Much of the world is aware of the tragedy that befell Pompeii in 79 AD. An eyewitness report details the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in letters from Pliny the Younger to the historian Tacitus. Even with this recounting set to paper, Pompeii faded out of history to become little more than myth.
In the late 16th century, Pompeii’s ruins, and those of her sister city, Herculaneum, were discovered by architect Domenico Fontana. Pompeii finally reappeared as more than mere legend. The horror of seeing her citizens frozen in time, struggling against their demise, has shocked and amazed the world ever since.
Years have passed and some of us are lucky enough to be able walk within the city’s walls to uncover her history. The surrounding region, which holds Pompeii firmly in its embrace, is still volatile. Vesuvius slumbers, looking peaceful, yet anyone who ever has walked Pompeii’s streets understands the devastation that will rain down should it awaken again.
This past year has been quiet. However, several weeks ago, Pompeii experienced a severe quake. Afterward, my fellow archaeologists and I were surprised to find that the only damage was centered in a remote section of the city’s northwestern region. We discovered a new chasm and entered a large, heretofore unknown, subterranean chamber. Detailed exploration suggested that we were in a storeroom belonging to an affluent city councilman. This hypothesis was later supported when we discovered the remains of a young woman along with a written account of her life.
There is some eeriness in the finding of this chamber. The superstitious among us wonder if the woman’s spirit remained trapped within this cavern until it finally managed to break free, causing the quake to pinpoint this location.
However it happened, wherever she is now; this is her story. Will you listen?
Historical fiction is my go to read of late and a read I love to get lost in. A Life in the Age of Pompeii is a historical fiction tale weaved with real events, and the story that unfolds throughout the book is captivating and kept me hooked for hours! This is thanks to the well-developed plot and phenomenal literature courtesy of the author Charline Ratcliff whose literature is stunning and full of believable, likable and memorable characters. I have read many historical fiction novels but never before have I been so captivated by a story as I have been with A Life in the Age of Pompeii. I believe this is because there is something different about this book, something unique and special and I felt this as soon as I started to read it as its stunning nature shines off the page and into the reader’s heart. A Life in the Age of Pompeii indeed is a spectacular book, and so it demands to be read by everybody! However, if you need more convincing then continue to read to learn about this incredible book!
A Life in the Age of Pompeii is a sensational book that will introduce the reader to the protagonist of the novel, a young girl and the reader will follow her on her voyage. The reader will be taken back in time, and the story will be told in a journal, and the reader will be gifted a tale of intrigue, history, and romance. The young girl at the heart of the story, has a compelling but poignant story and the reader will follow her from a slave ship to Pompeii, and this book lovers is the premise of the incredible A Life in the Age of Pompeii!
A Life in the Age of Pompeii is a gem of a book that I needed to read ever since I discovered it. For so long I have read books that are quite oppressive so to read a novel that yes, features a few troubling themes but tastefully and compellingly was refreshing! Besides the journey, the reader encounters is a mesmerizing one, and I loved following the characters featured on their journey, it made for an entertaining and memorable read; one that I will struggle to forget for a long time.
A Life in the Age of Pompeii is a multi-layered novel full of many interesting and captivating themes and all the themes explored throughout A Life in the Age of Pompeii combined make the book a sensational story that is fascinating as well as captivating. What makes the themes in the novel so brilliant is that the exceptional author of this novel, Charline Ratcliff flawlessly weaves them together into her plot so that the reader is entertained from beginning to end.
A Life in the Age of Pompeii is full of expert twists and turns which kept me hooked and guessing from beginning to end. The story that unravels is fascinating and slightly thrilling due to the excitement and will certainly keep your hearts racing, and there are many moments which will definitely evoke certain feelings in its readers. I love how the author kept me on edge constantly and made me feel a host of different emotions, Ratcliff is an exceptional writer because she knows just how to captivate her reader and keep them engrossed from beginning to end.
Overall A Life in the Age of Pompeii is a truly spectacular novel full of many beautiful moments, brilliant intrigue and historical context and so I have no choice but to award this stellar book a dazzling five stars! It is a truly exceptional novel, and it would be a crime not to read it, so please read the preview below as I promise you will be captivated to read this exceptional story!
Thank you so much for reading book lovers! I appreciate it so much, I love discussing wonderful books with all of you so please comment below and let me know your thoughts on A Life in the Age of Pompeii. Do you see yourself reading this book? Do you love the genre? Please let me know your brilliant thoughts below and I will be sure to comment back. Thank you so much again for reading!
Goodbye for now book lovers,
P.S. Here is a preview of the book for all of you lovely readers to enjoy! Please have a read of the preview and if you find that you have loved what you have read then all you need to do is follow the links below!
Below I have attached some links about the author and this wonderful book so if you would like to learn more about the author and the book then please have a browse. Thank you so much again for reading book lovers, I can’t wait to read your thoughts on this book!
Charline Ratcliff: Book Trailer – Facebook – Website – Twitter – Pinterest – Instagram
Thank you so much again for reading!
Hi Aimee Ann! I was so thrilled to hear that you enjoyed reading, A Life in the Age of Pompeii!! A Life in the Age of Pompeii was certainly a more difficult book to write than I had originally anticipated. (lol) I had expected the immense amount of research (in fact, for many months, I carried the “P” and “V” volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica with me during my travels), but what I hadn’t prepared myself for was the underlying ‘heaviness’ of the tragic ending of the city and its denizens. While I didn’t really pull that into the book… Read more »