Quo Vadis: A Narrative of the Time of Nero
Sienkiewicz, Henryk
"Quo Vadis: A Narrative of the Time of Nero" by Henryk Sienkiewicz is a historical novel written during the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire during the reign of Nero, the story explores the clash of traditional Roman values with the emerging influence of Christianity. The central characters include Marcus Vinicius, a young Roman tribune, and Lygia, a beautiful Christian captive, whose love story unfolds amidst the political and moral turmoil of the time.  At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Petronius, the "arbiter of elegance" in Nero's court, who is recovering from a lavish feast. He is soon visited by his nephew, Marcus Vinicius, who speaks of his experiences in war and his burgeoning love for Lygia. As their conversation unfolds in the opulence of Roman bathhouses, we learn of Vinicius's determination to claim Lygia's affection, despite the prejudices of their society. The opening sets the stage for the larger conflicts between love, faith, and the power struggles entwined in the fabric of the Roman Empire, hinting at the challenges the characters will face as the story progresses. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Christian fiction Church history -- Primitive and early church, ca. 30-600 -- Fiction Historical fiction Rome -- History -- Nero, 54-68 -- Fiction
Bestsellers, American, 1895-1923 Category: Historical Novels Category: Novels Historical Fiction Movie Books Nobel Prizes in Literature