In the dying days of the Roman Republic, a remarkable woman steps out of the shadows and beyond the boundaries imposed on her sex, driven by an unstoppable ambition.
Kaarina Parker’s stunning debut novel, told in the compelling voice of this brilliant woman from history, brings Fulvia and the society in which she lived vividly to life.
Born into a wealthy but unimportant family, Fulvia is raised in the peace of the Etruscan countryside but longs for a life of excitement and influence.
When her father dies and her inheritance is threatened, she sets out for the city of Rome to secure her future. Motivated by both passion and opportunism, Fulvia marries Clodius, a hedonistic young senator. They are perfect partners, risk-takers, scornful of convention, and eager for change.
Although Clodius is heir to a leading aristocratic family, he has spent his life criticising the rules of his class and championing the common people.
As a wife and mother, Fulvia fulfils her role in a society that denies women any influence outside the home. Still, she is also a ruthless political strategist, intent on seeing her husband rise through the ranks of Rome’s governing body, the senate.
And, through him, wielding her own authority. However, Rome is a treacherous place, and power can quickly turn to notoriety. Fulvia soon learns just how high the stakes really are and that her ambitions may come at a terrible cost.
Kaarina Parker was born in New Zealand. She holds a BA (Hons) from the University of Melbourne in History and Film Studies, as well as a Master of Creative Writing.
She is passionate about telling the stories of people silenced by history, and has a particular love for the extraordinary women of the late Roman Republic. Kaarina also works as a fashion model and is a voice for diversity in the industry. Fulvia is her first novel, with a sequel to follow.
