by
Ruth Downie
in a hardcover edition that was published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Medicus, Terra Incognita, Caveat Emptor, Tabula Rasa
Third in the Gaius Petreius Ruso historical mystery series revolving around a Roman doctor in the army in Britannia, although this story is set in Gaul.
My Take
Persona Non Grata sets up Ruso’s response to an urgent letter from home. A response that, on the surface, seems disastrous to the financial well-being of Ruso’s family.
Arranging leave from the Twentieth Legion, Ruso takes Tilla home to Nemausus in Narbonensis (modern-day Nimes) where he proceeds to stick his foot in it right and left with his ex-wife and ex-father-in-law; his missing brother-in-law; the cousin, the senator; and, his own family who aren’t sure what to make of this barbarian he’s brought home. Ruso has a lot of incentive to solve two murders if he’s going to remain an honorable man in the military and prevent the family homestead from being taken.
Poor Ruso, I don’t know what he’d do without Tilla — it’s an interesting partnership as Tilla has no patience with Roman cultural or personal biases — this angel does not fear to tread! A fascinating look at Roman village interactions and family life with all their prejudices in the south of Gaul/France. Curious to see how similar we still are and makes me appreciate our law a lot more.
