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Semper Fidelis A Novel of the Roman Empire The Medicus Series Ruth Downie 9781608197095 Books

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Semper Fidelis A Novel of the Roman Empire The Medicus Series Ruth Downie 9781608197095 Books

Ruth Downie adds another episode to the saga of Roman army doctor Gaius Petreius Ruso and wife and helpmate Tilla in second century AD/CE Britian. And a good story it is. Characteristically of this series, the historic context feels authentic; the grubbiness of provincial living conditions, lousy weather, medical practices and local cuisine are pitch perfect to the point of occasional reader discomfort (I thought that the Romans had at least introduced the idea of central heating to Britain, but if they did, it apparently didn't get to the provinces (early York) where this story takes place.) The novel's characters seem like real people dealing with credible social/cultural differences (do present day Britons and Italians have the same differences in perspective, I wonder?)

The storyline is familiar and solid; Ruso and wife Tilla are in the north of England (Eboracum) on an inspection of army medical facilities ahead of an unprecedented visit by the Roman Emperor Hadrian and entourage, including the discontented royal wife, Sabina, The garrison at Eboracum has some serious morale problems stemming from the deaths and desertions of several young British recruits, and Ruso, the instinctive investigator and seeker of justice, gets involved. His poking around earns him the emnity of the local commander and his subordinates, and early on Ruso is first worked over physically by man and dog and eventually accused some serious criminal activity.

While the Roman medicus is by definition the center of the book (and series), it is Tilla, his British-born wife and helpmate, who is increasingly at the heart of the book's motivations and actions. As a second-class subject in her own occupied country, she has a markedly different perspective on life and provides a strong moral compass to her often equivocal Roman husband. She is definitely the stronger of the two principals at this point in the series. And Tilla functions increasingly as a kind of feminist heroine, with other female characters in orbit around her as the story progresses. This is especially interesting in "Semper Fidelis" when the Roman Empress Sabina enters the picture and engages Tilla in dialogue.

Overall, this is a smart and entertaining novel with a satisfying conclusion. I think that there are places when it gets a little too dense in conspiracy and in its zig-zagging enmeshment of Ruso and Tilla in some confusing questions of whodunit. This all settles down at the end and finishes with wit and the promise of more to the story to come. Bravo for that.


Tags : Semper Fidelis: A Novel of the Roman Empire (The Medicus Series) [Ruth Downie] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Back at his post as a doctor in the Twentieth legion in Roman-occupied Britain, Ruso uncovers a new danger even closer to home than the neighboring barbarians. As mysterious injuries,Ruth Downie,Semper Fidelis: A Novel of the Roman Empire (The Medicus Series),Bloomsbury USA,1608197093,Mystery & Detective - Historical,Great Britain - History - Roman period, 55 B.C.-449 A.D,Great Britain;History;Roman period, 55 B.C.-449 A.D.;Fiction.,Mystery fiction,Physicians,Physicians;Rome;Fiction.,Romans - Great Britain,Romans;Great Britain;Fiction.,ENGLISH HISTORICAL FICTION,ENGLISH MYSTERY & SUSPENSE FICTION,FICTION Historical General,FICTION Mystery & Detective Historical,Fiction,Fiction - Historical,Fiction-Mystery & Detective,FictionMystery & Detective - Historical,GENERAL,General Adult,Great Britain,Great BritainBritish Isles,Historical - General,Historical fiction,Monograph Series, any,MysterySuspense,Romans,Rome,United States,FICTION Historical General,FICTION Mystery & Detective Historical,FictionMystery & Detective - Historical,Historical - General,Fiction - Historical,English Historical Fiction,English Mystery & Suspense Fiction,Great Britain,Romans,Rome,Fiction,MysterySuspense,Historical fiction

Semper Fidelis A Novel of the Roman Empire The Medicus Series Ruth Downie 9781608197095 Books Reviews

