The Gabinian Affair
Buy the Book:Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million
Bookshop
Published by: Morgan James Fiction
Release Date: October 6, 2015
Pages: 240
ISBN13: 978-1-63047-479-9
Synopsis
The Gabinian Affair recounts the events leading up to Insubrecus’ decision to join the Roman army at the age of sixteen, immediately before Caesar’s Helvetian campaign. The narrative recreates a colorful and culturally complex portrait of ancient northern Italy, the Po valley, and the city of Mediolanum, modern Milan, whose Celtic population is struggling with its own identity after more than a hundred years of Roman rule. Through the well-meaning machinations of his mother, Valeria, Insubrecus is thrust into the deadly maelstrom of Roman politics and murderous vengeance of the late Republic.
Add on GoodreadsPraise
Cornwell did it for the British soldier under Wellington. Forrester did it for Hornblower and the British sailor, and more recently, James Nelson for the birth of the American navy. All were classic descriptions of men at war, from their personal perspective, presented in a series of books which followed the career of the central character from youth to eventual fame. All were steeped in the history, language, politics and mores of their era, and all provided vivid detail and understanding of the soldier/sailor’s daily life. We now have a wonderful and worthy addition to this literature in Gleason's Gaius Marius. In a series of books, of which the Gabinian Affair is the first, Gleason recounts Gaius Marius' career as a member of the Roman Legion during the time of Ceasar. Gleason, a student of Roman history, Latin, and military affairs (he is a former Ranger), is in a unique position to do what, to my knowledge, has not been done before---present the day-to-day training, operations, and tactics of the Legion. This first book begins with Gaius Marius' decision to join the Legion as a teenager, when an ill-fated (and unfulfilled) romance brings down upon him the wrath of the girl's father, a powerful Roman. Gleason, a skilled writer who has also published books on the Vietnam War, in which he served, is adept at taking the reader back in time.so that we witness the tactics and culture of the Legions. when Roman power was at its zenith. The book contains an extensive glossary of Latin terms and expressions, and it is a tribute to Gleson's skill as a writer that as the book progresses, we come to visualize what those terms connote, just as the reader came to understand the halyards and booms on Hornblower's frigates. In this first book, Gaius Marius comes alive, and following his development in subsequent books will be a joy. This is historical writing at its best.
A fantastic read for all who wish to see Ancient Rome through the eyes of a young man finding his way in the world. If you have ever wanted to learn Latin, then you will love this read. The story flows seamlessly and is very realistic. The character development is well paced, and you learn to care for the characters. The ending will leave you wanting to know what happens next. If you love history and like all things Rome (and Gaul) then pick up this book. You will not be disappointed.
This book was breathtaking. The author's knowledge in all things war and Latin made it one of the best books I have ever read. Gaius Marius who serves as a member of Caesar's army recounts his life as a soldier and the love he has lost. Ray Gleason has a remarkable way of putting the reader in the character's shoes so I was able to feel and experience everything the characters in the book were also experiencing. An excellent book that makes you appreciate history and Latin.
Excerpt
“I think a Roman mother is supposed to send her son off the army with the admonition to be brave, never bring shame on the gods, the nation or his family … and this is where I fail as a Roman mother. I just want you to come home to me, my child. Come home safe.”
Also in this series:
