Three decades have passed since the death of Jesus of Nazareth on a Roman cross, and Judea is teetering on the brink of apocalypse. Caught up in the horror that will inspire the Book of Revelation, a young woman is fighting for survival.In the dark days that follow the Roman devastation of Jerusalem in AD 70, nineteen-year-old Shelamzion bat Judah finds herself captured and awaiting both her own execution and that of her husband, former rebel-leader Simon bar Gioras. Alone and forgotten, there seems little reason to go on living, yet a strange friendship begins to grow between Shelamzion and her austere, old Roman jailor, Fabius Cornelius Grammaticus. With his pretensions to be recognized as an historian in the style of Livy, it is to her he turns to record the true version of events behind the insurrection in Judea that led to the destruction of her country. Time is running out, however, and unknowingly history is being rewritten by a traitor’s hand.A SELECTION OF REVIEWS (from AMAZON.CO.UK)5.0 out of 5 stars Historically set unconventional love story, beautifully written, and a ‘must’ read.By D Greenon 4 November 2017Format: Kindle EditionVerified PurchaseA potent and imaginative story, described with details like a fine brush used in a work of art. This book will capture and hold your attention with vivid narrative about human behavior from a period of history not frequently covered.The impression given is that the historical background was well researched, carefully considered, and intelligently and sensitively articulated into a powerful story line, it is a love story with much depth.The twist at the end is unexpected and gives the reader reassurance that humanity is ever present even in the worst of circumstances.5.0 out of 5 stars I can’t recommend this book more highly. It is excellent.By Tavenuson 2 November 2017Format: Kindle EditionI’m a great fan of anything Roman. Roman Historical Fiction, Roman History, even cooking. In fact if it’s Roman I will read it, eat it or collect it.I’ve read Roman historic fiction by Lindsay Davis, Marilyn Todd, Steven Saylor and Ruth Downie, and am always looking for new writers.This book, in my opinion, is as good a read, as any of the above mentioned books of Roman historic fiction.Unusually for me, it is written, not from the Roman point of view, but through the eyes of a vanquished nation. In this case the Jews, and recounts the events leading up to and through the siege, and fall of Jerusalem.Since reading this book, which I couldn’t put down, and finished at 2am. I have gone on to download a sample of Flavius Josephus The War of the Jews , which I’m looking forward to reading.I can’t recommend this book more highly. It is excellent.Please, please, please can we have a sequel. Or at least more on this period, from the Jewish perspective.5.0 out of 5 stars A history that rings with authenticity and grips the readerBy Lover of historical fictionon 5 November 2017Format: PaperbackThis is a terrific and unexpected book. Writing the story of a Jewish rebellion against Roman rule from the point of the view of the defeated might seem a depressing read, but Affrossman makes this an extraordinary tale of courage and grace. The characters are sharply-detailed, and Affrossman finds the balance between the grain and weight of historical events and a story with which modern readers can readily identify. This is a tale of someone who would normally not have a voice in history, but through Shelamzion’s relationship with the Roman, Fabius Cornelius Grammaticus, this become a powerful novel of what it means to discover a voice that can carry. Affrossman keeps the story rooted in its period while making it sing for the ages - I’d put it with the best recent historical fiction I’ve read, and more than that, one of the best books I’ve read in a while. Strongly recommended!
