A Thorny Path — Volume 09

"A Thorny Path — Volume 09" by Georg Ebers is a historical fiction that unfolds in the Roman Empire, probably penned in the late 1800s. The story investigates love, allegiance, and schemes during ancient Alexandria, showing how individual relationships are changed according to political and social things, especially near the debatable ruler, Caracalla. In this part, the main people deal with what happens because Caracalla likes Melissa, making Alexandria very unstable. Melissa's brother, Alexander, has feelings of sadness and fault and feels distant from everyone because he seems linked to the ruler. Also, stress increases in the city when people respond to a royal order that makes Melissa take on a public job. As the story continues, relationships break and friendships are tested, finishing in a thrilling and politically charged show at the Amphitheater that mixes personal risks with the wider confusion of Roman rule. The characters' actions show how badly they want respect and freedom when faced with the unfair control of the empire.