Are you looking for a book review of the historical novel Vespasian – Tribune of Rome, written by Robert Fabbri? Then you have come to the right place! I enjoyed reading this historical fictional book and I am happy to present you my book review in this blog post (with no big spoilers!)
Who was Vespasian?
Let us talk about the main character of the Vespasian books: Vespasian himself.
We should actually call him emperor Vespasian. Because Titus Flavius Vespasianus, his full Latin name, was emperor of the Roman Empire for 10 years (69-79 A.D.). He grabbed full power after political play and civil wars, while practicing so called Realpolitik.
This means that he took practical decisions, while not being disturbed a lot by an ideology, to make Rome and the Roman Empire great again. For this, he was known toi be a popular emperor.
Vespasian 1 – Tribune of Rome: summary
So what is the historical book Vespasian 1 – Tribune of Rome, written by author Robert Fabbri about? Well, let me give you a short summary.
As you can see, the title contains the number 1. This indicates that this first novel is part of a series: the Vespasian books. This means that you have to keep in mind that this first book is not a finished story, it is a finished part of a big story. You will not learn the whole history of Vespasian in this book, it is only the start.
Author Robert Fabbri starts with the beginning: the youth of Vespasian. But the story already takes a big leap with Vespasian growing up to be a young man that visits the heart f theroman empire, city of Rome, with his family. It is here where his career will start.
Because his ‘Road to Emperor’ starts when Vespasian visits Rome and enlists in the Roman army as a tribute, hence the title of this historical novel.
Do not get me wrong, this book is far from only a political story. Vespasian goes on a lot of adventures during his youth, his stay in Rome and during his army duty. All these adventures make him into the person he will eventually become: the emperor of Rome.
Book review: Vespasian 1 – Tribune of Rome
But what is my opinion on this historical book by Robert Fabbri? I can already tell you that my book review of Vespasian 1 – Tribune of Rome is a positive one. At least, that is, when you like a light and easy readible historical novel with some tension.
This historical novel is like I like them: it throws you back into time while letting me forget the present. The historical details and the level of historical truths within this story are also strong enough to presume you also learn something by reading it. Which is nice!
But like I already said, do not expect high standard literature. This historical fiction is an easy read and the multiples times that the author repeats information about the story or characters can be a nuissance. Although it is often necessary to keep the overview of this big story that expands several books.
The story itself is fun, interesting and adventurous enough to keep your attention while reading. By telling the story of the youth, stay in Rome and army duty of Vespasian, the author reacher a variety of stories within the bigger one about the rise of emperor Vespasianus. This avoids a monotonous book and makes it into a story about the character building of a boy that grows up to be one of the most powerful people in the world, in his own time.
So the Vespasian books are not only adventurous and political, but they also have a psychological side.
The chapters of the book are short, some 10-15 pages. Even if you are not a big reader or you lack free time, you can still have a look at this book.
Sensitive readers have to be warned: some scenes can be graphic and bloody. But hey, we can expect that of a story about the old Rome, no?
Book review: Vespasian 1 – Tribune of Rome: conclusion
Bases on my book review of Vespasian 1 – Tribune of Rome written by author Robert Fabbri, you can conclude that I advice everyone who loves historical fiction to read it.
It makes you feel like you are living in the Classical Antiquity, visiting the old Rome or marching with the Roman legions.
This historical novel is a very easy read though. So bear this in mind if you are thinking about reading it.
Do you like historical novels? Be sure to read my other review of The Falcon of Sparta.