If you like a historically accurate story with lots of suspense and some humor then this series about the Roman Army in Brittannia with their trials coping the native Britians "barbarians". Medicus Ruso with his native wife Tilla are again involved in murder and intrique. Mysteriously missing new British recruits and "accidents" with one that commited suicide all under one centurion. This centurion is uncle of the tribune in charge of the XX Legion so of course no one will talk. Ruso is finding evidence against him then he is murdered. Ruso is arrested with possible execution. Tilla is desparate to clear him. Valens pops up again to help. Now Emperior Hadrian is going to visit and see how his wall is coming. The Empress Sabina also traveling separately with her entourage and would like to met a British woman to see what they are like. Our Tilla asks her as politely as possible to intervene for her husband; Ruso also knows Hadrian from the earthquake in Antioch and tries to blow the whistle. Also his family in Gaul are also making their demands. Guess it's the same now as then - you can't chose your family like your friends. Ms Downie keeps the situations as real as possible and the characters as close to what people were actually might have been like. You should read Medicus first, Terra Incognito, Persona Non Grata, Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful) then the last one. diamondgirl
I've always been a total pushover for Roman history. Rosemary Sutcliff's masterful trilogy about Roman Britain has long been a personal favorite. Well, move over, Rosemary, and make room for Ruth Downie's delightful doctor and his missus. Ruso and Tilla squabble, fight, defend each other and treat each other like real people would. Downie understands her history and the human heart that make good writing great. Thanks for another excellent read. Incidentally, I've read and re-read the final few chapters of Caveat Emptor because they contain such fine writing.
Gaius Ruso, Medicus to the Twentieth Legion, and his wife, Briton barbarian, Tilla are once more in Britannia. Though Ruso's commission had expired while he was on sick leave at home in Gaul, his friend and fellow Medicus, Valens, pulled some strings and got him reinstated. The two find themselves in Eboracum ( modern day York ) awaiting a visit from Emperor Hadrian and his Empress, Sabrina. The Legion has had its ranks increased by the recent recruitment of young Britons but there seems to be something strange happening among them. One recruit has died mysteriously, another jumps from a roof in front of Ruso for no apparent reason and yet another is in the sick bay with a very serious self-inflicted wound to one of his arms.
Ruso's suspicions are aroused by his subordinate's attributing the death of the first recruit as accidental despite bodily injuries that point to a serious beating. When he finds the written report supporting his suspicions he begins to ask questions.
He is thwarted at every turn in his investigation and when the commanding officer of the recruits is found murdered he finds himself the accused murderer. Stripped of his commission once more he is told that Tilla is to be returned to her family since they are now divorced. How the two of them manage to solve the mystery and make a choice where they will be stationed next is an exciting tale of whitewash and scapegoat tactics to keep the peace in the Legion and protect its officers. All is resolved in the end but not without Tilla's headstrong disobedience to her husband and the Tribune who is his superior, which, as always, adds to the confusion before the solution.
Ruth Downie adds another episode to the saga of Roman army doctor Gaius Petreius Ruso and wife and helpmate Tilla in second century AD/CE Britian. And a good story it is. Characteristically of this series, the historic context feels authentic; the grubbiness of provincial living conditions, lousy weather, medical practices and local cuisine are pitch perfect to the point of occasional reader discomfort (I thought that the Romans had at least introduced the idea of central heating to Britain, but if they did, it apparently didn't get to the provinces (early York) where this story takes place.) The novel's characters seem like real people dealing with credible social/cultural differences (do present day Britons and Italians have the same differences in perspective, I wonder?)

The storyline is familiar and solid; Ruso and wife Tilla are in the north of England (Eboracum) on an inspection of army medical facilities ahead of an unprecedented visit by the Roman Emperor Hadrian and entourage, including the discontented royal wife, Sabina, The garrison at Eboracum has some serious morale problems stemming from the deaths and desertions of several young British recruits, and Ruso, the instinctive investigator and seeker of justice, gets involved. His poking around earns him the emnity of the local commander and his subordinates, and early on Ruso is first worked over physically by man and dog and eventually accused some serious criminal activity.

While the Roman medicus is by definition the center of the book (and series), it is Tilla, his British-born wife and helpmate, who is increasingly at the heart of the book's motivations and actions. As a second-class subject in her own occupied country, she has a markedly different perspective on life and provides a strong moral compass to her often equivocal Roman husband. She is definitely the stronger of the two principals at this point in the series. And Tilla functions increasingly as a kind of feminist heroine, with other female characters in orbit around her as the story progresses. This is especially interesting in "Semper Fidelis" when the Roman Empress Sabina enters the picture and engages Tilla in dialogue.

Overall, this is a smart and entertaining novel with a satisfying conclusion. I think that there are places when it gets a little too dense in conspiracy and in its zig-zagging enmeshment of Ruso and Tilla in some confusing questions of whodunit. This all settles down at the end and finishes with wit and the promise of more to the story to come. Bravo for that.