Ancient Rome on the bookshelves in grade 9
In Latin Language and Roman Culture classes at Zlatarski International School we discuss books that are related to life in Ancient Rome. Many contemporary artists are using the important people from Antiquity and many curious historical events to turn them into the center of their novels and to show their readers that the history book on the shelf tends to repeat itself.
Amongst some of the books that our students read are Senkevic’s “Quo Vadis” – the all-time classic about Early Christianity and Nero’s bizarre era; the life and times of the legendary Thracian “Spartacus” by Raphaello Giovagnioli, Alice Hoffman’s “The Dovekeepers” – a thrilling novel about four women and their fate during the fall of Masada; Paul Doherty’s “Domina”, “Murder’s Immortal Mask” and “Murder Imperial”, situated on the streets of Ancient Rome; “The Sword of Attila” by Michael Curtis Ford; and last but not least – the novel on which the eponymous series are based – “I, Claudius” by Robert Graves.
This was the first encounter with historical novels for some of the students, others discovered new favorite authors and genres. Most of all, this “encounter” made them draw conclusions not only about Ancient Rome, but about the present as well.
“To me, the book “Empress of Seven Hills” by Kate Queen, was good and I recommend it to anyone that wishes to stay true to himself, following the good, human and just in any moment of his life. Let’s take example from the noble people, like Emperor Trajan. Let’s not forget that life gives us many different obstacles, which might change the directions we are taking. And if that happens, let us not do like Empress Plotina did, because there is a force in life, much stronger than us, that always supports the good and punishes the bad” – Magdalena, 9a.
“I found it very interesting to see how the empress’s life was pictured. Her story did not have a happy end as in a fairy tale, but vice versa. The story of a woman who has gone through many challenges to achieve her desires. I am surprised that a person can be so good, loyal and devoted, but just as bad, cruel and merciless for the sake of power”- Elena, 9a, about “Domina” by Paul Doherty.
“If the characters and events are moved to the twenty-first century and the novel is not considered historical, then it may be placed next to novels like “The Notebook” by Nicholas Sparks and “Entwined with you” by Sylvia Day. It is a female prose, read and written by women over the age of forty, which are tired of their lovelife, if any at all.” – Alexandra, 9 b, about “Daughters of Ancient Rome” by Kate Queen.
“It is a good idea to read “I, Claudius” by Robert Graves while you are young, so it can open your feelings and perspectives. And in order to magnify the effect and to feel the author’s emotions better, we must reread it once again we are older. Then, we will be able to juxtapose us and our ways in both the present and the past”- Kristiyana, 9c.
Poli Micheva