Caligula

By: Douglas Jackson

Narrated by: Russell Boulter

Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, the third Roman Emperor, is better known by another name: Caligula, a name synonymous with decadence, cruelty and madness. His reign was marked by excess, huge building projects, the largest gladiatorial battles Rome was ever to see – men and animals killed in their hundreds – conspiracies, assassination attempts and sexual scandal. Rufus as a young slave grows up far from the corruption of the imperial court. His master is a trainer of animals for the gladiatorial arena. Rufus discovers that he has a natural ability with animals, a talent for controlling and schooling them. It is at the arenas that Rufus meets his great friend Cupido, one of Rome’s greatest gladiators. It is his growing reputation as an animal trainer and his friendship with Cupido that attracts the cruel gaze of the Emperor. Caligula wants a keeper for the imperial elephant and Rufus is bought from his master and taken to the imperial palace. Life here is dictated by Caligula’s ever shifting moods. Caligula is as generous as he is cruel, he is a megalomaniac who declares himself a living god and simultaneously lives in constant fear of the plots against his life. But his paranoia is not misplaced, intrigue permeates his court, and Rufus and Cupido find themselves unwittingly placed at the centre of a conspiracy to assassinate the Emperor.

©2008 Douglas Jackson (P)2011 Random House AUDIO GO

I was expecting to learn the history of Caligula

Maybe it was my own lack of research before purchasing this book, but I was expecting the book to be more of a history of Caligula. This book although entertaining was pretty much all fiction. Now I feel I need to find another book That is actually the history of Caligula‘s rule.

Simply Superb

The narrative arc is as good as any you will find and ranks alongside Walter White, Lucky Jim, or Naz Khan (The Night Of). The insight into Caligulla as more than a simple cardboard cut out daddy is super. Best of all is the narration. Russell Boulter nails it and I am now a fan of his.

Very enjoyable

I enjoyed this book very much. Lots of interesting history about ancient Rome that i didnt know. Yhe reading was great!

Disappointing story and misleading title.

Would you try another book from Douglas Jackson and/or Russell Boulter?

I've listened with pleasure to other books by Jackson but was disappointed by this one.

Has Caligula turned you off from other books in this genre?

No, not really. I like historical fiction, especially about ancient Rome.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Boulter narrates with an up and down cadence which he sometimes overdoes. But generally I liked it.

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

Disappointment. If you're interested in the story of the Roman Emperor Caligula, don't buy this book. Caligula is only present in the background of the main story about a boy and an elephant.

Any additional comments?

I'm hoping to see better historical fiction by Jackson.