A Thorny Path — Volume 12

"A Thorny Path — Volume 12" by Georg Ebers is a historical fiction novel set in Ancient Rome that portrays a time of cruelty, payback, and the search for romance during devastating times. It mainly highlights Emperor Caracalla's rule and the results of his hostile deeds in Alexandria, investigating the lives of characters connected to the emperor. Caracalla deals with the results of a massacre he commands in anger, costing many Alexandrians their lives. As the story progresses, the reader witnesses Caracalla's slide into insanity caused by guilt and fear, along with Melissa's experiences as she is trapped in political chaos and suffering. The story combines Melissa's journey towards faith and healing, as well as her love for Alexander, and concludes with ideas of forgiveness and optimism despite hopelessness. The clear portrayal of the characters' feelings and their struggles against historical events leads to a captivating experience that connects with the complexity of being a person and morality.