A roman historian, I have always been interested in the period of Augustus as it marks the transition from Republic to Empire and the end of the civil wars. It is this interest that first led me to pick up John Williams historical novel “Augustus”. Not only did I find an outlet for my passion for Roman history but a well-crafted narrative that uses correspondence to create an intermit story around someone who left a lasting impact on antiquity.

Structurally Williams’ novel reminds me of “Dracula” in the way it uses correspondence from a variety of historical characters to further the plot. This can be jarring at first if you have not had previous experience with this method of storytelling as at times it is non – liner as one person’s account may cover several events while the next focuses on one at the start of the previous account rather than the end. However, it does provide a depth to the character of Augustus who is seldom heard from and the key events surrounding his reign as it provides an avenue for Williams to bring in different perspectives. The result is reading the novel requires concentration, it is not a light book to tackle but in many ways, it almost seems to mirror the way a historian will piece together and analyse the events of the past from a collection of different sources leaving the reader to judge the reliability of each perspective.

It would be an unfair oversimplification to suggest the narrative covers the length of Augustus reign starting with the assignation of Julius Caesar and Octavian’s adoption as his uncle’s sole heir to his death. These may be the key historical events that frame the novel but it is Williams’ ability to develop the characterization of Augustus and his relationships with a variety of prominent Romans, family members and political rivals that is the real source of tension. In the first part of novel this is dominated by the conclusion of the civil wars and Augustus efforts to gain control over the roman world. Instead of a simply retracing a path to the battle of Actium, Williams’ chose to focus more on the relationship between four young men and how they are influenced by the machinations of more established political opponents. Importantly this section of the narrative explores the maturing of a young man, Octavian, a relative of Julius Caesar but of seemingly little significant to take on the destiny that has been place before him by his uncle’s adoption to become Augustus.

Like the earlier part of novel, the second uses historical events to explore characterization, not of Augustus as a leader but rather a father. This shift in focus is emphasized in the structure of the novel as some contributors have died either through the events of the civil wars or from natural causes to be replaced by new acquaintances and family members, most notably Augustus’ daughter Julia as she reflects on her banishment under the ‘moral laws’. This allows Williams’ to explore the conflict between his role as the leader of the most powerful empire on earth and his feelings for his daughter. Similarly, the large contribution from Julia’s perspective deal with the expectation placed on someone born into such a position and the importance of sacrificing one’s pleasure for the greater good a battle mirrored in her father’s own actions. Ultimately, the use of a strong female perspective her also brings in elements of gender politics as firstly Williams’ uses it to highlight the inequality and their role in Roman society to cement alliances by marriage but inevitably Julia’s story demonstrates the consequence within this society for a woman who seeks power and uses the only thing at her disposal. These complex themes are developed alongside Augustus’ ongoing search for a successor as he continues to outlive his preferred options starting with Agrippa and the political scheming of those whom desire his power. The ongoing political intrigue which entangles Julia gradually builds suspense and draws the reader in despite prior knowledge of the end, Julia’s banishment and Tiberius named heir and is testament to Williams’ skills as a writer as he leaves it up to the audience make their own judgments along the way much like a historian. It is therefore the resulting lack of clarity that makes the novel engaging.

It would be an oversight to finish without making a comment on the novels historical accuracy since it might be easy especially the way it is written to begin excepting everything as fact but as Williams’ highlights in the author’s note it is a work of fiction. Firstly, Williams’ doesn’t change the outcome of real events that we know about from the ancient sources, Octavian’s forces defeat Mark Antony at Actium, Julia is banished by her father for acts against the ‘moral laws’ and Tiberius is established as the next emperor of Rome, however as he admits he does reorder some when necessary. The novel takes a different approach with the historical sources as most of the correspondents that make up the novel are complete fabrications based on research and the narrative the novel is trying to develop this is except for a very few fragments and examples of paraphrasing. It is not the big events which makes the story have an element of truth but the way Williams’ has weaved his fictional characters seamlessly into the lives of prominent historical figures through existing constructs of the Augustan period like the literary cycle which Maecenas established around Augustus to help subtly disseminate propaganda. Similarly, Williams’ despite simplifying Roman culture to make it more accessible for instance labeling Augustus Emperor to make it more recognizable to readers even though he never took the title and instead was styled as “Princeps” it remains faithful to the core of the period and does remarkably well to avoid placing modern values on the Ancient World.  As such it serves as a good introduction to the Roman world but as the author himself says “if there are truths in this work, they are the truths of fiction rather than history” and this should always be kept in mind for while reading.

 

 

A masterpiece of historical fiction “Augustus” is far more accurate than most stories set in the Roman world and the structure of the novel while making it more complex enhances the feeling of being a historian. The story itself is engaging and develops suspense that keeps the reader questioning the accounts they are reading to piece the narrative together ultimately creates a set of complex characters that explore the idea of leadership among other themes. Possibly the best time to read this novel is on the plane to Rome like I did only a day before walking though the remains of Augustus house but that might be easier said than done. Regardless, if you are a fan of Roman history or just like reading a novel with a bit of complexity do you self a favour and pick up a copy.