There had been a time – he was not sure
when, but he knew there had been one – when the head of a Roman household had
enjoyed absolute power as well as ultimate responsibility. When orders were obeyed without question. When women were grateful to be protected –
grateful, indeed, not to be left on the rubbish heap at birth – and happy to be
married off whenever and to whomever the family deemed appropriate. When a decent man could keep his household in
order by threatening them not only with a sound beating but with execution.
He
had to concede that the beheading of unruly relatives seemed a little harsh,
but obviously one would exercise discretion.
(from Persona Non
Grata, by Ruth Downie)
8½*/10. The full review is here.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment