By G.G. MacLeod
Publication Date: 24th May 2023
Valeria Messalina, a strikingly beautiful six-year-old girl, possesses a mind that far surpasses her tender years. With a voracious appetite for danger, she delights in the thrill of the hunt, skilfully tracking and killing the rats that scurry through the shadows of her world. Yet, this is only the beginning of her ambitions. Together with her daring best friend, Agrippinilla, they dream of rising against the towering might of the Roman Empire, carving out a formidable legacy for themselves in a world that consistently underestimates them.
G.G. MacLeod’s “AUGUSTA: Volume Seven (Part 1 & 2)” transports readers from Messalina’s bedchamber, with her oversized bed, to the resplendent corridors of the Imperial Palace. This captivating tale is a must-read for anyone who revels in richly woven narratives of ancient historical fiction, told from two deeply troubled children, who would one day become two of the most infamous women in Roman history.
The first book in Volume Seven unfolds through the intriguing lens of Messalina’s perspective. Readers familiar with her from previous volumes may think they understand this “snow-headed little daemon,” but this instalment invites them deep into the labyrinth of her mind. Beneath her seemingly beautiful and innocent facade lies a chilling brilliance, a merciless desire. She is a furiosus child (crazy). Messalina’s meticulous nature is evident in her attention to detail, such as the crisp lines of her perfectly made bed. Yet, this same girl commits acts of shocking defiance, desecrating a mural with faeces in a startling display of madness and a seeming hatred of beauty. She thoughtlessly burns her clothes after wearing them just once, convinced she was searching for some profound truth in the swirling flames of the furnace. Her actions, often laced with violence, are underscored by motivations that, though unsettling, are presented with a haunting understanding. The stark contrast between her moments of brutality and fleeting glimpses of vulnerability—like her palpable frustration stemming from an inability to read—adds a disturbing complexity to her character. Messalina’s disturbed state of mind is symbolised by the unsettling and crude lifelike made stuffed rag doll given to her by her child slave. The doll, despite its attempt to appear innocent, carries an undeniable darkness that resonates with Messalina. The reader cannot help but wonder whether the doll was intentionally designed to reflect the madness within Messalina, or if it was simply the result of a child slave’s rudimentary craftsmanship trying to demonstrate his devotion to his master. In this portrayal, Messalina emerges as a deeply unsettling figure, drawing readers into a narrative that is as captivating as it is chilling.
Agrippinilla’s character comes to life through her vivid actions, complex thoughts, and intricate interactions with others. She embodies a striking blend of intelligence, strategic cunning, and relentless drive, yet beneath her formidable exterior lies a subtle vulnerability that emerges through her introspective monologues. While Agrippinilla is undoubtedly a malevolent and dangerous child, possessing a wicked edge that demands caution, she often appears more composed and rational than her counterpart, Messalina. As partners in crime, they navigate a treacherous world side by side, but it is evident that Agrippinilla harbours a shrewdness that would prompt her to sever ties with Messalina should she find her no longer useful. Her chilling perception of reality, intertwined with an insatiable hunger for power, transforms her into a multifaceted character—a powerful protagonist or an intriguing anti-hero, depending on one’s perspective. Her relentless ambition and dark charm draw the reader in, making her journey as unsettling as it is captivating.
The only child who has so far appeared truly childlike in this series is Tiberius Gemellus, Agrippinilla’s cousin. He is depicted as a naïve and easily impressed little boy, seemingly unaware of the darker realities surrounding him. His mother shelters him from the harsh truths of the world, which only increases his desire to be in the company of Agrippinilla and, in particular, Messalina. The reader understands that no good can come from his relationship with either of these girls, and a sense of dread arises when he is left alone with them.
Since swearing was common among adults and the children were not growing up in a typical family environment—where murder and sexual behaviour seemed to coexist—the obscenities used by the children, while jarring and crude from a modern perspective, are not entirely out of place when viewed in context. Agrippinilla, for example, uses words she has heard others say, but she does not always understand their meanings. In contrast, Messalina does understand these words, as she has been exposed to experiences that no six-year-old should have witnessed or heard. However, the story could be just as powerful without adding vulgarity which unfortunately may stop the author’s intended audience from reading on.
The grandeur of the Imperial Palace has been painstakingly recreated through detailed descriptions. MacLeod creates an immersive world by illustrating the architecture, décor, and even the scent of food and the crispness of the night air. But within the opulent palace walls is a duality of power and plots, with violence and intrigue lurking beneath the seemingly calm surface. Under the cloak of night, the Imperial Palace transforms into a realm of mystery and danger. The suspense grips the reader as darkness obscures pathways and cloaks watchful sentries. These descriptive elements effectively ground the narrative, drawing the reader into the world and allowing them to feel the weight and atmosphere of the era. The unsettling imagery of pigs roaming Palatine Hill waiting to eat their next victim adds a haunting yet unforgettable detail, as does the defacing of the mural in Messalina’s bedchamber.
The vivid descriptions, realistic dialogue, and intriguing storyline create a compelling story and, although this novel is not a standalone, it is a welcomed addition to the AUGUSTA saga.
AUGUSTA: Volume Seven
HERE!
Another great review.
ReplyDelete