Mini Review: The Daughters of Palatine Hill by Phyllis T. Smith

“Sometimes the most direct road is not the best one. Often men do not know this, but it is something girls learn young.” ― Phyllis T. Smith, The Daughters of Palatine Hill

4.5 *****

I don't know why it took me this long to read The Daughters of Palatine Hill after I read and enjoyed I Am Livia by the same author, but I am glad I finally did! I recently visited Rome and as we walked on the Palatine Hill and forum, I thought I wanted to read some historical fiction about this city. The Daughters of Palatine Hill delivered a thoughtful, informative and creative story about three women and their lives in Rome during the reign of Augustus. Smith elegantly weaves fiction and fact to create a compelling story, and by the time I finished, I felt sad to let go of these intriguing characters. My only niggle is that I listened to the audiobook and the narrator who voiced Selene was just a bit grating. That being said, I really enjoyed this book and am happy to recommend it!