Ben Kane has again written a brilliant period fiction Hannibal.
Those who love history, should definitely pick this up. It talks
about the Roman empire and wars they fought. But you need to have a knack for history
and patience to read this book.
According to Indians, it has all the masala impetuous youths,
indignant slaves, callous masters, vengeful fathers, capricious barbarians, and
wayward daughters. Kudos to the author for doing such an elaborate
research.While reading the book, you become part of that world. Ben has vividly
mentioned the environment, the atmosphere, the regular life of ordinary people.
Though at times it start getting on your nerves.
Bored with listening to his father with the elders about Hannibal actions in Iberia, a Carthaginian youngster, Hanno, instead goes fishing with his friend Sunni. A storm comes up and they are swept out in the sea, pirates capture them. Their fathers suspect they are dead, but they are sold into slavery in Italy, Hanno as a house hold servant and Sunni as a gladiator.
Hanno is sold into the household of Fabricius, a Roman soldier. He is preparing for war against Hanno’s homeland, which makes them Hanno’s enemy. However, his son Quintus,builds a relationship with Hanno. But they are both determined to join up with their respective enemies and their friendship undergoes a strain, especially knowing, that they could meet in battle field one day.
Hanno is sold into the household of Fabricius, a Roman soldier. He is preparing for war against Hanno’s homeland, which makes them Hanno’s enemy. However, his son Quintus,builds a relationship with Hanno. But they are both determined to join up with their respective enemies and their friendship undergoes a strain, especially knowing, that they could meet in battle field one day.
The book showcases the psychology of the warrior. What goes in the head of a warrior. After some time, I started wondering the need of slaughtering so many innocent people, raping and killing children. The book has brilliantly portrayed, that in adverse situation even sworn enemies can turn into best friends. Similar thing happened with Hanno and Quinitus. Similarly the march through Alps was a well written scene, which had a clear balance of emotion and action.
The author has brilliantly portrayed the agony of the people left behind in the family. The inner politics that the slaves used to play.
On the whole would definitely recommend this book.