Cicero's Imperium

Robert Harris, Imperium, 2006
A reviewer called this novel "Labour in Togas" because of the many parallels one can draw between Tony Blair's ascent and Cicero's career. Both men stood against the "aristocracy" and represented the common people; both men had to change the laws of their governments because of "terrorists"; and both men eventually found themselves shaking hands with their enemies in order to maintain their power. Imperium is a historical novel that builds its thrills much like a John Grisham courtroom thriller. It follows the rise of an ambitious lawyer, Cicero, told through the memoirs of his slave Tiro. Harris blends in some of Cicero's more famous sayings with imagined scenarios involving ancient Rome's key players, and the final result is a perfect example of how historical novels can also be page turners.

A perfect holiday read, and a perfect introduction to ancient Rome's dangerous political world. Bring on Part II!