The Song of Antinous

Love & Obsession in the Time of Hadrian

Review 1: “Superbly captures the decadence & power of Rome that Antinous steers through armed with his wit, charm and enduring values. Enthralling roller-coaster read.”
The novel narrates the trials and tribulations of a boy plucked out of obscurity into the stratospheric heights of Roman power and glory. Antinous must deal with adolescent angst while steering through the intrigue and powerplay of the imperial court. His destiny reaches its singularity moment when he is subsumed into the sacred waters of the Nile.
Sensitive readers may find portions of the narrative unsettling.
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The Roman Empire in the time of Emperor Hadrian is at the height of its power. A brilliant administrator, a strategic military leader and a wanderlust, he travelled the far corners of the empire to enhance its development and empower local communities.
In Bithynia it seemed that fate had spun the threads of his destiny when he interacted with a boy named Antinous. His demeanour was intelligent, resilient and perceptive when interacting with the emperor.
Antinous, with his attractive features highlighting an unblemished radiant face, almond-shaped eyes, aquiline nose and wavy locks, epitomised for Hadrian the excellent aspects of philhellenism that influenced his policies and projects.
Hadrian’s enigmatic obsession was rooted in the inclusive ideals he championed and projected by Antinous, taking the Roman Empire to greater heights.
Joseph Vera (PN) studied at the London South Bank University and the Univ of the South Pacific. He previously worked for UNDP and UNICEF. This is Vera’s first foray into ancient Greek / Roman narratives.