Review of Amora

[Burnette Pitter]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Amora" by Grant Hallstrom.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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by Burnette Pitter 07 September 2021

Amora by Grant J. Hallstrom is about a young girl who is the daughter of Amado and Livia. Amado and Livia are among the prominent in the Roman Empire. Amora is beauty personified and has come of age. Leo, who is also from Rome but not as privileged as Amora is delighted to be her husband as he thinks this will enhance his position. Amora is excited about being married and embraced her role as a wife with enthusiasm. The realities of life and the demands of family in a rigid form of governance changes Amora's life and she is faced with making unpopular choices that pave the path to her eventual fate.

I enjoyed reading this book because I was impressed by the main character Amora. Amora, despite her position of prestige, and the dictates of her culture which forbade her to be in touch with those of lower positions, made every effort to reach out to the less fortunate. She was a strong character in the story and that encourages me as a woman. I liked the flow of the chapters, if a scene was broken at the end of a chapter to bring in another scene in the next two chapters, it was very easy to pick up where you left off in the previous scene.

I think that Grant Hallstrom did extensive research that formed the historical background of this book. The Roman culture came to life in the dialogue and drama contained in this book. This made it an interesting read. The fierce reality of male dominance, female subservience, and the woes of slavery was common throughout.

When I started the book and think back to the preface, I was wondering how the story relates, but as I continued to read, it began to unfold. The theme of the book as described in the preface was forgiveness and this was clear up to the end of the book.

I found nothing I disliked about this book and would read it again.

I rate Amora four out of four stars. There were no errors which suggest that the book was very well edited. The build-up was consistent and the end fulfilling. I recommend this book to a wide cross-section of readers. I think that children from age 15 could read it. It is a very good lesson on forgiveness. It teaches that forgiveness brings peace to both the one who forgives and the one who is forgiven. It is filled with drama so persons who love drama will enjoy it. I think this book could be made into a movie.

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Amora
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