4.5 out of 5.0 - Mask of Romulus

• "Mask of Romulus" is an ambitious fusion of grand historical narrative with intimate character study

  
  

• A significant work

  
  

• 4.5 / 5.0"

"Mask of Romulus" by Mark Jamilkowski is a work of historical fiction set in the 1st century BC that weaves together the stories of two prominent figures from the ancient world: grand nephew of Julius Caesar- Imperator Caesar Augustus formerly known as Octavian and Kamala, the oracle and seer of Ujjain India whose visions are said to have led her to the courts of the most powerful man on earth.

''A sharp pain coursed through Caius’ body. He wanted to curl into

a ball. He felt rage, a seething hatred like lava that flowed through

his veins. It coursed up his spine, becoming his very being. It was

more than the indignation of being beaten physically... It was a

physical manifestation of the lack of control he despised, the lack

of faith in a fate he felt waited for him...Caius could not move

except to writhe his legs and flail his arms in defiance. Tears and

frustration transformed his brilliant blue eyes into something else,

something terrifying... “Stay in the dirt where you belong,” Paulus

said, his tone mocking. “You father was nothing, you will be nothing."

This passage depicts a critical scene in the life of Octavian. It reveals a moment of humiliation that left a lasting psychological wound and that also served as a catalyst to his weakness' conversion into a cold, enduring and vengeful resolve. Here, Jamilkowski uses visceral and elemental language "sharp pain" "taste of blood" "dirt-caked face" which grounds his experience in raw immediate sensation, that makes the reader feel his physical

helplessness. He also uses metaphors "seething hatred like lava" to illustrate the kind of anger that as rising within him destructive and born of immense internal pressure. Externally, Octavian is pinned and writhing while internally he is a volcano of "seething hatred." This is a stark contrast that beautifully highlights the secret power he is cultivating in his powerlessness.

"Many claimed to be born under the sign of the comet, but across

the kingdom only Kamala was verified to have been born at the

precise moment the comet appeared. The auspicious omen both

amused and concerned her parents, their initial dismissal of Arijit

and his forecast notwithstanding."

This passage reveals Kamala not just as a special child but as a uniquely destined individual whose life is framed as one guided by a celestial omen. Here, Jamilkowski introduces what is central to her character- a divine appointment and purpose. His decision to use the word "verified" is brilliant and introduces a sense of objective. Additionally, his use of the conjunction "but" in the first part of the sentence creates a powerful syntactic pivot that

dismisses popular claims to establish an undeniable truth.

“You are the most precious gift I can give to Augustus.

Sending you to him emphasizes how critical and important this

request is He will learn to rely on your visions and abilities, as

I have...The Parthian monopoly on trade with the east cuts into

their profits. The Romans are the wealthiest trading partners for

them, so more trade with Rome and more through Alexandria suits their

purposes. I am taking advantage of their eagerness and monetary

interests to achieve a much grander goal." “Who will go with me?”

Kamala’s voice was almost a whisper.

This passage is a headliner- the moment the central mission of Kamala's storyline gets revealed. Jamilkowski choice of word here is strategic, informative and deeply personal, creating contrast between political necessity and human cost. "Most precious gift"

contrasts with "gift" which not only transforms Kamala from a person to an item that will be used to transact. "Critical and important" underscores the state's desperation and "much

grander goal" elevates the mission beyond mere trade. The structure brings out a powerful but jarring sequence, that captures a declaration, a justification and lastly, a muted, human

response. It raises the stakes, sets the stage for the climax of an entire cross-continental journey all while forcing the reader to start fearing for her dignity and future.

"Mask of Romulus" by Mark Jamilkowski finds its significance in its ambitious fusion of grand historical narrative with intimate character study which moves it away from the traditional boundaries of its genre. It insists that the story of Rome is incomplete without understanding its place in a wider world and that the figures we see as marble icons were once vulnerable, complex people whose choices were shaped by personal pain, cultural context, and encounters with other great civilizations. It is undoubtedly a significant work because it aims not just to entertain, but to expand the reader's understanding of the past and reflect on the enduring nature of power, destiny, and human connection.

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