Hadrian\'s Wall - novel

[Robert Vermaat]

I just finished the book and I must say I liked it, but not very much. For a Late Roman scenario it could have been set in the 2nd or the 3rd century (instead of 367 AD), and indeed maybe Dietrich should have done so. Unlike some scenarios which were clearly intended for the Principate, this one can with some effort be placed in the late 4th century.<br>
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I had some trouble with the Britons. they are constantly referred to as Celts, and despite allusions to past pagan practises and a single Christian, they reminded me more of the Celts from Julius Caesar than the Gaelic/Pictish tribes which we know occupied the area north of Hadrian's Wall. I very much doubt there were any druids around then anymore, and crannogs have (afaik) not been found in the Scottish lowlands either. Dietrich's 'Celts' are a bit too happy/naturalistic/idealistic for my taste, against the bitter/bad Romans. it is almost as if he pictures a modern industrial landscape (Roman Empire) vs. unspoilt green pastures and forest (Celts). Which is of course nonsense, the pre-Roman Celts knew how to farm the land and did so on a big scale.<br>
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The story leads up to what Ammianus Marcellinus coined as the 'Big Conspiracy', a concerted attack on Britain by Irish (Scotti), Atacotti, Picts, northern Britons and Anglo-Saxons. This fails sadly in the book. The dealings of one grumbling Roman commander I can accept as playing a part, but what leads to the big attack (the escaping of one hostage) is completely left in the air. When the hostage attempts to warn the Romans of the impending attack, Dietrich tells us that the Anglo-saxons from across the sea join in at once! How? Warned by phone?<br>
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All in all a nice read, but a little more study of the times, a little more details in politics, arms & armour, geography, etc., would have made this book a really good one.<br>
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6.5 out of ten.<br>
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Valete,<br>
Valerius/Robert <p></p><i></i>