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Wounded in Britain whilst saving a superior-yet-useless officer, one-eyed Gaius Vinius Clodianus is a reluctant career soldier. Transferred to Rome's vigiles police force, he first meets Flavia Lucilla, a former slave turned hairdresser, when she approaches him for help as a gawky teenager. As the years pass, their paths cross and diverge almost at random but it's always clear, even if not to the parties involved, that their feelings for each other are strong. Along the way Gaius has three life-changing encounters with paranoid emperor Domitian. Fans of Davies' Falco series about a Roman private investigator will love the well-researched detail about the architecture and daily rituals of ancient Rome. But this novel isn't just for "Rome-geeks." There's political intrigue, a love story, wars, history and almost constant executions as Domitian's mental state deteriorates. Not to mention an insight into first-century hairdressing techniques and the timeless nature of salon gossip. Davies does an excellent job of depicting the interplay of personal histories and powerful external forces. Her many humorous touches contrast pleasingly with a plot twist that's almost jarring in its intensity. This is possibly the only book in history with a chapter that uses a house fly to give an insight into the mental state of a key character. Indeed, as hinted at by the cover picture, flies have cameo roles throughout. Although damaged by his experiences, Gaius is an appealing man. He's honest, cheerful, self-aware and stoic in difficult circumstances. As the baby of the family, his two much older brothers are always there to help him out with his marital arrangements, however misguided. Flavia Lucilla too shows great strength in adversity. She's had to learn to look after herself from an early age but does so with courage, charisma and charm. As outside forces intervene, it's hard not to become wrapped up in the fortunes of this unusual pair. Just one quibble regarding prose that is otherwise a delight to read – an unusual use of italics to show characters' unspoken thoughts sometimes seemed to break up the flow of the story, but aside from that, MASTER AND GOD is a historical political thriller love-story with comedy touches – only the pickiest of readers could want for more. And lovers of fly literature will be in heaven. § Lisa Kahlua is a writer based in Bristol. She enjoys reading a wide range of fiction, as long as it's not too gruesome.
Reviewed by Lisa Kahlua, February 2012
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