“Amora by Grant Hallstrom is historical fiction about a noblewoman who inspired Justin Martyr’s petition to the Roman Senate. The story is set in the time when King Marcus Aurelius ruled Rome.
In the first chapter, we are brought straight to the scene of Amora preparing to be executed by Rome. The story takes us to the happiest moment in Amora and Leo’s lives. Amora is a gorgeous and graceful bride. She’s overjoyed on her wedding day, enjoying all the grand festivities her father has arranged. Leo is also ecstatic and is enjoying all the festivities, but he’s enjoying his new bride and her attitude even more. Both Leo and Amora dream of a prosperous, happy, and loving marriage without knowing the hardships they might face. The first of these hardships comes to Amora when her choices differ from those of the great Rome. This choice drives a rift between the happy couple, Amora and her friends, and Amora and all in her social class. And Amora is strengthened as a mother even more after this. But how much would her resolve be able to bear without breaking down? Or would there be a way for Amora to find peace? Read this fascinating historical fiction to find out more.
Grant Hallstrom did an excellent job fleshing out these historical characters to give us an overall account of how Rome and its society at that time worked. And how Christians were treated at this time. The author did a great job of carrying his message of peace and forgiveness to the reader through the story. I personally think Leo and Esteban had more to do with getting the message through to the reader than Amora. Esteban, who had been neglected and mistreated by his father and others, learning to forgive and be peaceful with them even at a young age was heartwarming for me.
Hallstrom has done an excellent job of showing multiple perspectives from different social classes in Rome. Through Antonio, we get to see the perspectives of a male slave, a gladiator, a man determined to buy his own freedom from slavery, and the front line of war during that time.
This story contains a multitude of themes that most readers can enjoy in one way or another. Vengeance, forgiveness, love, war, history, and religion are a few of the themes combined in the story. The story contains a strong message about forgiveness, finding peace, and everyone being equal in the eyes of God. And how vengeance could destroy lives while forgiveness heals the soul.
What I liked the most about the book was how the author seemed to have done extensive research about this specific time period in Rome. The fine details about the workings of Rome’s social class, politics, gladiator’s lives, slave’s lives, and war all seem to be very accurate. It was very captivating to read these details about ancient Rome. And I also liked the realistic characters in the book. There was absolutely nothing I disliked about the book.
Considering I didn’t find any errors in my reading, I’d say the book is exceptionally well-edited. And since I have nothing negative to say about the book, I would rate Amora 5 out of 5 stars. I would recommend this one to fans of historical fiction and enthusiasts of ancient Rome. Readers who love romance would love the book as well.”
5 out of 5 stars
by MissFJ
