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While John Williams' novel Augustus can be read as a brilliant work of historical fiction, it is also a master work of literary fiction. As Williams points out in his Author's Note: "...if there are truths in this work, they are truths of fiction rather than of history."

Williams writes this work in an epistolary format--letters, journals, proclamations, and bits of histories. I get a good sense of the characters through their writings. I also see many different views of Octavius (Augustus), all the various roles he must play to achieve and hold his place in Rome. I assemble these pieces in order to try and grasp who Octavius really is. These writings also give the work an intimate feel. I am completely drawn in and engaged.

While the bones of the history are there, from the death of Julius Caesar when Octavius was 19 through the death of Octavius at age 76, Williams puts the flesh on the bones. He puts the words in their mouths and writings, as well as creating and conveying the emotions/feelings of his characters.

Some of the themes Williams explores are power--the desire for and use of, public necessity/good vs. personal happiness, friendship and enmity, and aging.

"Perhaps we are wiser when we are young, though the philosopher would dispute with me. But I swear to you, we were friends from that moment onward; and that moment of foolish laughter was a bond stronger than anything that came between us later . . ."

Williams has a good grasp of people, and basic human nature doesn't change over time. I think those bonds we form in our youth are some of our strongest. My closest friend today is a woman I met when I was 20. We have remained close for 4 decades. We bonded over studying together for a statistics course, and our friendship grew from there. I have wonderful friends I have made since, and no one else has as long a history and knows me in this same way.

Julia to her father, Octavius, when informed of her upcoming marriage to Tiberius:

"So once again I'm to be the brood sow for the pleasure of Rome."

Political marriage is a fact of life. There is no bargaining for a life of joy or contentment.

Julia asks: " 'Father, . . . has it been worth it? Your authority, this Rome that you have saved, this Rome that you have built? Has it been worth all that you have had to do?

My father looked at me for a long time, and then he looked away. 'I must believe that it has. . . . We both must believe that it has.' "

Once you head down a path and are entrenched, it's almost impossible to change course. If Octavius had wanted to abdicate, the mess he would have left behind would have been horrendous. Even for the sake of his happiness or that of his beloved daughter, he sees no alternative. I am left to ponder this same question.

"Octavius Caesar is alone. No one from his youth remains alive, and therefore there is no one whom he feels that he can trust, no one to whom he can talk about those things that are nearest to him."

I cannot imagine. My grandfather was the last of his generation--family and friends--to pass. He often pined for a peer to converse with in those last two years of his life, so I have a tiny glimpse of what may have been felt. Add to that the feeling that Octavius has that he can't trust anyone in his present, and I am weighed down by the burden on his heart and psyche.

"I do not believe that Rome can endure the death of Octavius Caesar, and I do not believe that Octavius Caesar can endure the death of his soul."

This novel is divided into 3 Books and an Epilogue. Book 1 details Octavius' rise to power, Book 2 conveys the disintegration of his family and personal happiness, and Book 3 portrays Octavius as an old man reflecting back on his life.

I appreciate the choice to keep Augustus' inner thoughts out of the narrative until the very end. It is so impactful to read after having pieced together an idea of who he is. We, my buddy readers and I, all noted its absence. Looking for Octavius' voice created a tension/suspense that added to the pull of the book.

Williams is a masterful writer--not only the structure he chooses, but also his prose. He sees and understands people and their motivations and conveys that clearly on the page.

For a piece of literary fiction that sings, you couldn't make a better choice.

A shout out to my Buddy Readers who contributed greatly to this magnificent reading experience! See their wonderful reviews:
Mark
Dave
Debi.

Publication 1972