Saronia A Romance of Ancient Ephesus

"Saronia" by Richard Short is a historical romance that transports readers to the ancient city of Ephesus, following the journey of a young slave named Saronia as she dreams of liberty and self-understanding amidst a world of grand temples, bustling markets, and divine worship. The novel opens by painting a vivid picture of Ephesus, rich with detail, introducing Saronia as a slave of noble bearing, weighed down by sadness, who steps into the vibrant city to perform daily tasks. Her encounters reveal a web of complicated relationships, including the brewing tension with Nika, her mistress's daughter, whose envy complicates Saronia's quest for solace and her search for meaning amid the grand design shaped by gods and mortals alike.