The Last Legion

By: Valerio Massimo Manfredi

Narrated by: Martin Shaw

The story opens on the day that the Western Roman Empire collapses finally in 470 AD, as the last emperor of Rome is encamped protected by the Nova Invicta Legion. All is lost in the space of a few minutes as a horde of Barbarians sweep through the camp in the fog, kill the Imperial family, and take the young emperor captive. The Roman Empire is in ruins. But all is not lost. From the dust of battlefields emerges a small team of invincible warriors: The Last Legion. Their task is to rescue the Emperor and his enigmatic tutor and to try and resurrect the glory of Rome.

The film stars Colin Firth, Sir Ben Kingsley, John Hannah, Kevin McKidd (of BBC2's Rome), and Aishwarya Rai. Shot on location in Tunisia, Slovakia, and Capri, this is a Dino De Laurentiis production, directed by Doug Lefler (Dragonheart: A New Beginning).

© Valerio Massimo Manfredi; (P) Macmillan Publishers Ltd

Nothing really to do with a Roman legion

What disappointed you about The Last Legion?

I thought that it was going to be about a Roman Legion at the end of empire. It was about a guy who'd apparently been in a legion.

What was most disappointing about Valerio Massimo Manfredi’s story?

The characters are a bit thin, it's not in the least bit evocative of extraordinary times.

What does Martin Shaw bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Martin Shaw can make an 'Items for sale' listing sound interesting.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment

Any additional comments?

The book was a really good idea - there is space for another version.