This is a fictionalized biography of the great statesman and orator of ancient Rome, Marcus Tullius Cicero, told from the point of view of Tiro, his slave and secretary for 36 years. As an outsider to the circles of power, Cicero first comes to prominence during the legal proceedings against the corrupt Roman governor of Sicily. As the story follows Cicero's career we see the corruption in Roman politics including attempts to buy elections, Cicero being forced to ride the coattails of the great general Pompey to further his career, and unspeakable acts by the power-hungry. In spite of what could be a dry topic, Harris has given it a life not found in the history books. Interesting, but I do believe this author's Pompeii is a better novel.
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