Render Unto Caesar, Gillian Bradshaw
I struggled with this one for a long time. Much as I’ve enjoyed other books by Gillian Bradshaw (I think I gave Island of Ghosts 5/5 stars!), this one really didn’t work for me. It’s easy enough to read, and the research and detail seems as solid as I’ve come to expect from Bradshaw, but I just didn’t enjoy myself. I didn’t get involved with the characters or plot, which is too bad considering it involves figures like a female gladiator.
I kept putting it aside for when I felt more like it, but months have passed without me being any more ‘in the mood’, and I’ve even read another Bradshaw book in the time which had similarities in terms of the tone and pace, but which I loved and read compulsively.
I’d say I’ll give this another chance someday, but I think I’ve given it a pretty fair one already. Bradshaw had me enjoying even a gutting of ‘Bisclaveret’; this just didn’t work for me. Time to cut my losses and move on to Bradshaw’s other work, which I will most likely enjoy.
I really like the premise of a female gladiator. It’s similar to a book I’ve read called “Girl In the Arena,” but I was never quite in the mood to read it. However your praise regarding this author has me wanting to check them out. I’ll be doing that asap. Great review by the way. I love when people are honest, but not cruel.
Rebecca @ Vicariously!
Gillian Bradshaw is great! Island of Ghosts was my favourite so far, I think.
I’ll give this one a miss I think.
Yeah, it certainly wasn’t my favourite.