Customer Reviews

Dark North

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I love Gillian Bradshaw's books, all of them. I gave this one 4 stars because it isn't her best, but even so it is better than 99% of historical novels out there.

One of the best things about this book (a common theme in many of her works) is human beings from contrasting cultures trying to communicate and understand each other. Skin color is one theme, but Memnon, an Ethiopian, has culturally more in common with the "wild" northern tribes than he does with some of the "civilized" Romans, many of whom are either corrupt or stupid, or both. I enjoy Bradshaw's pulling back the curtains on the immense cultural and racial diversity of the Roman Empire, where hundreds of different groups were forced to get along with each other.

Subtle, complex, layered plotting, with lively action scenes and an interesting exploration of one man's inner doubts and fears.

I am a huge fan of Gillian Bradshaw's Historicals. I never find any fault with them regarding historical accurateness and a thrilling plot. Again she wrote a winner. The story is about an african soldier (scout) in Britain fighting the barbarians and at the same time uncovering an intrigue within the imperial house. While doing this he has to cope with the prejudices and the superstition of the 'Barbarians' and the Romans as well who are not used to dark skinned people.

Gillian Bradshaw was born in the US and was brought up in Washington, Santiago, Chile and Michigan. She is a classics graduate from Newnham College, Cambridge. She has won much acclaim as an historical novelist. She lives in Cambridge with her husband and their four children.

This book is no different to Gillian Bradshaw's other novels (I had no idea she had written so many, until I checked the list) in respect of the fact that it is beautifully researched and written with the authority that only knowledge can bring.

The storyline takes place in Roman Britain, it is the year 208 AD and the Roman occupation of the island has been ongoing for some considerable time. As yet the Romans have been unable to subdue the barbarians of the north. The Emperor Septimus Severus has recently arrived in Britain and hopes that his presence will add support to the task in hand. Memnon, an African scout, has also arrived on the island with his cavalry unit.

When by chance Memnon saves the life of a young attendant of the Empress, he is drawn closer to the imperial house and this allows him to see the tensions and in-fighting that exist there. The war with the barbarians will test their mettle to the limit, it is essential that the back biting and internal rivalry of the Imperial party are put to one side . . .

Gillian Bradshaw is one of the best historical novelists out there today. What I like is her character development; the people in her novels seem to act and think like real people and not stereotypes or cardboard figures. This is a good read but not her best. I think Island of Ghosts, also about other barbarians serving in the Roman army in Britain, was better.

As usual, Gillian Bradshaw brings history to life in a way few authors can. Great book, great read! You won't be disappointed!

I have to say I highly recommend any of Gillian Bradshaw's books. She is great with historical fiction and does well with the science based stories she writes as well.

Her characters are always well written and almost well acted would be another term I would use. As an author she is diverse in her character types and how she writes them. Many authors can't attain that range when writing and stay in the comfort zone of a couple of easy characters.

Gillian Bradshaw reaches and stretches in her writing content not only topic but in situations - good and bad - and in the people she creates. Everyone is unique, well rounded, and a mix of good and bad. No one is perfect - she writes real people not the fluff characters that overwhelm us in literature produced now.

The books are well researched and comments about her research are mentioned if not in the book but on her web site. Every book takes you in to the time period she creates and immerses you.

I admit I have yet to read one of her books in multiple sittings. I won't start one of her books without knowing I can sit straight through and finish. I have had a few 3AM bedtimes because of this author.

I wish I could write this well!