Caesar's Women

By: Colleen McCullough

Narrated by: Michael York

In the blockbuster tradition of The First Man in Rome -- Colleen Mccullough's monumental Masters of Rome series continues.

The man behind the legend...the women behind the man.

Villain or hero? Debated for centuries, the volcanic soul of Julius Caesar comes dramatically to life in the new masterpiece of historical fiction from the #1 bestselling author of The Thorn Birds.

In this sweeping saga, McCullough traces Caesar's rise to prominence in his world, beginning with his triumphant entry into a new battlefield -- the Roman Forum, where wars are waged with words and schemes, and where today's ally may be tomorrow's foe. Caesar's victories are not limited to the political arena, however; he also conquers Rome's noblewomen, including the powerful and vindictive Servilia, mother of a youth called Brutus. Yet the one thing he never gives to any of the women who love him or want him is himself -- to Caesar, love is just another weapon in his political arsenal.

Epic in scope, razor-sharp in detail, Caesar's Women paints an indelible portrait of a man willing to seize any means of moving toward his ultimate goal -- to be the greatest of all Rome's First Men, the leader of a world that echoes our own too closely for comfort.

A little embarassing...

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

As it is part of a series and tells a complex and engaging story it can't be left out. I found some of the scenes of Caesar's prowess with women unnecessary. I listen to it out loud, in the kitchen while cooking and there were times I actually wanted to lower the volume.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I don't need to be titillated by a book on ancient Rome so I would take that down a notch or two.

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

He gives them individual voices and does it well.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No.

Any additional comments?

This is one book I didn't mind being abridged. If they left in all the sex scenes, it is possible, however, that the abridgement threw off the balance.

far too abridged

There should be an unabridged version available. Way too short and the ending is so abrupt, it's laughable.

Believable characters

It was interesting to deduce where factual history left off and imagination began. Good read.

Excellent Adaptation

This is an excellent adaptation of a wonderful book. Even though it was abridged, it felt complete.

Abridged? What a waste.

The author is a great storyteller and the content is compelling as it covers some of the most interesting people in an intense time period. That said, the fact that all these books are abridged is incredibly disappointing.