The Confessions of Young Nero by Margaret George is an ambitious attempt at retelling the history of an infamous emperor whose legacy was more than previously depicted in literature and film.
Remembered as a mentally imbalanced leader who fiddled as Rome burned, George depicts a very different young leader interested in the arts and dedicated to the citizens of the vast empire over which he presided.
As in most historical fiction, much of the novel is conjecture. However, I found it interesting particularly because the author chose to tell the story looking through Nero’s eyes. Having little to work with by way of ancient texts, I think she did a fine job. The story is engaging and enlightening.
Be advised this is the first of two books about Nero and ends at the outbreak of the disastrous fire in Rome. If you are interested in ancient history, I think you will enjoy this novel.
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