The Roman

A powerful, evocative and darkly humorous fictional memoir, The Roman is the thrilling story of Rome as seen through the eyes of a former senator. Perfect for fans of I, Claudius and Robert Harris's Cicero.

A rascal. A malcontent. Unfit for office.
Or one of Rome's forgotten heroes?

After a lifetime's service, Marcus Egnatius Ruso was cast out of the Senate by the Emperor Augustus, accused of acts unworthy of Rome.

Now ensconced on his estate near Pompeii, Ruso has picked up his pen to set the record straight on a life lived at the heart of Roman history.

Rising from humble beginnings to rub shoulders with the most celebrated names in Rome, Ruso served Julius Caesar, Cato and Crassus, and even participated in the greatest rebellion of the age: the slave revolt led by Spartacus.

But was Ruso unfit for office after all, or was he simply the victim of imperial caprice? Dear reader, that is for you to decide...

'Authentic and enjoyable' The Times on Adrian Goldsworthy