Fascinating read! A book of historical fiction that imagines the memoirs of Roman Emperor Hadrian. His travels, his relationships, his feelings of success or failure, the various stages of his life.

The author's writing notes at the end put her entire work in context. Part of her facination with Hadrian was to propose a reflection on a life of action, not only thought. I understand now why this book is one of Yourcenar's major works.

I would suggest reading up on the historical character of Hadrian to better appreciate the book.

Also translated into English.