I Am Livia - Softcover

Smith, Phyllis T.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1477848827 ISBN 13: 9781477848821

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing, 2014

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

Phyllis T. Smith was born and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College and a master’s degree from New York University, Phyllis pursued a practical career in computer applications training, yet found herself drawn to literature and art of the ancient world. I Am Livia is her first novel. She has another novel set in ancient Rome in the works.

Reviews

This highly polished and compelling story of ancient Rome is told by Livia Drusilla, wife of Caesar Octavianus who defeated Marc Antony and Cleopatra in the Battle of Actium. This Livia, however, treats herself more kindly than history has done. She blithely waves away any allegation about committing murder for political purposes. A champion of women's rights, mostly her own, Livia reveals her manipulative and politically cunning nature—something she may have acquired at her father's knee, as he was among those who plotted the assassination of Julius Caesar. The author offers a richness of historical detail, taking us from Livia's early marriage to Tiberius Nero to her second marriage to Julius Caesar's adopted son. Able to arrange events in her favor, Livia persuades her first husband to give her away to Caesar even as she prepares to deliver his second child. Seamlessly written, this novel will appeal mightily to fans of historical fiction.

Edition details

• Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1477848827
• ISBN 13: 9781477848821
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 374