Review: The Silver Pigs

The Silver Pigs by Lindsey Davis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Narrated by: Donal Donnelly. This series was narrated by Donal Donnelly in the US & later by Christian Rodska. Rodska did the British version. Oh yes, just to add to the mix, several of the first books in the series were recorded in full cast for BBC Radio 4.

REVIEW OF SERIES
Lindsey Davis wrote The Silver Pigs (Marcus Didius Falco Series #1) in 1989 and it is one of my favorite books. I fell in love with Marcus Didius Falco many years ago and the love affair still exists today. He is funny, witty, smart, irreverent, kind, compassionate, and according to Justinia he's a good lover. What's not to love about him. I love his dog Nux, too! Oh yes, he's the best informer(detective) in 70 AD Rome even though Anacrites (sneaky, whiny Bas**rd) thinks he is. Anacrites, is Falco's rival, Vespasian's Chief Spy,a sneaky, whiny Bas**rd & someone you can love to hate. When Falco gets together with his side kick Petronius things really get crazy. Poor Helena Justina. You can imagine what it's like when old army buddies get together. Even though Petro is a Roman Guard now, he moonlights for Falco; sometimes for the excitement and other times because they just don't pay Guards what they should for all they go through.

So when looking over my audiobooks a few weeks ago and seeing this book I'd decided to have another listen. I just want to see if it is as good as the first time I visited with Falco and his cohorts in ancient Rome. This series must have made an impression on me because it's been at least 10 years since I last read this book...probably longer and I remember everyone. But I have to admit that the last book in the series (#20) may have helped. However, there have been many books under the bridge (so to speak) since I've last read this one. So I'll give it another listen in the next few days and tell you if everything is as good as I remember. Overall, this series is one I would recommend to everyone. If you hated history in school, you will come away with an appreciation of it. Davis makes history come to life.


Review of The Silver Pigs
"Wherever Falco ventures, chaos is sure to follow." [b:Shadows in Bronze|972533|Shadows in Bronze (Marcus Didius Falco, #2)|Lindsey Davis|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1217303768s/972533.jpg|1331067]

The Silver Pigs is more than a murder mystery. It has elements of political intrigue, history, sarcastic comedy and love. The thing I liked most about this book is the author telling everything about Falco's life. It doesn't just show his ability as an informer (detective) but his entire life warts and all. Lindsey Davis breathed life into Marcus Didius Falco. I share the idea of seeing the humorous side of life that she presents so I really related to the entire series.

Here is just one scene where Falco and the senator's daughter are being chased and they duck into a shady place/bar?:

"Hades we were followed." "Fine pickle you've lured me into here." A phalanx of bulky shapes came sliding in through the entrance behind us with ominous intent. Protests from the doorman indicated they had not paid his fee. Once they laid hands on us they were not intending to stay. My companion muttered to her new friend, "This clown is crossing his legs. Is there a..." "Out the back, dear." "Come on Falco, I'll take you." She pulled me straight across the floor show. Hardly anyone noticed. Those that did thought we were part of it and for one ludicrous moment we were. A writhing young amazon with no sense of direction backed into Helena's arms. She passed her to me like an unwanted bread roll. I gave the girl a smacking kiss, regretted it. She tasted of sweat & garlic only to be born when you taste of the same. Then I positioned her tidily on the nearest table where she disappeared under the lecherous clutch of a group of happy Corsicans who could not believe their luck. Rival foreign parties roared with jealousy. The table toppled over pulling down a curtain to reveal some citizens' white backside rising like the moon goddess as he did his anxious duty by a maiden of the house. The poor rabbit froze in mid-thrust, then went into eclipse. A cheer went up. Helena giggled. "Hail & Farewell." By now, outraged stokers and stevedores were swaying to their feet ready to spar with anyone and not caring why. The monkey had bitten into an apple while waiting until he was wanted. I clicked my fingers above his head, snatched the apple as he looked up, then drew back my arm like a javelin thrower to hurl the fruit at the gang who followed us in. Bearing his teeth he lept into their midst biting anyone who's face he could reach. Helena Justina had found a low doorway. She ducked me out into the back alley before I could gasp. We never even had a drink. Well people don't go to a brothel for a drink...

I could see that scene in my mind and laughed until tears came.
The story unfolded a little too slowly for my taste, but it also put down the long roots need for the series to have depth. Just like a strong tree has deep roots, this series has details that make it a strong story. This is not a book of instant gratification but one that gives lasting memories. I stand by my review of a 4 rating. I'd love to have the Christian Rodska version for comparison.





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