BOOK REVIEW: "Render Unto Caesar" by Kathleen Lindsay.

This 1969 by Historical Fiction heavyweight author Kathleen Lindsay deals with the final years of Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars in what is now modern-day France and Germany.

The heroine of this story is Amida, who is a convenient fictionalised character in which Lindsay weaves her tale of Caesar crushing the last stand of the Gallic tribes united briefly under their leader Vercingetorix.

Not only does the Amida character help navigate the story arc, but by presenting her dialogues and interaction with both Caesar and Vercingetorix, we see clearly the different cultures, motives, and moral strengths and weaknesses of these two main characters.

Once again Lindsay's historical research is impeccable and you learn about the politics of ancient Rome, as well as the Gauls and Germanic tribes. You also understand the military tactics of both sides of the conflict, and the main characters are represented as viable, and believable human beings, with their conflicting strengths and weaknesses.

Having previously enjoyed Kathleen Lindsay's novels on the life of Cleopatra, we now see Caesar at an earlier period in his life, decades before he is destined to meet the Queen of Egypt, and who was to provide him with a long sought after heir.

Rating: 4/5 Lindsay's attention to historical detail whilst keeping the reader engaged with believable characters and a fast paced storyline makes for an excellent read. Not only entertaining, but also educational as a primer detailing the latter years of the Gallic Wars.