some underdeveloped side characters and a workmanlike prose style to create a work that's definitely worth a read, especially if you're interested in Roman history and/or feminism.

This is an autobiographical novel of the life of Livia, wife of Julius Caesar's great nephew and adopted son Octavian, better known as the future Roman Emperor Augustus. The relationship between the two of them is closer to being one of equals, intellectually at least, than any other such relationship of the time - Livia has been described as the most powerful woman in the history of ancient Rome. The Livia depicted here is Tavius's (Octavian's) closest political advisor, but also very humane and with a horror of the warfare which necessarily accompanies his rise to supreme power. He (and ultimately she also) regards this rise as being for the good of Rome, in putting an end to the civil wars which have disfigured the city and growing empire's life for many decades and have effectively put an end to the Roman Republic, whose ideals were embodied most effectively by such figures as Cicero and Cato. This is a very different Livia from the more famous manipulative and scheming murderess depicted by Robert Graves in I, Claudius. I prefer to believe this version of Livia, though historians have different views and we will never know for sure. What is sure is that she was declared a goddess after her death at the advanced age of 86 by her grandson, Emperor Claudius. A powerful and influential figure.

Livia, Julia, and Cleopatra Selene tell their stories from Octavian/Augustus's triumph over Egypt to Julia's exile.

Interesting and believable, especially as we see the same events from the women's different viewpoints.

A disappointing sequel to the excellent I Am Livia which I thoroughly enjoyed. Featuring 3 prominent Roman Women, the author never fully develops them into realistic characters. The storyline starts off well, but ends up more like a mediocre romance novel. It could have been so much better.½

The day to day life and marriage of Livia to Octavian (Tavia) is conjecture; but the history of Rome, the Roman Civil Wars, and the foreign wars were very accurate. This is the 2nd account I have read of Livia, the first being I, Claudius many years ago. This novel paints Livia in a kinder, gentler light; although certainly no door mat. I do understand the machinations that took Rome from a republic to an empire better after this read. My only complaint is that the book informs readers that Octavia (Octavian's sister) raised the 3 surviving children of Antony and Cleopatra. Most historians agree that the oldest male, Alexander Helios was killed by Octavian very soon after parading him as a trophy in Rome. 391 pages 5 stars

Did not finish. The writing was quite simplistic. I can understand that for young Julia but not for adult Livia. The anachronisms were SO grating. A Roman soldier would not have popped off a "thanks" at the First Kid of Rome. I seriously doubt that Roman fathers walked their daughters down an aisle. And there was no Spain and no Italy at the time. Any amateur historian or fan of history would know that so one does assume that the author knows it, also, and is talking down to her modern audience.

I read and enjoyed I Am Livia so as soon as I saw this second offering by Phyllis T. Smith, I jumped at the chance to read it. I'm still a fan. I wanted more of Livia's voice when the last book ended and I got it here. What drew me in was the fact that Cleopatra Selene was featured. I so rarely run into books that feature her that I tore through the story and very much enjoyed her voice here. Julia was the third POV character and I felt she was rendered well and it shone through that she was captive to her fate. That Selene is ultimately the freer and successful one and Julia not is like Cleopatra reached out of her grave to curse her child's captor's child. Julia couldn't catch a break and so deeply & longing sought love it consumed her. It made for an engaging read. While I've no idea to the historical accuracy, I also very much enjoyed Livia relating that she saw herself in Selene and the similarities their young lives held.

I'd definitely recommend this one to fans of I Am Livia and also fans of historical fiction. It's a quick read that's time well spent.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

In her old age Livia reminiscences about her early years down to the future Augustus's return from the battle of Actium and taking control of Egypt.

After a somewhat shaky start, I really enjoyed this one. This is not Sian Phillips's dragon lady but a very believable and likeable character.

I found this story very dull. I just drag and drag for me. Livia just felt dry and borning and along with everyone else in the story.
It's too bad Livia was a interesting woman and the time period in Rome has some of the most fascinating people.

This was an interesting read about three Roman women connected by their position in the First Citizen's life. There are the typical Roman cliches of sex, plotting, and power hungry individuals, but there is also a softer side and one filled with historical information. The book was a little slow at times, but the last 15% was a real page turner.

