Robert Harris’s Agrippa: A fascinating but not gripping read

Robert Harris's latest novel, Agrippa, offers a compelling look at the Roman general's life as Octavius's right-hand man and closest friend. Narrated in the form of Agrippa's memoirs, the book spans from Julius Caesar's assassination to Octavius's rise to power. Harris focuses on the tension between Agrippa's warrior instincts and his engineering prowess, capturing the relentless nature of the era's politics and warfare.

While history buffs may appreciate the detailed portrayals of key figures and events, general readers might find the prose less engaging due to its restrained, journalistic style.