Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Not at all what I was expecting - but I loved it. Told from multiple, predominantly Roman points of view, this is as much about the idea of Spartacus and his impact on the characters in the novel (including those who led to his demise) as it is about the man himself. In fact, Spartacus's own point of view takes up very little space. When it does, it's extremely powerful: his experiences at the Nubian mines, his realisation of the need to break free from Roman oppression, these are engrossing, emotional moments, among some of the finest in the book. Despite the lack of involvement with the main character, it's interesting to see how much sympathy Howard Fast eventually brings to the Romans who reflect and speculate on who Spartacus was and what he means to them. Most of these characters have in some way been changed by him, even if they had never met him. The book feels well researched, and the fact that Fast wrote this while a political prisoner in the United States says much about his sympathies for Spartacus's cause. Unfortunately the last two sections of the novel seem a bit weak and labored compared with what had come before. If you're looking for a straight narrative about Spartacus and his campaign against Rome, you should look elsewhere. But this is an engrossing novel in its own way, with much to say about the nature of life, love, slavery, cruelty and human identity. This isn't the best-written historical fiction of all time, but it was a worthy read.