This book alternates between the lives of Livia, Selene and Julia, all tied to Augustus Caesar. Livia, Augustus’ wife, tries to guide the women in her household to be proper Roman women. Selene, the daughter of Cleopatra, is basically a captive, subject to the whims of politics. Julia, Augustus’ daughter, tries to become her own person, growing up under strict rules and scrutiny.

Part 1 of this book was exciting and adventurous. The women were dynamic, their story fascinating. Part 2 and 3 didn’t have the same excitement or interest that Part 1 had. Those parts were just rote. Even though this book didn’t really work, I would be interested to read more from this author.

The writing style in this book reminds me of Philippa Gregory's treatment of the women in Henry VIII's court. And that's not a compliment. Livia is the daughter of Marcus Claudianus, a senator who was among the conspirators against Julius Caesar. When Octavian began his campaign of retribution against his adopted father's assassins, her father committed suicide after Octavian's victory at the Battle of Philippi. Her husband by arranged marriage, magistrate Tiberius Claudius Nero, fled to Marc Antony's side in Egypt. Livia and Tiberius Claudius Nero then fled to Greece, returning to Rome after a general amnesty was announced.

In this book, Livia has long had contact with the young Octavian, who became the Emperor Augustus. Pregnant with her second son, the much loved and tragic Nero Claudius Drusus (aka Drusus the Elder, father of the notorious Caligula), she wed Octavian after Tiberius Claudius Nero was compelled to divorce her (as Octavian did his own wife, Scribonia). What follows is routine life in the upper class of Rome, along with much anxiety over Livia's failure to produce a true heir with Augustus. Resigned to the inevitability that Augustus would discard her for someone younger and more fertile, she was surprised when Augustus affirmed his devotion to her and adopted her sons as his heirs.

The end of Augustus and the early reign of her son, Tiberius, are sort of "yadda yadda'd" at the end of the book. This is the point in her story where Robert Graves makes her the devious schemer pulling strings on everyone atop the government, as well as striving for a legacy to become deified along with her husband following her death. And that's a shame, Graves' Livia is far more dynamic than Smith's.

Livia, wife of Augustus, Selene Daughter of Cleopatra and Julia, daughter of Augustus recount their narratives of life in Rome with its intrigue. The overriding value is what is good for the empire. Delicately written with historical insights. A surprisingly good read.

An electronic copy was provided in return for an honest review.

Ancient Rome is one of my favorite historical eras so I was pretty excited to see THE DAUGHTERS OF PALATINE HILL. This is how I prefer my historical fiction when it involves actual historical figures. These are the qualities I look for:
-It should transport me to another time and place. The story should have an excellent grasp of the period and culture. I neither expect, nor want, characters from ancient Rome to have the same mores or feelings about issues, social or otherwise. I want them to be an honest reflection of their times. This is especially true when it involves actual historical figures.
-My preference is to become intimately involved with at least one of the characters. To be able to put myself in their shoes, see things from their perspective.
-Make me think, rethink, wonder, speculate…..

THE DAUGHTERS OF PALATINE HILL did all these things. Ms. Smith brought Livia, Julia, and Selene to life. Focus is on the characters and their motivations. Emphasis is placed on the political intricacies and aspects of their situations, rather than the decadence and lewdness that many stories highlight.
Livia was a far cry from the cruel, manipulative woman driven by greed and ambition for her son that I’d met before.
Julia was more than the selfish, spoiled, petulant woman who had everything, without it ever being enough, that I thought I knew. Though she certainly displayed those traits; she was rather sad, looking for love, recognition, and validation in all the wrong ways and places.
Selene, I confess to knowing almost nothing about her. However, the portrayal of the tightrope she navigated so brilliantly was fascinating. She’s definitely snagged my interest and I’ll be looking for more information about her.
If you’re looking for historical fiction that not only takes you “there”, but into the hearts, minds, and lives of the characters, your search is over. THE DAUGHTERS OF PALATINE HILL does all that and more.
Reviewed for Novels Alive TV

Another Amazon First and I found this first novel by Phyllis T. Smith more than a little entertaining. It is the story of Livia Drusilla, wife of Octavius Caesar (later Augustus), who throughout history has been villainized as a heartless poisoner. Smith researched well and the result was a somewhat different version the trials and tribulations of Rome from the death of Julius Caesar to the difficulties with Mark Antony (whose wife was the sister of Octavius) and beyond. The story is told in the first person by Livia as an old woman looking back. I found it interesting, readable, and most enjoyable.

