A eunuch archpriest and an unscrupulous senator smuggle products from China to Italy that will change the course of Western history. Surgeon Getorius Asterius, his wife Arcadia, the eunuch archpriest... This description may be from another edition of this product.
This is a well written book which holds the reader's interest. Mr. Noyer develops two interesting characters, the physician Getorius and his wife, Arcadia. In addition, he captures the turbulence of this period of Western history.
Engrossing and superbly written fiction
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
The writer knows how to capture the readers attention. This suspense-driven, historical novel revolves around a 5th Century surgeon and his wife who are living in Ravenna, Italy, shortly before the demise of the Roman Empire. The emperor's mother, a greedy Roman senator, an Arian woman priestess, a Vestal Virgin, and an Asian merchant are some of the vivid characters, who scheme and plot their way to a stunning and suprising climax. Most interesting was the way the writer took me on an incredible journey back in time. I learned about the food and drink people consumed, the culture and customs, and how physicians treated and cured their patients ailments. Christianity in its early stages and the various religious cults of people trying to hang on to their own beliefs makes it interesting. Throughout the novel, the tightly woven plots of murder and intrigue make this a spellbinding tale and an enjoyable read.
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