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I Am Rome (Roma soy yo) by Santiago Posteguillo is the first in a historical fiction series following a young Julius Caesar, making a name for himself and enemies while he’s at it. Mr. Posteguillo is a published Spanish author philologist, and linguist.

This is one of the best historical fiction books I’ve read in a while. The novel revolves around a 23-year-old Gaius Julius Caesar taking on Gnaeus Cornelius Dolabella, a corrupt Roman Bureaucrat, in court.

Like each of us, Julius Caesar is a man made from the sum of his experiences. Each step he takes in court, or in life, is based on something that happened in the past. I Am Rome by Santiago Posteguillo moves in time to show why Caesar is doing what he’s doing.

Caesar’s uncle, Gaius Marius, plays a big role in the book. He was a seven-time consul (unheard of), a popular military and civil leader. His young nephew adored him, but also bore the burden of becoming just as successful, or more than his famous uncle.

Each section is told through the eyes of a different character, whether it is Caesar himself, his wife Cornelia, Titus Labienus his best friend, or the antagonists Cinna, Dolabella, or Sulla.

To my surprise, I really enjoyed the trial aspect of the book. The strategy, procedures, and arguments made an exciting read just as much, if not more, than the description of battles.

I have to be honest and say that I don’t know much about this part of Roman history. I have no idea if the author was fictionalizing historical events, or making things up as he goes along. And I enjoyed the narrative too much to stop every five pages and search.

The only complaint I have was that the character of Julius Caesar wasn’t what I had in mind the little I knew about him. I thought he’d be more brutal, to be frank, but his strategic mind is on full display regardless. ( )

This book focuses on the trial of Senator Dolabella by the famous Julius Caesar. The storyline does go back and forth in history. So, at one point, you are in the middle of the trial and then the story switches back to several years prior to give the readers the background history. The book is long and at times I had to read quickly to get through certain chapters, but I enjoyed learning about this early part of Caesars life and the circumstances that lead to his role in history. I received an ebook from the publisher in exchange for a review via Netgalley.com. ( )

I was recommended this book by the publisher. Wasn't sure about it, but thought, why not, give it try. Turned out that I was really surprised by this novel. The subject matter, Julius Caesar and Rome, was completely unknown to me. What I thought was going to be a lot of hard to pronounce names and dates about ancient history turned into a book that I just couldn't put down. It was really good!
The author does a fantastic job of telling the story of young Julius Caesar and his life in Roman society. It seems like the treachery, gamesmanship, and politics of Rome make our current dysfunctional federal government look like preschoolers. The story is full of action, intrigue, and lessons about life in Rome.
The character development is great. The settings are described well, so you can see them in your mind as you read. The flow is a bit choppy, as the author keeps going back and forth in time for different scenes, but it works in the end.
I understand that this is the translation of a novel by a Spanish author, but the translators did a great job. Upon finishing the book, I was so impressed that I searched online and found that he has many novels about the Roman Empire. Hopefully the publishers will see fit to release his other novels in English soon! I would definitely read them! ( )

Review of Advance Reader’s Copy

From infancy, his mother told Gaius Julius Caesar that he was uniquely special, that he is Rome.

As some advocate for change, powerful senators want to keep things as they are and the optimates murder the troublemakers. And now, at the age of twenty-three, Caesar steps up to prosecute Gnaeus Cornelius Dolabella, an ally of the tyrannical Lucius Cornelius Sulla, the former dictator of Rome. Dolabella, accused of corruption while serving as governor of Macedonia, holds unthinkable wealth and power.

Although Labienus and others try to talk him out of prosecuting the powerful senator, Caesar is adamant, even though he knows that no one the wealthy [and cruel] Dolabella can buy off the tribunal or hire assassins.

How will Caesar fare in this highly charged political battle? And what of the conflict between the optimates and the populares?

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Here, in the first of six planned volumes focused on Julius Caesar, readers explore the little-known first twenty-three years of Caesar’s life. Set in 77 BC and with little historical documentation available, some of the telling of this tale comes from the mind of the author. But, with strong, well-developed characters, the history of Rome during this time comes to life as Caesar defends against the corrupt Dolabella.

A strong sense of place, an intriguing plot, and characters with depth all work together to keep the pages turning as the narrative leads to a gripping courtroom scene. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will find much to appreciate here.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Ballantine Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
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