Hortensius, Friend of Nero

Hortensius, Friend of Nero is Edith Pargeter's first historical novel, set in ancient Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero. The story centers on Hortensius, a Roman nobleman who maintains a complex friendship with the increasingly unstable emperor. When Hortensius attempts to rescue a Christian woman from death in the arena, he must flee Rome with a Persian slave. Their escape takes them through dangerous territories as they evade Nero's forces and navigate the volatile political landscape of the Roman Empire. The novel explores themes of loyalty, moral courage, and the conflict between personal conscience and political obligation. Set against the backdrop of Nero's Rome, it examines how individuals maintain their humanity under a tyrannical regime.

Limited reader reviews exist online for this 1936 historical novel. The few available reviews focus on it being an early work by Pargeter before she became known as Ellis Peters. Readers highlighted: - Detailed research into Roman history and politics - Complex portrayal of Hortensius as a flawed character - Treatment of slavery in ancient Rome - Atmospheric descriptions of daily life in Nero's time Main criticisms: - Slow pacing in middle sections - Dense historical details that can interrupt narrative flow - Less polished writing compared to author's later works Available Ratings: Goodreads: 3.67/5 (9 ratings, 2 reviews) No ratings found on Amazon, LibraryThing or other major review sites The book remains obscure with few modern reviews or discussions online. Most mentions appear in academic papers about Pargeter's early career rather than reader reviews.

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🏛️ Edith Pargeter wrote this novel at just 23 years old, demonstrating her early mastery of historical fiction. 🗡️ The real Nero's reign (54-68 CE) ended in suicide after the Senate declared him a public enemy, mirroring themes of power and downfall in the novel. 📚 While better known for her medieval mysteries as Ellis Peters, Pargeter's early Roman novels helped establish her reputation for meticulous historical research. 🎭 The novel's arena scenes reflect actual historical events - Nero did use Christians as human torches and staged elaborate public executions in the arena. 🌟 The character of Hortensius shares his name with a famous Roman orator, Quintus Hortensius Hortalus, who was known for his eloquence and political influence in the late Roman Republic.