Fulvia by Kaarina Parker is a work of historical fiction, which is one of my favourite ways to learn about past events and people. Fulvia is someone I had never heard of, so I really loved learning about her life.
She was a woman with strong ambitions, and she longed to be a political leader – but that is not something that was available to women in her time. We are going back to the days of rulers such as Julius Caesar.
Fulvia was born into a wealthy family, but riches were not something that guaranteed you respect and power. Her family was considered unimportant, but after the passing of her father and leaving home to live with her Aunt in the city of Rome, she was suddenly exposed to new people and new opportunities.
Fulvia meets and falls in love with Clodius, and she quickly learns she can live out her political ambitions through him. She leads and guides him and helps him to climb through the political ranks.
Fulvia lived during the time of great emperors and Roman generals. She was feared by some and friends with others. She had power, but that power could be lost in an instant.
If you are a fan of this genre and delight in learning about historical figures, just as I do, then this book is wonderfully written and very much worth the read. I am now aware of this strong woman that I previously had no knowledge of. Thank you, Kaarina, for helping me become a little more knowledgeable about an important time in the history of Rome.
A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club Members are reading Fulvia by Kaarina Parker. You can read their comments below, or add your own review.
Im a Mum of 3 beautiful girls.
An avid reader that loves to travel but lacks the funds to venture far and wide constantly. A perfumeaholic with an addiction to beauty and skincare.
If not found with my head in a book or on a plane I can be found spending hours upon hour in Doctors and Hospital waiting rooms as part of my job as a Carer
Fulvia by Kaarina Parker (Echo Publishing) is historical fiction based in the dying days of the Roman republic, before it becomes the Roman Empire.
The story is based on a real aristocratic Roman woman who lived at this time – Fulvia. Fulvia is a wealthy and ambitious young woman who comes from a good family. However on her father’s death, and in order to keep her inheritance she has to move from the countryside to Rome to secure herself a husband. A woman without a husband simply had little to no status in Ancient Rome.
She soon marries Publius Clodius Pulcher, a member of a prestigious patrician family.
The marriage to him elevates her position and influence, and she quickly makes it her business to further Clodius’s political career, proving herself to be a clever political strategist.
This is an interesting novel and endeavours to portray Ancient Roman life from a female perspective showing the power and corruption at play in the political system, as well as the traditions, religious leanings and the role of women at this time.
However while this story was well written, I found the style of narration quite passive and distancing, so I did not feel particularly engaged with Fulvia or what she was going through.
Another thing to also bear in mind, is that this novel only deals with the first part of Fulvia’s life, in reality her story continued… In fact Fulvia was married 3 times, each one a step ahead politically. Her last marriage was to Mark Antony who played a key role in Rome’s transformation from a republic into the Roman Empire. Mark Antony later went on to marry Cleopatra.
Fulvia is an interesting and thought provoking story based on historical records.
Set in the Roman republic, the story sees Fulvia move to Rome, marry a young senator and change society. Early girl power drives this story!
I really liked the author’s ability to put the emotions, words and actions through the female perspective, for what was traditionally a male dominated time. Records were written about men by men and this is what our current knowledge is based on. Whilst artistic license allows the author to write at will, the amount of research undertaken is obvious.
I also loved the descriptive settings and events. From feasting to visiting to walking down streets, everything is beautifully detailed.
As the story is based on historical records, it makes sense that vengeance plays such a strong role, after all extreme is more likely recorded than mundane. At the same time, I would have loved for more of a look into their everyday lives, as what was included was so interesting.
Fulvia is a very interesting read, especially for those with an interest in history.
An interesting well researched historical fiction read reimagining the life of Fulvia, a Roman woman who lived during the late Roman Republic. Fulvia is born to a wealthy yet relatively unimportant Roman family. She lives her young life in the country side but longs for a life in the city. When her father dies she leaves her home and her mother to go to Rome to find a husband. It is a time of great change and although women do hold any place outside the home Fulvia is ambitious. She marries Clodius a young aristocrat and together they are happy but Fulvia strategically shapes Clodius’s career and is the woman behind the man. Sadly, there are always enemies lurking in the background to bring down those that seek power.
Fulvia is politically astute, fiercely loyal, and unafraid to wield influence in a world dominated by men. She is a truly remarkable woman and this book brings her journey to life.
I look forward to reading the next instalment of Fulvia’s life journey.
Fulvia by Kaarina Parker .
The main character Fulvia is a real historical woman from Ancient Rome, and she was no ordinary Roman lady.
She was the first Roman woman to appear publicly in political life , at a time when women were expected to stay silent and invisible.
The wife of three powerful Roman men, including Mark Antony .
A woman who used her influence, intelligence, and voice to fight for her beliefs and protect her family’s power.
A survivor of Rome’s brutal civil wars, and someone who stood her ground even when it meant defying some of the most powerful men in history.
Fulvia navigates love,politics,betrayal and war, Fulvia also fights for her son’s future, and Rome’s stability, even when it means taking huge risks.
She is passionate and clever.
A stirring reminder that even in a world ruled by men a women’s voice can rise .
I loved this quote in the book .
” I have been a wife to power, a women to ambition, and now at last a women for myself” .
For readers who love history especially Roman Republic will love this novel .
Thankyou beauty and lace .
A tribute to female ambition and who said women don’t belong in politics ?
Thank you Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read Fulvia by Kaarina Parker.
I quite enjoyed this book which is a different gene for me.
Set in the days of the Roman republic this tells the story of Fulvia who marries a man who is her equal, together they have power beyond others.
They try and make Rome a better place but there is always someone that wants to get in their way.
It’s all about family connections and how wealthy you are.
It’s a dangerous place.
Well written and page turning.
Highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read Fulvia by Kaarina Parker. This is a completely different genre than I would normally choose to read but it was interesting and well written.
Fulvia is the daughter of wealthy Romans and longs to go into politics and improve life in her time. Of course, women in these days are not allowed to go into politics.
It’s interesting to hear of women with these ambitions in such a long ago time.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Echo Publishing for my copy of Fulvia to read and review.
For a debut novel by Kaarina Parker I am really impressed by the style in which she wrote this fiction book. I knew nothing of Fulvia previously but found her story incredibly fascinating.
Fulvia was way beyond her time, smart, strong and powerful even though women were not meant to carry these traits in this time period.
I really liked reading this book and would definitely read another by this author in the future.
Born in a time and place where women have no power, they could not make change, Fulvia still wanted to have an influence. To perform her family duty, to marry, Fulvia insisted on a move from country, Etruscan, to the city, Rome. A powerful move for someone of her gender. She needed to marry into a powerful family, with a dowry that would entice many.
Clodius, a young senator, was just what she needed. Someone with a little ambition, not afraid to speak up, but not entirely with direction. A powerful couple they would make, so she enticed him and to her pleasure they married. With her behind him, he was set for greatness, if only he could tame is silly side.
Struggle, hardship, betrayal and power, all here. Fulvia was beyond her years in ambition and made great change via her husband, from his side.
A powerful read, very enjoyable, thank you Kaarina Parker, Echo Publishing & Beauty & Lace for the opportunity to review this read.