I would not have guessed that events and characters in third century Roman Syria would be compelling, but they come alive in this encompassing and powerful novel.
The Chronicle of Zenobia reads like a Doctor Zhivago of the ancient world. It is a drama of love and betrayal, of epic battles, of triumphs and disappointments, of bravery and human frailty, of lofty ideals and, if you were wondering, steamy sex too. Even if the setting is far distant in time and place, the emotions are familiar to all of us.
The author obviously knows her subject and manages to be erudite and (from what I can figure out) historically accurate and true to the sources while telling a riveting story. In a way, it is good, old-fashioned storytelling, engaging, at times spellbinding. The writing is rich, eloquent, and evocative, sometimes even haunting. Because of the complexity it is not easy reading--but it is rewarding. You feel as if you've been there.