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Set in about 509 BC during the reign of Rome’s seventh and final king, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, this novel is told from the viewpoint of one Eterlimus, who runs the official governmental brothel of Rome. As pimp to important Roman politicians and statesmen, Eterlimus learns of the growing dissent rumbling under Tarquin dynasty rule. A visit to the brothel from the petulant and cruel Sextus, the eldest Tarquin son, brings home the reality. Sextus has one of Eterlimus’ finest girls raped and mutilated, and Eterlimus plots revenge. Suggesting they all travel to Collatina on a whim, they visit Lucretia, famed for her virtue and loyalty to her husband, Collatinus. Eterlimus plants the idea of raping Lucretia in Sextus’ mind and Sextus complies, setting off events culminating in revolution against the Tarquin monarchy.
This work of historical fiction frames the famous “Rape of Lucretia” that marked the end of Roman monarchy together with the famed anti-monarchy oath of Lucius Junius Brutus standing with her bloody suicide knife in hand. In this version, Brutus is not so heroic, Eterlimus providing a rather different view. The characters are realistically portrayed, with slaves and prostitutes given voices and humanity absent from the ancient sources. They prove to be secret movers and shakers actually, helping support the theme of freedom against tyranny, though still not citizens of Rome. The plot is well-developed, based on semi-legendary events surrounding the overthrow of Rome’s seventh king. Translated from Arabic, the language reads very well, the author deftly creating tension and suspense. For a different take on events that have been celebrated by painters, composers, and politicians for over a thousand years, this book is both useful and entertaining .