I began this fictional biography of Livia Drusilla with no background knowledge of the real woman. Therefore I knew nothing of her negative reputation and my understanding of the events surrounding the ascent and reign of Octavius were confined to the broad overview without personal details. Phyllis Smith makes a compelling case for the talents and decency of Livia while de-romanticizing the hi-jinks of Marc Antony and Cleopatra. The novel concentrates on the years between the assassination of Julius Caesar and Octavius' consolidation of power following the Battle of Actium. I learned a great deal more about Roman history and enjoyed the process.

This book is a historical fiction/biographical novel of Livia Drusilla (58 BC - 29 AD), the wife of Caesar Augustus (aka Octavius), the Roman ruler from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD.

In the book, Livia is looking back from old age on her earlier years, beginning when she is 14 years old, just before Julius Caesar was assassinated - a plot in which her father was involved. It follows her life closely for the next 14 years - through her marriage to her father's ally Tiberius Nero, to her marriage to Octavius (while pregnant with Tiberius' second son), through numerous wars, to the beginning of his reign as emperor of Rome.

I'd encountered Livia as a character in a few other books (particularly in ones I've read about Cleopatra and her daughter), but really didn't know much about her beyond the rumors also mentioned by Livia herself at the beginning of this book. Debut author Phyllis T. Smith brings the character and the period to life, and makes me see why Augustus Caesar stayed married to her for 51 years, despite the rumors about her, and their inability to have a child together.

Oh, and I just love the cover art - the mosaic style is definitely appropriate for ancient Rome.

© Amanda Pape - 2015

[I received this e-book for free through the Kindle First program. This review also appears on Bookin' It.]½

Romance/Historical fiction, although true readers of that genre may very well disagree with me. Decent enough writing just not my thing.

I got this book from Amazon as a first look book. I had high hopes for this book (even though I didn't have much knowledge of Livia Druisilla). To begin with, I found the book was written more for teenagers/young adults. If I didn't know Livia really existed, I would have just thought it was a so-so plot. I guess I just didn't find Livia very likable. After reading some history on her from the web, I can say I don't like her. I wish I had liked and enjoyed this book more, but mainly it was just politics with a very little look at Livia and Tavius' personal lives.

Profoundly bland writing style matched with a dull heroine, this Livia is not for lovers of "I, Claudius" in either forms. Livia does not seem really of her time period--what Roman daughter of the time period would be surprised that her father was arranging her marriage?- but the anachronistic feel does not stop there but continues throughout the book. The author strips Livia of her cleverness and manipulative behavior and presents the reader with an uncritical portrait of Livia as the Mother of all Rome--not out any attempt, I feel, to present a revisionist view, or to craft a false narrative that will leave the reader guessing, but because such a surface portrayal is all the writer is capable of. When Livia and Octavius meet the book sinks even lower as their relationship is depicted in romance fiction terms of throbbing hearts (and other things) and golden curls. Despite all this the book still seems like a YA novel.

I Am Livia delivered a whole lot more than I expected from a debut novel. The author writes eloquently and is able to understate the complex relationship and rich emotional life of Augutus and Livia, adding much poignancy. If you love the history of the Romans, this broad, sweeping saga of one of Rome's greatest ruling families is for you. I haven't read any historical fiction I've enjoyed more in a very long time. High marks.½

“I wonder sometimes how I will be remembered.”
— I Am Livia, by Phyllis T. Smith


I admit that I had only heard of Livia Drusilla. I knew that she was powerful and extremely intelligent. It was a shame she was born in a time when women were thought of as simply the bearer of sons and hostesses at home. Her father indulged her and spoke to her of politics and inspired her to think for herself. It was a blessing and a curse. She was a woman who rose above it all and is looked upon for her strength, wisdom and for the advances she made.

And we begin, actually, the day before Caesar's assassination and when Livia finishes, Octavius is Emperor. Without giving too many details away-actually, I'm giving none away, (so hah!) it's not an easy ride for Livia. Not in anyway. Yet, she managed it with a measure of grace I don't think I could have. People were always plotting murder, asking her favors (when she married Octavius), dealing with the many wars (successes and failures), suicides and so forth. It's fun how the author crafted how they met and I enjoyed reading the ups and downs of their relationship. I also felt badly for her first husband, Tiberius Nero, when he was summoned to see Octavius who told him he would divorce Livia so that he himself could marry her. (Okay, I gave you a spoiler, sorry!)

