Antonina By: Wilkie Collins (1824-1889)
Antonina by Wilkie Collins is a gripping tale set in ancient Rome during the time of Emperor Titus. The novel explores the life of Antonina, a young and beautiful Roman girl who finds herself at the mercy of harrowing circumstances. The story takes off with Antonina's father being accused of treason and executed, leaving her orphaned and vulnerable. She is forced into a life of servitude, but her resilience and determination shine through as she navigates the treacherous world of Roman politics and intrigue. Collins paints a vivid and atmospheric picture of ancient Rome, transporting readers to a time filled with opulence and decadence. The city becomes a character in itself, with its intricate alleyways, majestic palaces, and menacing gladiatorial arenas. The author's attention to detail is exceptional, making it easy to visualize and immerse oneself in the narrative. Antonina's character is incredibly well-developed, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as she faces one obstacle after another. Despite her circumstances, she possesses an unwavering strength and an indomitable spirit. Her journey from a terrified young girl to a determined woman fighting for her freedom is inspiring and captivating. The supporting cast of characters adds depth and complexity to the story. From the conniving nobility to the loyal servants, each individual has their own motivations and secrets, making the plot rich with unexpected twists and turns. Collins does an excellent job of intertwining their stories with Antonina's, creating a tapestry of deceit, love, and survival. One aspect that sets Antonina apart is the author's exploration of gender roles and the status of women in ancient Rome. Collins delves into the societal expectations and constraints that women like Antonina faced, highlighting the stark inequalities and the vast differences in their treatment compared to men. This theme adds a layer of social commentary to the novel, elevating it beyond a mere historical fiction. The pacing of the book is consistently brisk, keeping the readers engaged and eager to find out what happens next. Collins' writing style is elegant and evocative, effortlessly transporting the audience to the ancient Roman world. His skill in creating tension and suspense is commendable, leaving the readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Antonina by Wilkie Collins is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly weaves together historical fiction, romance, and social commentary. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that courage and determination can triumph even in the face of adversity. With its vibrant setting, well-drawn characters, and gripping plot, Antonina is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone seeking a captivating tale set against the backdrop of ancient Rome. First Page: ANTONINA OR, THE FALL OF ROME by WILKIE COLLINS PREFACE In preparing to compose a fiction founded on history, the writer of these pages thought it no necessary requisite of such a work that the principal characters appearing in it should be drawn from the historical personages of the period. On the contrary, he felt that some very weighty objections attached to this plan of composition. He knew well that it obliged a writer to add largely from invention to what was actually known to fill in with the colouring of romantic fancy the bare outline of historic fact and thus to place the novelist's fiction in what he could not but consider most unfavourable contrast to the historian's truth. He was further by no means convinced that any story in which historical characters supplied the main agents, could be preserved in its fit unity of design and restrained within its due limits of development, without some falsification or confusion of historical dates a species of poetical licence of which he felt no disposition to avail himself, as it was his main anxiety to make his plot invariably arise and proceed out of the great events of the era exactly in the order in which they occurred. Influenced, therefore, by these considerations, he thought that by forming all his principal... Continue reading book >>

Antonina By: Wilkie Collins (1824-1889)

Antonina by Wilkie Collins is a gripping tale set in ancient Rome during the time of Emperor Titus. The novel explores the life of Antonina, a young and beautiful Roman girl who finds herself at the mercy of harrowing circumstances.

The story takes off with Antonina's father being accused of treason and executed, leaving her orphaned and vulnerable. She is forced into a life of servitude, but her resilience and determination shine through as she navigates the treacherous world of Roman politics and intrigue.

Collins paints a vivid and atmospheric picture of ancient Rome, transporting readers to a time filled with opulence and decadence. The city becomes a character in itself, with its intricate alleyways, majestic palaces, and menacing gladiatorial arenas. The author's attention to detail is exceptional, making it easy to visualize and immerse oneself in the narrative.

Antonina's character is incredibly well-developed, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as she faces one obstacle after another. Despite her circumstances, she possesses an unwavering strength and an indomitable spirit. Her journey from a terrified young girl to a determined woman fighting for her freedom is inspiring and captivating.

The supporting cast of characters adds depth and complexity to the story. From the conniving nobility to the loyal servants, each individual has their own motivations and secrets, making the plot rich with unexpected twists and turns. Collins does an excellent job of intertwining their stories with Antonina's, creating a tapestry of deceit, love, and survival.

One aspect that sets Antonina apart is the author's exploration of gender roles and the status of women in ancient Rome. Collins delves into the societal expectations and constraints that women like Antonina faced, highlighting the stark inequalities and the vast differences in their treatment compared to men. This theme adds a layer of social commentary to the novel, elevating it beyond a mere historical fiction.

The pacing of the book is consistently brisk, keeping the readers engaged and eager to find out what happens next. Collins' writing style is elegant and evocative, effortlessly transporting the audience to the ancient Roman world. His skill in creating tension and suspense is commendable, leaving the readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Antonina by Wilkie Collins is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly weaves together historical fiction, romance, and social commentary. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that courage and determination can triumph even in the face of adversity. With its vibrant setting, well-drawn characters, and gripping plot, Antonina is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone seeking a captivating tale set against the backdrop of ancient Rome.

First Page:

ANTONINA

OR, THE FALL OF ROME

WILKIE COLLINS

PREFACE

In preparing to compose a fiction founded on history, the writer of these pages thought it no necessary requisite of such a work that the principal characters appearing in it should be drawn from the historical personages of the period. On the contrary, he felt that some very weighty objections attached to this plan of composition. He knew well that it obliged a writer to add largely from invention to what was actually known to fill in with the colouring of romantic fancy the bare outline of historic fact and thus to place the novelist's fiction in what he could not but consider most unfavourable contrast to the historian's truth. He was further by no means convinced that any story in which historical characters supplied the main agents, could be preserved in its fit unity of design and restrained within its due limits of development, without some falsification or confusion of historical dates a species of poetical licence of which he felt no disposition to avail himself, as it was his main anxiety to make his plot invariably arise and proceed out of the great events of the era exactly in the order in which they occurred.

Influenced, therefore, by these considerations, he thought that by forming all his principal... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
History
Literature

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Wikipedia – Wilkie Collins
Wikipedia – Antonina

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