Host Kirti Mutatkar continues KBC (Kirti's Book Club) with Pranav Mutatkar to discuss John Williams' "Augustus" - a Pulitzer Prize-winning historical fiction novel about Rome's first emperor told through letters and documents.
About the Book
Augustus by John Williams follows the life of Octavius (later Emperor Augustus) through an epistolary structure of letters, documents, and correspondence. The novel humanizes the legendary first Roman Emperor, showing his rise to power, personal relationships, and the burden of leadership. Rather than traditional narrative, readers discover Augustus through the perspectives of friends, family, and contemporaries.
Key Discussion Points
- Leadership and performance - How Augustus had to "play" the role of emperor while remaining human underneath
- Destiny vs. free will - The tension between personal choice and being "crushed in the gears of history"
- Nobility and legacy - Building for future generations rather than personal gain, exemplified by Roman public works
- Humanization of greatness - Moving beyond the "Great Man theory" to see historical figures as complex, flawed humans
KBC Reading Radar
Brain Fizz Factor Both - Fireworks (4/4)
Bookshelf Worthy Both - Shelf Resident (3/4)
Both hosts enthusiastically recommend "Augustus" for its masterful writing, authentic historical research, and accessibility to non-history readers. The book offers rich themes of leadership, destiny, and human nature that resonate with modern readers. Williams' ability to create distinct character voices through letters makes ancient Rome feel immediate and relatable.
*Next Episode: "Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett - continuing Season 1 of KBC*
Please join the KBC community by sending me an email at kirtimutatkar7@gmail.com. Space for the virtual roundtables is limited to 12 participants and it's first come, first served. Please sign up ASAP to reserve your spot.
Also, please let me know if you would like to join the KBC WhatsApp community for ongoing book discussions and updates.
Upcoming Virtual Roundtable Schedule:
- Sunday, July 27th, 2025 at 7pm: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
- Sunday, August 24th, 2025 at 7pm: Augustus by John Williams
- Sunday, September 28th, 2025 at 7pm: Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
- Sunday, October 26th, 2025 at 7pm: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
- Sunday, November 30th, 2025 at 7pm: Why We Die by Venki Ramakrishnan
- Sunday, December 21st, 2025 at 7pm: Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder
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