What I liked was that I felt that I was there in the thick of it. When the action was going, I was there in Rome. I was seeing the proscriptions posted and I felt Livia's fear for her husband and for her life. When her father died, I felt sympathy for her. Likewise when her mother passed. Her sister Secunda irritated me for the most part and similarly irritated Livia. There are a lot of names thrown about that are familiar and some are not. But you walk away feeling a bit more knowledgeable about Ancient Rome and, of course, Livia. Though, it's a fictional take, I like to think that she felt the same emotions, had some of those thoughts. It gives a human side to her that I sometimes forget to give people of the past.

What I didn't like was that we didn't get to see the infamous Livia. The one who allegedly had people poisoned and eventually (possibly!!) her own husband in the advancement of her son, Tiberius. I also didn't like the biased view of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. I understand that they clearly hated him but I would have liked a less biased view.

I liked the book, ot was a little bit to short. I missed some stuff like in the beginning was very interesting but towards the end everything was like not very detailed a lot of stuff happened that was not explained and I wanted more information about it. I liked that it was mostly acurate but with a little bit of fiction. Overall good.

I've never considered Livia, wife of Emperor Augustus, to be a very sympathetic figure. Popular culture tends to paint her as a cold, scheming woman but in Smith's hands, Livia is far more sympathetic, likable, and warm. As an enormous fan of Stephanie Dray's trilogy about Cleopatra's daughter, I pretty much thought I'd never like Livia. This book proves the power of a well-written novel: a reader, despite herself, can't resist a convincing main character and realistically articulated emotions and drama.

Opening in the 20s BC, I think, the novel is told by Livia at the end of her life. She begins with the event that shaped her life in many ways: the assassination of Julius Caesar. Her father marries her at 14 to a cousin to ensure his loyalty. And while Livia manages to make her marriage work, she is shocked by the attraction she feels for her family's enemy, Octavius -- Caesar's heir.

As Octavius wages a war of vengeance on those who betrayed his adoptive father, Livia struggles to hide her feelings for him. Still, they marry, under shocking circumstances, and Livia casts her lot with Octavius. As politically minded as he is, they make a powerful couple, and with her increased influence comes, unsurprisingly, controversy!

In Smith's hands, the complicated (and for me, unfamiliar) world of Roman politics and Octavius' reign becomes intimate, easy to understand, and deeply compelling. The Livia of cruel depravity and malicious machinations isn't seen here; instead, we have a young woman, deeply loyal to Rome and its citizens, passionate about improvement and urging her husband to be his best self.

This novel raced; Livia is a survivor, eyewitness to a tumultuous and violent time in Roman history. While the story isn't heavy with historical detail, there is a sense of place and era there, and Livia is an appealing heroine.

A great read; fans of ancient Rome will want this one, as well as those who are curious about Livia. This has some shocking drama and the promise of romance (without being an out-and-out romance), making it a lovely summer read -- deliciously escapist!

I've stated many a time how much I love Roman history. So many of the book written focus on the men; it was so wonderful to read a story written from the point of view of a woman. Livia Drusilla was a force at a time when women were not considered much more than ornaments for their husbands. She was indulged by her father who appreciated her sharp political mind. Her fist husband, Tiberius Nero did not realize what he had and lost her to a man who turned out to be one of the more memorable men of his time - Caesar Augustus or as she referred to him, Tavius.

The book details Livia's life from just before her first marriage to the end of it when she sees her son as ruler of Rome. He does listen to her nor does he respect her as his step father did and that is to his detriment. Livia is a far from perfect woman and this is a far from perfect book in that it can be a touch dry at times and sometimes seems a bit modern in its approach but those are minor flaws in detailing the life of a woman who was so ahead of her time.

I was fascinated from the first page to the last and it seems like things were left open for a sequel. I would not be disappointed if Rome's history were to be continued, perhaps through the eyes of another of its women. I suggest you read I Am Livia to meet one of the builders of Rome's greatness. I think it started to crumble bit by bit after their reign.