Honest review of The Demands of Rome

Elizabeth Schoffen's The Demands of Rome plunges readers into the opulent yet corrupt heart of ancient Rome, a time of both spiritual aspiration and ruthless ambition. The novel weaves together the lives of historical and fictional characters, exploring their struggles with loyalty, betrayal, and the immense pressures exerted by the Church and the ruling elite. Schoffen masterfully portrays the clash between personal desires and societal expectations, revealing the inner conflicts arising from the era's powerful religious and political forces. Through vivid descriptions and richly developed characters, The Demands of Rome offers a compelling narrative that seamlessly blends historical exploration with a thought-provoking examination of faith and morality during a pivotal period in European history.

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3.7 / 8 ratings

Review The Demands of Rome

Let me tell you about my experience reading Elizabeth Schoffen's The Demands of Rome. It's a fascinating, albeit frustrating, book. The description promises a sweeping historical novel exploring the complexities of faith, power, and ambition in Rome, and it delivers on that promise to a degree. Schoffen paints a vivid picture of the era, the opulence and the corruption, the clash between spiritual ideals and earthly desires. Her descriptions are rich, and she breathes life into her characters, both historical and fictional, making them feel real and relatable despite the distance in time. I appreciated how the novel wove together the personal struggles of individuals with the larger historical context of the Church and Roman politics. It's clearly a work of passion, a deep dive into a period she clearly understands and cares deeply about.

However, the book's biggest drawback, and the source of my frustration, is its abruptness. The narrative feels strangely disjointed. It jumps right in without much preamble; there’s no introduction to orient the reader, no clear explanation of the main character's background or motivations. This lack of context left me feeling adrift, struggling to connect fully with the story. The author's eventual departure from her faith and community is presented almost as an afterthought, a sudden shift that felt unearned given the lack of build-up. It’s as if a crucial chapter, the one explaining the why behind this monumental decision, is missing. The influence of human politics on her faith is mentioned, but not explored in sufficient depth to feel truly impactful. This lack of depth is particularly disappointing given the potential for a powerful and insightful exploration of this theme.

It struck me how closely Ms. Schoffen's struggles with the Catholic hierarchy at the turn of the 20th century mirrored those of women religious in later decades. The themes of misunderstanding one's role within the Church, the feeling of being stifled and unheard, resonate strongly with accounts from much more recent times. It's a poignant and frustrating parallel, highlighting the persistence of certain systemic issues within the institution. It’s a pity, though, that her narrative focuses so heavily on the recrimination, the sense of injustice she felt. While her feelings are understandable, this emphasis overshadows the more compelling aspects of her story.

In essence, The Demands of Rome feels like a collection of compelling scenes and insightful observations framed within a somewhat underdeveloped narrative. It reads almost like a series of sketches rather than a fully realized novel. While the book offers a glimpse into a fascinating historical period and the internal conflicts of a woman grappling with her faith, the lack of a proper introduction and the abruptness of key plot points prevents it from reaching its full potential. It's a book of complaints, yes, but a book of complaints infused with moments of historical richness and personal revelation. The price point accurately reflects its length and scope – it's a relatively short read, and one feels that it could have benefited greatly from further development and a more carefully constructed narrative arc.

Information

• Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.36 x 8.5 inches
• Language: English
• Print length: 143
• Publication date: 2024

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