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The Course of Honour

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The Course of Honour

By: Lindsey Davis
Narrated by: Diana Bishop
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He has no money, no reputation and no famous ancestors.' The love story of the Emperor Vespasian, who brought peace to Rome after years of strife, and his mistress, the freed slave woman Caenis, this book recreates Ancient Rome's most turbulent period - the reigns of Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero and Vespasian's rise to power.

As their forbidden romance blossoms, Caenis is embroiled in political intrigue, while Vespasian embarks on a glorious career. Years pass, then Vespasian risks all in the climactic struggle for power - bringing hope for Rome, but a threat to the relationship that has endured for so long.

©1997 Lindsey Davis (P)2014 Audible Studios Crime Fiction Historical Fiction Mystery Fiction Crime Ancient History Rome
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This is a superb story, touching and beautifully written, but rather spoilt by the narrator who although good, sounds about 80 (she was in Coronation Street in 1964!). It's still well worth a listen, but hearing the protagonist, a young girl for much of the early part of the book sounding like your grandma does rather spoil the atmosphere. It needs and deserves a new version!

Superb story, but poor narration

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Loved this story it fits in perfectly as a back drop to the Falco stories and brings a time in history clearly in to focus.

Great listen

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Very well researched and crafted dramatic rendering of a fascinating period of Roman history.This expands on the period in which many of her books are set. Beautifully narrated. Not my usual cup of tea but I found it un-putdownable.

Excellent

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I first heard this over 10 years ago and have read and listened many times since. It is just one of the best written love stories I've come across. Fitting well with the record of history, it brings one of Rome's great characters to vivid life as well as giving a believable voice to his lady love.
It also taught me my Emperors down to Domitian.
Whether you'll be as taken with it we'll have to see!

excellent love story

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I have just finished The Couse of Honour for the third time. I also finished it in flood of tears for the third time. The two main characters are strongly drawn as real people. I respect Diana Bishop for her ability as a writer and for the amount of research she has put into this book.

The best book I ever had from Audible.

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