Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar - Book Chat

Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar is a work of historical fiction originally published in 1951 in France. English translation was a collaboration between the author and Grace Frick.
Other works mentioned:
Under Capitalism if Your Head Aches They Just Yank Off Your Head - a collection of Poetry by Ariel Francisco

[@ReadbyFred]

_Memories of Hadrian_ sounds really good, though I'm not big on historical fiction for fear of mixing up my facts with fiction later on. I remember reading about Antinous, and Hadrian's grief over his death. Great review - tempted to pick the book up. Thanks for sharing :)

[@EarnestlyEston]

I have that same concern many times with historical fiction. The bibliographical notes by the author at the end of the book were very helpful. Thanks!

[@faribareads]

I really enjoyed 'I, Claudius" by Robert Graves so "Memoirs of Hadrian" has piqued my interest. It's so interesting to consider what advice and wisdom an emperor might give.

[@johnvonundzu2170]

Thanks for a thoughtful review. A small note: Antinous is pronounced Antin-o-us.

[@go56dofro]

That poem you close with was actually written by the real Hadrian. Animula vagula blandula... but I'm not sure the ending is also his? The ending referencing eyes wide open may easily be Yourcenar's own considering that's the name of her autobiography. Only the first half is printed in latin at the beginning of the book.
Anyway, one of my favourite books. A bit melancholy, but he is at the end of the line, and in pain.

[@williammcelmurray8059]

I respect this book I found the political and military aspect of the book a bit hard to get through

[@J0zB]

👋🏻😷