Margaret George thoughtfully excavates one of Rome's most infamous emperors, uncovering the man behind the legend. Carefully researched, vivid, and passionately told, this is the story of a fascinating new Nero: a sympathetic, artistic and conflicted soul struggling to navigate the vicious waters of Roman politics. -- Madeline Miller, author of The Song of Achilles
George's take on Nero is fascinating and convincing * Sunday Times *
A page-turning masterpiece, steeping us in the decadent delights of Imperial Rome and tantalizing every sense! Margaret George skillfully scrapes away the verdigris of two millennia of political propaganda, placing us deep within Nero's psyche: the reader palpably feels his stage fright, his regrets, and his ecstasy. -- Juliet Grey, author of Becoming Marie Antoinette
George's reconstruction of the man, in terms both of his public life and private character, is more than a revisiting of fact: It's a subtle exploration of identity and the insidious effects of power. . . . 'Confessions' is all about identity: How is it made, lost, reinvented? . . . Margaret George occupies that blurry space between history and fiction. And between Tacitus and Margaret George, I rather think it's George's account that is not only most sympathetic but most truthful. -- Diana Gabaldon * Washington Post *
Margaret George has an incredible talent in that she can stand in the shoes of her protagonist and speak in his or her voice. Once again, she has amazed me. I felt as if I was listening to the boy himself. It is a marvelous read, taking us from his childhood to his early 20s. And what a tale he has to tell! This is a gripping read. And as usual, the research about ancient Rome and Nero is impeccable. I can't wait for volume two, which will continue the story of a legend. -- Barbara Taylor Bradford, author of The Cavendon Luck and A Woman Of Substance
Margaret George has brought everyone's favorite ancient villain vividly to life, in a refreshing panoply of sights, smells, the rich flavors of the far-flung Roman Empire, as seen through the viewpoint of a young boy whose destiny was to become the most powerful figure in the world. A powerful insider's view of a story we thought we knew. -- Katherine Neville, New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author
Wow! Margaret George - the reigning queen of historical fiction - is back with this epic saga that vividly re-imagines the life of young Nero in all its operatic, dramatic glory. A twisted mother-son obsession, a struggle for survival, and dastardly deeds play out on a tapestry of luxury and bloodshed. In trademark style, this superb novel of imperial intrigue has it all but still leaves you longing for the sequel! -- Stephanie Dray, New York Times Bestselling Author of Lily of the Nile
Absolutely spellbinding! The magic Margaret George weaves with her latest novel, The Confessions of Young Nero, leaves the reader feeling as if they've been transported more than two thousand years into the past. Margaret George is a masterful storyteller, and every character in The Confessions of Young Nero leaps from the page. A truly wonderful read! -- Michelle Kushwaha
The Confessions of Young Nero brings compelling, sympathetic life to one of the ancient world's most notorious men: tragic, maligned Emperor Nero. Thrilling, involving storytelling that brings the ancient world to life as only Margaret George can! -- Kate Quinn, author of Lady of the Eternal City
A worthy successor to I, Claudius! Margaret George's compelling psychological portrait of Nero draws the reader deep into the whirlpool that was ancient Rome. The description of Nero is remarkable and I was shocked to find myself rooting for the much maligned Emperor. Fabulous historical detail. By itself, worth the price of admission; the fact that it is beautifully written is the bonus! -- Bob Brier, author of The Murder of Tutankhamen
Margaret George gives one of the Roman Empire's most notorious rulers the central role on a stage that is backlit by the sumptuous but bloody spectacle of Imperial Rome. Offering an intimate glimpse of a man who has for centuries been eclipsed by legend, this lavishly detailed and richly imagined novel is steeped in personal and dynastic turmoil, and is a mesmerizing portrayal of Nero's improbable rise to absolute power. -- Patricia Bracewell, author of Shadow on the Crown
A new biographical novel by Margaret George always calls for celebration! Her portrait of the young emperor Nero is vivid, imaginative, deeply researched, sympathetic yet nuanced. -- Adrienne Mayor, author of The Poison King and The Amazons
Another tour de force for Margaret George. Nero's story is a remarkable one, sure to surprise readers. Despite his bloody birthright, he would be a popular, enlightened emperor, but neither history nor Hollywood would be kind to him. Margaret George gives him the justice denied him for two thousand years. -- Sharon Kay Penman, author of A King's Ransom
With her signature style and keen eye for research, Margaret George frees Nero from lurid legend. Set against a backdrop of ancient splendor and decadence, The Confessions of young Nero is the triumphant return of one of our finest living writers of historical fiction - the engrossing tale of Nero's gradual surrender to absolute power, and his struggle to retain his soul as he becomes Imperial Rome's most notorious ruler. -- C.W. Gortner, author of The Vatican Princess
Absolutely spellbinding! The magic Margaret George weaves with her latest novel, The Confessions of Young Nero, leaves the reader feeling as if they've been transported more than two thousand years into the past. Margaret George is a masterful storyteller, and every character in The Confessions of Young Nero leaps from the page. A truly wonderful read! -- Michelle Moran
The Confessions of Young Nero is a wonderful novel, one of Margaret George's finest. Her rich, vivid descriptions and keen insight into human nature bring ancient Rome to life as only the very best historical fiction can. Readers will be enthralled from the riveting first scene to the breathtaking finale. -- Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author of Fates and Traitors and Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker
