The Daughters of Palatine Hill: A Novel

The Daughters of Palatine Hill by Phyllis T. Smith completely captivated me from the start. It is told from the perspectives of three women: Julia, the daughter of Roman Emperor Augustus, Livia, his wife and Selene, the daughter of the now deceased Marc Anthony and Cleopatra. I have read several young adult books based on the life of Selene and her inclusion in the book is ultimately what drew me to it.All three women go through so much heartbreak, sacrifice and danger. It’s not safe or easy being close to the Emperor of Rome. They cannot really make any of their own decisions and are basically pawns in the constant battle for power and influence. Livia was bound to Augustus in an arranged marriage and Julia is expected to marry according to her father’s choices and produce an heir. Selene was constantly fighting for survival as it wasn’t easy being the daughter of a vanquished enemy.While Selene wasn’t the focus on the novel, Julia’s story of rebellion and longing drew me in. I totally emphasized with her situation and need to be free from her father’s will. I cannot imagine what I would have done in a similar situation, but I found myself cheering her on when she followed her heart and feeling utterly devastated when she was suppressed. I greatly admire the author’s ability to craft such a vivid character. In the books I have read in the past, Julia is usually not as relatable and it has given me a different perspective.This wasn’t an action driven novel and isn’t short by any means, but I never lost interest. I would highly recommend this book to people who enjoy historical fiction or have an interest in ancient Rome. This is the author’s second novel (her first being I Am Livia), and while they have a similar topic, The Daughters of Palatine Hill can be enjoyed as a standalone. I am now looking forward to reading the first novel about Livia’s early life.

I am unsure of where to even begin. Do you ever finish reading a book and are left feeling just completely empty? When I started reading this book on Monday it drew me in in a way that no other story has done in a long time. It is actually the first paper book I have purchased in a long time. I was desperate to have it and it wasn’t available on my nook. I finished reading it just a few minutes ago, as I write this, and I’m still not entirely sure where I stand with it. I neither love nor hate it. But Phyllis Smith did something wonderful with this novel. She made me feel.This work follows the lives of three women. Julia (daughter of Caesar Augustus), Livia (wife of Caesar Augustus), and Cleopatra Selene (orphaned daughter of Antony and Cleopatra) are our daughters of Palatine hill. Each chapter has one of these three women narrating it. It takes a moment of personal mental adjustment at the beginning of each chapter to alter your view so that you can understand where each of the women are coming from. I don’t usually enjoy that style of book but in this case I found it interesting. Each of these women view the world in very different lights and seeing those vastly different views through their eyes was fascinating.Now, I went into this book with general knowledge of the time period it is set in; during the reign of Caesar Augustus once his only daughter comes of age. The Caesar marries his Julia off to a man he plans to groom to take his place as ruler of the mighty Roman empire. She is her father’s political toy. A pawn in the game. If you have any knowledge of the historical figure that is Julia then know that her life in the book follows many of the major events of her actual life. Turmoil, love, lust, duty, and a healthy dash of selfishness is how she lives her life. Honestly, it is an overabundance of selfishness and it causes me to hate her fairly passionately. I muttered “self serving whore” more than once while reading her sections. I understood her point of view but at the same time wanted to punch her in the teeth. Frequently.Selene is a more interesting and vastly more likable character but she gets sadly few chapters focused on her. It’s really a shame, but I understand the story revolves more around Julia and Selene is, sadly, left in the dust. She does have one or two major roles to play but they are short lived so for now I will move on.Livia is step mother to our frustratingly selfish Julia. I have to say that she at least tries to be a good one. It’s certainly not her fault that her step daughter is a miserable putz. She knows the political game and tries to play it with grace and intelligence. I can respect her for that. She holds the ear of her husband and knows how to play the game to influence his decisions. She is a strong, solid woman. Hard to have anything but a positive opinion about someone like that.In the end, I’ve spent considerable time considering what I really thought about the book and, in a nut shell, I’m still not entirely sure. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of good parts. Drama, intrigue, lust, war games, and enough of a touch of insanity to make it spicy but I’m just not sure it is enough. I will say, I re-read most of the books I own and won’t be re-reading this one so I guess, at least for me, that says enough. If the book doesn’t rank a re-read then it just isn’t good enough and that’s that.Please check out my other reviews at literaryweaponry.wordpress.com

It is fairly good, but a bit disjointed. It keeps skipping back and forth from one key character to another in order to keep the dialogues moving forward, but lacks fluidity. It does keeps one interested as the book progresses in the last half. I love historical pieces, and am now reading it's sister book, ¨ I am Livia¨. Livia is much better and moves quickly. They do go hand in hand, and I now wish I had read Livia first. Gives me a point of perspective for my upcoming trip to Rome. I don't think I will ever view Palatine Hill in the same light again.

It is refreshing to read a book that brings to life real people in a Historical setting we all know so well. We have all heard of Livia , Julia and Cleopatra but we did not know them. Now we do. It's a book you can't wait to get to the end but a book you never want to end.

An interesting take on a period of Roman history that I know a little about. Very obviously fiction but enjoyable none the less, and its nice to read something written from the female point of view. It wasn't a demanding read however, so seemed shorter than it was.

I bègan reading this wondering if it was my type of book. It was confusing to start with but I quickly realised it was one I would enjoy.

I enjoyed reading this book . I like this period of time and it made a nice change to see things from a woman's perspective.

I loved the first book and was a bit apprehensive as to whether this second book could be as great. But after reading I can safely say it is. I would recommend both books to any lover of historical fiction!