Changes

I enjoy the plots – and the book is stuffed full of plot - but for me , it's the characters that make the novels: Falco is his usual dry-witted, slightly world-weary self with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time – or at least, most of the time. Behind every man is a better woman and in this case , it's Falco's wife, the inimitable Helena Justina, currently on a mission to see the seven wonders of the world, including the Pharos at Alexandria – which has an important role to play in the novel, and the Pyramids at Giza, although as the action hots up in Alexandria, will they ever make it that far? Then there's Helena's brother Aulus, undertaking studies at the library and from time to time helping Falco out, Falco's uncle Fulvius (the one they never talk about) providing accommodation and a number of shady dealings, and Falco's father, who was forbidden to come. So naturally , he turns up. There's a lot of bickering, plenty of hurt feelings, short romantic interludes – invariably interrupted - and surprises round around every corner.

Then there's the cast for the action: the Library has its own share of scholars, some more dusty dustier than others: sycophantic lawyers, astronomers of few words, a zookeeper with a full and busy zoo, and students who, of course, are doing many things, although studying is rarely one of them. It's a mark of Davis' writing that she can make the ancient world seem perfectly familiar, from grumbling about being a tourist to the travails of family, in a way that blends in seamlessly with the weight of historical detail (and historical liberties, also). It all adds up to a joyous romp through the streets of ancient Alexandria, with a good helping of cynicism to keep events spiced up.

Further reading suggestion: Fans of fiction set in Roman times might also like to check out Simon Scarrow's [[Centurion (Roman Legion 8) by Simon Scarrow|books]]. It's a different time frame, but the same location: you might enjoy [[Beneath a Burning Sky by Jenny Ashcroft]].