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Title: I Am Livia

Author: Phyllis T. Smith

Narrator: Joyce Bean

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-01-14

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 373 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Her life would be marked by scandal and suspicion, worship and adoration.

At the tender age of 14, Livia Drusilla overhears her father and fellow aristocrats plotting the assassination of Julius Caesar. Proving herself an astute confidante, she becomes her fathers chief political asset - and reluctantly enters into an advantageous marriage to a prominent military officer. Her mother tells her, "It is possible for a woman to influence public affairs," reminding Livia that - while she possesses a keen sense for the machinations of the Roman senate - she must also remain patient and practical.

But patience and practicality disappear from Livias mind when she meets Caesars heir, Octavianus. At only 18, he displays both power and modesty. A young wife by that point, Livia finds herself drawn to the golden-haired boy. In time, his fortunes will rise as Livias family faces terrible danger. But her sharp intellect - and her heart - will lead Livia to make an unbelievable choice - one that will give her greater sway over Rome than she could have ever foreseen.

Members Reviews:

If you loved I, CLAUDIUS. You'll love this book!

I'm a huge fan of I, Cladius and Claudius the God by Robert Graves. So, when I heard about this book, I was really excited.

It is written in the same manner as Robert Graves' books. But, this time Livia gets her say.

GREAT BOOK! I recommend it to all historical fiction fans.

Shallow, dull.

This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

This might be good for a 13 year old girl who wants a romance with a little history thrown in to give it a plot and motives for the characters. The book covers only her life at about 15, and then pretty much ends after a few years of being Empress with Octavian. Insipid characterizations. No feeling of being in Rome.

What was most disappointing about Phyllis T. Smiths story?

How shallow Livia and Octavian are. Like 16 year olds.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

It was all right, given the material.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from I Am Livia?

So much with her first husband and her very early years with Octavius, with no development of her subsequent life where, indeed, lots of people died who interfered with her.

Any additional comments?

No.

I wanted to like it

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No, the two hours I spent with this book are lost forever.

What didnt you like about Joyce Beans performance?

The narration is a performance, not a reading. Children's voices are squeaky, men's voices are gravelly, and the narrator's voice is flat. There's a weird pause before "he said" or "I replied" almost every time (probably so the reader can adjust her voice). There's a strange rhythmic pattern to the sentences: two are read on a rising tone, one on a falling tone, and one is flat. Rinse and repeat.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Depending on the casting, yes I would.

Any additional comments?

I wanted to like this, I really did. But after two hours, I knew It was a waste of time.

Wonderful book . . .

Wonderfully written. Beautifully narrated.