It's always a joy to dive into McCullough's Rome. Her meticulous detail, sharp voice for characters, and sheer volume of writing make these novels feel like an extended trip to the ancient world, although this entry is a bit weaker than the earlier ones.

In the Foreward she writes that her narrative has reached the period of ancient Rome that is better documented than the ones covered in her previous works. The resulting slight shift away from fiction toward history may explain why this entry is less compelling; History isn't always dramatic.

Throughout the book, the same dynamic repeatedly plays out between Caesar and his political enemies the boni: the boni, out of hatred of Ceasar, attempt some political stratagem which Caesar foils through his exceptional intellect, daring, education, or some other superlative property. Even the boni themselves grow frustrated with their defeats, declaring "We'll never beat him!"

The sameness of these encounters don't shed much light on the character of Caesar, who swans through the peak of his political career showing little effort, occasional anger, and no doubt. He's a cipher, even among his family or his peers Pompey and Crassus.

As a fan of ancient warfare, I was disappointed by the lack of military action in the book. Pompey's war against the pirates is covered as a remote conflict and Caesar's adventurous legateship in Spain is almost completely skipped. Warfare has always been a minor element of these books but I was disappointed by its absence.

In its place though, is a satisfying new element: as indicated by the title this book greatly expands the role of the women of Rome. Caesars mother, wives, and lovers join various other women as characters as large and vital as Caesar's friends and rivals, and McCullough's characterization remains masterful.

In particular, the feminine and even feminist ritual of the Bona Dea captures what's so great about these books: exotic but engaging, surprising but convincing.