The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
Counting the Stars, By Helen Dunmore
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Catullus was early Rome’s most revered and reviled poet. From the first page of this intriguing new novel about his love affair with the woman whose identity he encoded as “Lesbia”, Helen Dunmore captures vividly both the poet’s tone and the heightened, overheated world of Julius Caesar’s Rome.
Catullus is a frustrated man. His beloved, Clodia Metelli, is married to one of the most powerful men in Rome, and has no intention of giving her inamorato any more than a few hours a week. It’s also a moot point whether she loves anyone or anything more than her pet sparrow. In Rome’s sultry heat, Catullus’s lovelorn angst and jealousy assume dangerous proportions.
There are a few jarring anachronisms, such as “Turkey” for Asia Minor. And however fascinating those whose affections blow hot and cold may be in reality, they don’t wear well in fiction. Clodia is no exception. But the supporting cast of canny slaves, witty friends and obliging poisoners provides the novel with much of its psychological weight, and the translations of the poems often evince a wonderful delicacy: “your golden feet – / lift them over the threshold / with bright omens.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments