Persona Non Grata

A Novel of the Roman Empire

By: Ruth Downie

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 10 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

At long last, Gaius Petreius Ruso and his companion, Tilla, are headed home - to Gaul. Having received a note consisting only of the words "COME HOME!" Ruso has (reluctantly, of course) pulled up stakes and brought Tilla to meet his family. But the reception there is not what Ruso has hoped for: no one will admit to sending for him, and his brother Lucius is hoping he'll leave.

With Tilla getting icy greetings from his relatives, Lucius's brother-in-law mysteriously drowned at sea, and the whole Ruso family teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, it's hard to imagine an unhappier reunion. That is, until Severus, the family's chief creditor, winds up dead, and the real trouble begins.

Engrossing, intricate, and - as always - wonderfully comic, Ruth Downie's latest is a brilliant new installment in this irresistible series. This is everything we've come to expect from our charming, luckless hero.

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend us your ears: listen to another Novel of the Roman Empire.

©2009 Ruth Downie (P)2009 Tantor

Critic reviews

"This lively sequel to Medicus and Terra Incognita continues Downie's delightful historical series.... Highly recommended." ( Library Journal)

Great Series

I loved the 3 books in this series. They are very entertaining, great characters and light mysteries in each book. This series is a delightful read, and the narration is terrific. I highly recommend.

My favorite of the first three books of the series

What made the experience of listening to Persona Non Grata the most enjoyable?

The narrator could not be better suited for this book. Peerless.

Any additional comments?

Of the first three novels in this series, this one is my favorite. It has a fiendishly complicated cast of characters. I suggest jotting down the names as they apoear in the storyline.

better and better

this is the third Medicus book I've read and each has been a winner. historically and medically fascinating with plenty of plot tension and humor to keep you going far into the night. glad I have more to go.

Fun

I really enjoyed this audio book. Fun story, Russo and Tilla are complex and interesting characters.

The Best Ruso Book To Date

As a fan of Lindsey Davis and Stephen Saylor, I am thrilled to have found Ruth Downie. In her third book featuring Roman medicus during the reign of Hadrian, she takes it to the next level. The first two books were enjoyable, but this volume is in an entirely different league. The change of setting from Roman Britain to Transalpine Gaul (modern Provence), takes Ruso into the bosom of his very dysfunctional family (who had been alluded to in previous books). While it's possible to read this book as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend reading the books in order in order to appreciate the characters' histories and development. I have a background in Classical History, and while I won't pretend there aren't some anachronistic elements, I was impressed by how much research Ms. Downie must have done to recreate the period. Unlike the more free-thinking Falco of Lindsey Davis's books, Ruso seems more a product of his era and culture.

Humorous and Witty, Delightful Narration

This fun historical mystery novel comes alive with Simon Vance's narration. Ruth Downie's writing puts a sometimes amusing face on life in the Roman Empire despite its darker aspects. Downie created engaging characters with distinct personalities and a decent mystery plot. Honestly though, I enjoyed the characters and their dryly humorous interactions well highlighted by the stellar narration so much that the plot felt more like a side show. A very pleasant listen.

Inspector Gamache does the Roman Empire

Wasn't quite sure what to expect and purchased this book based on the reviews.
Interesting story line and learned about Roman history in the process.

Well worth the wait!

I tend to listen to non-fiction more than fiction, but I am thoroughly engaged by these novels.

I have (via their websites) nagged both Ms. Downie and Mr. Vance about the release of the audio version of her latest Ruso novel. It is well worth the wait! I enjoy this series so very much -- I have listened to Medicus and Terra Incognita many times.

I find the protagonists delightfully drawn, and the secondary characters unique and very engaging.
I missed Albanus in this one, though...his eagerness and simplicity are a wonderful foil for Ruso's cynicism and weariness.

The environmental background is delightfully portrayed. I felt the dry heat of southern Gaul and, with Tilla, found myself wishing for the cool, moist air of Britannia. Her conclusions about the nature of "civilization" are spot on.

Mr. Vance's narration is a perfect match for these characters. I can't imagine anyone else doing Ruso. He captures Ruso's gruff manner as well as his well-hidden empathy and heart. In this book he gives well-nuanced voice to the new characters introduced into Ruso's world. I especially enjoyed the tone of his interpretation of Marcia, Ruso's half-sister. He gives her just the right touch of adolescent whining, pouting and rebellion!

"Gods above!" I rate this as a 5 for sheer enjoyment.

Simon Vance is great!!!

If you could sum up Persona Non Grata in three words, what would they be?

Enjoyable listen - and funny too!

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

Simon Vance does a beautiful job covering all of the voices. He keeps a perfect cadence in his reading ... never rushing it but always drawing out the situational ironies (which Ruth Downie does so beautifully).

fun but obvious -- like a good bowl of popcorn

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

more complex characters

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

smooth , very good tone and pacing

Did Persona Non Grata inspire you to do anything?

you are kidding, right?!

Any additional comments?

does what it does well -- and then you are done. snack food with some historical seasoning thrown in.