06.30.08
MYST OF PROPHECIES - Ten Tenacious Women
Myst of Prophecies is a tale of trouble. In this story Gordianus encounters many problems. Caesar and Pompey are fighting a war for control of the republic. Rome is in desperate economic times as inflation rages. Most people have difficulties paying rent and buying food. Merchants seldom stock their shelves. Gordianus, himself, borrows money to pay expenses and falls deeply in debt to a selfish banker named Volumnius. Bethesdia, his wife, suffers from a strange ailment which saps her energy and affects her mood. Diana, his daughter, pushes him to get work and suggests that she and her husband Davus take over the family business. Gordianus begins to feel old and useless.
Then, in addition to his wife and daughter, eight more women challenge Gordianus’ sanity: Cassandra, a seeress with a reputation of being mad; Culpernia, Caesars wife; Clodia, a manipulative temptress he has encountered before; Faustia, daughter of former dictator Sulla and wife of the banished politician Milo; Fulvia, Clodius’ widow who married Caesar’s lieutenant Curio; Terentia, the pious and proper wife of Cicero; Antonia, Mark Antony’s wife and cousin; Cytheris, an actress and former slave who is Mark Antony’s lover. Gordianus is convinced that one of the women is responsible for the death of Cassandra.
Action begins after Cassandra’s death. Gordianus, who had some secret relationship with Cassandra, arranges for and finances her funeral. The story unfolds through flashbacks and encounters and interviews with the ten women. Gordianus decides that Cassandra was poisoned. At first Gordianus avoids inquiring into the situation. After being nagged by Diana, he begins his investigation, wanting only peace of mind.
Myst of Prophecies presents fascinating characters through Gordianus’ interviews. The characters are encountered in their own element and most reveal themselves through their words and behavior. Gordianus, being a man, doesn’t always completely understand what he sees.
This is a fun book written by an excellent historian. I may read it again.