Robert Harris Publishes Agrippa, a Fictional Memoir

Robert Harris has released his latest novel, "Agrippa," a fictional memoir presented from the perspective of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, the trusted right-hand man to Octavius, who would later become Emperor Augustus. This narrative delves into the tumultuous period of ancient Rome, spanning from the civil wars and the assassination of Julius Caesar to the pivotal Battle of Actium and Octavius's subsequent deification as Caesar Augustus. The novel aims to shed light on the often-overlooked figure of Agrippa, a man described by Harris as "effective co-ruler of the Roman world for many years" and "the greatest general of the period." Despite his crucial role in Octavius's rise to power, Agrippa left behind a sparse historical record, with Harris noting that Agrippa "left behind no speeches, few letters and only a couple of sentences of direct quotation." The book suggests that Octavius himself may have deliberately minimized Agrippa's contributions in historical accounts, with only two passing mentions found in the "Res Gestae Divi Augusti." "Agrippa" promises to explore the intense political maneuvering, betrayals, and rivalries that characterized this era of Roman history. Readers familiar with Harris's previous works, including his trilogy on Cicero and his novel set in Pompeii, will find a continuation of his engagement with Roman history. The novel introduces prominent historical figures such as Cicero, Fulvia, Lepidus, and a robust portrayal of Mark Antony, whom Harris describes as resembling "a statue of Hercules with a club in one hand, a wineskin in the other." The narrative structure as a fictional memoir allows Harris to reconstruct Agrippa's experiences and insights, providing a unique lens through which to view the consolidation of power by Octavius. The book's focus on Agrippa's perspective aims to rebalance the historical narrative, highlighting the indispensable support he provided to Octavius during a period of immense upheaval and conflict. The novel's exploration of power dynamics and personal ambition is set against the backdrop of major historical events, offering a compelling portrait of rivalry and influence in ancient Rome. Harris's meticulous research and narrative skill are expected to bring this complex historical period and its key figures to life for contemporary readers.