Lustrum is Robert Harris’ third Roman novel, and the second looking at the life of Marcus Cicero. They story starts with Cicero becoming Consul, and runs through to his feud with Publius Clodius Pulcher. Through the return of Pompey, the Cataline conspiracy and the rise of Julius Caesar. The story is narrated by Tiro, Cicero’s secretary and slave.
The book seems to follow historical events pretty well; but the author admits that historical accuracy was sacrificed for telling a good story. I thought the it told the story of the fall of Cicero from being hailed a saviour by the people to being forced into exile very well. It also leaves the opportunity for a third book covering Cicero’s return to Rome and eventual death at the hands of Mark Anthony.
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