I Am Livia

I didn't finish this one, so I am not rating it, but I do have thoughts on the, uh, third of it I did read?

Mostly, a warning: to anyone who is considering this book because it's marked as ‘adult', the adult label here only means the novel makes explicit references to sex (though the sex scenes are themselves not explicit). The novel is in no way written in an ‘adult' manner; it feels like a YA novel in terms of prose, content and plot. I think this is a perfect example of the ‘new adult' label.

This is all a shame, because the book is clearly trying to comment on Robert Graves' I, Claudius, from its name to its structure to its attempts to posit Livia as misunderstood, complex woman, rather than the ultimate villainess (as she is in Graves' famous work). But that is simply too nuanced and complex of a thesis to exist in the self-imposed structures of YA/NA novels. The thing is, well... is Livia's portrayal in I, Claudius sexist? Yeah. Is Livia in I, Claudius an exciting and enticing character to read about? Hell yeah.

The same cannot be said of Smith's Livia, who feels like every other destined-for-greatness-but-stymied-by-the-patriarchy female YA protagonist. She's just kind of bland. The themes are bland. The whole thing is bland; it feels incredibly rote even though the premise shines with potential. This is, ultimately, why I stopped reading, even though theoretically a book with this premise should be like catnip to me.

REREAD:

Livia has been one of those shadow figures of history who I adore. Even when she's portrayed as a psychotic poisoner, there's still something so fascinating about her. 

This novel takes a much more measured view of her life, taking us from her adolescence and first marriage, up to Augustus coming home from the Battle of Actium.

I found their relationship to be very real for people win their situation in life. It's very clear that they're deeply in love but also incredibly ambitious, pragmatic people. Livia is a perfect balance of a woman who is very ambitious and not the warmest woman, but still someone who does have a soul and is very compassionate. 

It's a simple read, but by no means vapid. Would highly reccomend to anyone with an interest in this woman.