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Roman Dusk (A Novel Of Saint Germaine) by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
01/03/2007 . Source: Joules Taylor 
pub: TOR/Forge. 352 page hardback. Price: $27.95 (US), $37.95 (CAN). ISBN: 0-765-31391-X. Buy Roman Dusk in the USA - or Buy Roman Dusk in the UK  check out website: www.tor-forge.com www.tor-forge.com and www.ChelseaQuinnYarbro.net www.ChelseaQuinnYarbro.net
'In the third century, Rome is crumbling. The child-emperor, Heliogabalus, diverts the Roman populace with parties, circuses and celebrations, while his mother and grandmother jockey for power behind the scenes. The government is riddled with scandal, and no business is conducted without bribes, which grow ever larger. Religions joust for prominence, with factions of Christians seeking to overthrow the ancient Roman pantheon...' (jacket blurb)
In 'Roman Dusk', Saint Germain - here calling himself Ragoczy Germainus Sanct-Franciscus - returns to Rome, about 150 years after being driven from it at the end of the time of Nero (that story is recounted in the book 'Blood Games'). It's now 218 CE and Heliogabalus is about to become the new emperor, much to the silent disgust of all traditional Romans. Saint Germain is, as usual, operating as a foreign merchant in the city, trading mainly fabrics, spices and dyes. He has business dealings with his friend, the patrician Septimus Desiderius Vulpius, and is treating the ill widowed harridan Adicia while trying to reassure and encourage her down-trodden daughter, Ignatia.
His need for blood and intimacy is satisfied by the high-class prostitute Melidulci, who knows what he is and accepts him willingly. Life would be relatively serene, except for two people: Telemachus Batsho, a decuria (civil servant) who has taken a deep dislike to the vampire, and Octavian, the fourteen year-old son of Adicia, who has become a fanatical Christian.
There are three particular aspects of human culture that Chelsea Quinn Yarbro brings to the fore in her 'Saint Germain' novels: human greed and betrayal, religion and the behaviour it provokes, and the status of women in society. Sad to say, the denigration of the latter often has much to do with religion, especially when the Christians enter the scene. Also, sad to say, all are in the main, very depressing.
Batsho is a perfect example of the minor functionary with dreams of power, who is more than willing to use threat, bribery and blackmail to achieve his aims, especially if it means the downfall of a person who makes him feel inferior, whether noble-born Roman or foreigner.
Saint Germain's situation is made more complicated when Ignatia, weary of the unreasonable demands and vicious words of her rapidly-worsening mother, finds herself falling in love with the vampire and his feeling deep affection in return.
Their intimacy proves a wonderful and well-deserved pleasure for her until Octavian, who is a thoroughly nasty little brat who does nothing but spend time with his Christian friends, interrupts them. His particular brand of Christianity is represented by zealots, who care nothing for the law, or for love and compassion: 'Property and lives are nothing in the face of the return of the Redeemer, which is fast coming upon us.... 'It is unfortunate that some must endure agony for the salvation of all, but Christ did that for us, and those who emulate Him will be with Him in Heaven.' (p 321)
They've already beaten Melidulci, leaving her scarred and have been setting fires to destroy property they view as harbouring evil, regardless of the risk to the lives of those within them.
The adoration and devotion Saint Germain gifts to those he loves isn't always enough to lift the story out of bleak despondency, even with the very satisfying note of justice at the end of this book. Chelsea Quinn Yarbro goes to extraordinary and much appreciated lengths to ensure the accuracy of her works. Reading the 'Saint Germain' novels provides an intriguing glimpse into the various historical periods on which she writes. Which makes it all the more disheartening that despite the advances in culture, technology and overall understanding of the world over the last four thousand years, little has changed when it comes to the humans who blight the planet.
An essential addition to any 'Saint Germain' collection and a fascinating read. My only criticism would be that the language is a little stilted, but not unbearably so. The attention to detail and the extremely handy gazetteer and glossary at the back more than make up for any awkwardness.
Joules Taylor
http://www.wavewrights.com
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