If you enjoy reading historical novels, then “Danube Legion” by Laurence Read might just hit the spot. This historically accurate Roman army war novel is set in 2nd century Hungary/Danube region. Although it is a “war” novel, the novel mostly concentrates on the legion “behind the scenes”. Here’s a quick summary before I chat to author, Laurence Read.
BOOK SUMMARY
The Roman war machine is on the move
But behind the Centurions and Legionaries, a vast support network grinds into motion, mobilising a new legion towards a hostile river border, its human cogs turning across Roman society: from downtrodden bath slaves, to legionary blacksmiths trying to get through the day, from unscrupulous traders who supply food and materials to corrupt politicians with their own cynical motives.
Danube legion is the darkly amusing story of what happens behind the scenes – the chaotic, the venal, the incompetent and the corrupt. In amongst it all, and driving most of it, is Lady Lassalia, a ruthless merchant out to ensure her place in Roman society.
THE INTERVIEW
Hi Laurence 👋 Thanks for joining us! Tell us a bit about yourself 😊
Hi, I’m Laurence. Well, having graduated from Hull University Drama Department my career took some odd turns and, via TV journalism and PR, I ended up in the natural resources sector. Over 25 years or so I travelled the world meeting exciting people and smoked a lot of Marlboro Lights sitting on plastic chairs waiting for the rain/sun/riot to go away. I now live in Hampshire, vaping and waiting, with little hope, for the rain to stop. My family is also Anglo Hungarian so we spend a lot of time in Hungary, where the book is laregely set in.
Who or what inspired you to write “Danube Legion”?
I’ve always been fascinated by the classical period (a wide timeline admittedly). When you look at Trojan’s column a question comes to mind of ‘how did they get all that stuff there?’, having watched ‘stuff’ and people being moved about into areas far far away of which we know little I thought it might make a good book. At times I also wondered if writing a book about the Roman army that isn’t interested in battles was a fundamentally stupid idea, but I think there’s enough mayhem within Danube Legion to keep more bloodthirsty readers interested.
“Danube Legion ” is a Roman army war novel set in Hungary – with a twist. This novel although historically accurate, isn’t really about the battles – it’s more what’s behind the scenes in setting up a legion in the Roman Army. There’s a lot of humour in the writing and I adored the characters – especially Lady Lassalia ! 😊 Did you base a lot of your characters on you and people you’ve met in life? Which character did you enjoy writing about the most? Which character was the hardest?
Why thank you. Well..possibly characteristics of some who I’ve known made it in there, Lady Lassalia was very easy to write as was the Imperial Nephew. I did struggle with Scaurianus but after I delved into his back story a little, his time torturing circus hooligans who smashed statues up post match, it all seemed to come together a bit more. On the historical accuracy bit I did make up the ‘River Goats’, but that did come from a fascination with Roman hydraulics- what the hell was the Water Organ, anyway? I’ve also had an entertaining exchange on water born artillery pieces but I’m sticking to my ‘Skorpions’ on that one.
Hypothetically speaking, if Danube Legion was made into a film who would you pick to play the main characters, especially the feisty Lady Lassalia?
Easy for Lady Lassalia- Shoreh Aghdashloo. For the others..David Gyasi as Galba the armourer, Hugh Skinner as the Nephew, Rufus Sewell as ‘the Scipio’ scion, Damian Lews as the Emperor Trajan, Stephen Graham as ‘2’, the nearest to Peter O Toole (Michael Fassbender? although that would mean this is essentially Band of Brothers- Rome with the casting) currently possible for the Skipper and Sam Troughton as the Governor of Pannonia Inferior.
This novel is set in Hungary, where you spend a lot of your time when not in the UK. However, if you could visit any country/place in the world, to base your next novel in, where would you go and why?
I’m messing about with a fantasy novel set in 1850’s Germany. Central Europe fascinates me and ideas about Thirties Years war also abound.
Are you a bookworm? What is your favourite genre and/or authors? Kindle or actual book?
Once I was, now less so but still read, mostly on the kindle. I really enjoyed the Blue Flower by Penelope Fitzgerald while on holiday in the Rhine Gorge this year. One of many books my partner recommended to me and I usually willfully ignore (so she claims).
Is “Danube Legion” available to purchase worldwide?
I believe it is, certainy on Amazon.
Growing up had you always wanted to be an author or did you have other career aspirations?
I always loved writing, it just took me a very long time to get to a novel.
As I have already mentioned, you spend a lot of time in Hungary. It is a place I haven’t visited, so what are the top 3 things that you love about Hungary?
Hmmm… Its certainly not a ‘have a nice day’ culture which I really enjoy. Hungary is one of the most beautiful places on earth whether sipping coffee in Budapest or out hiking in the countryside (plus when you get to know it your family can all scream at the television ‘Thats Hungary’ whether it be a period piece, fantasy or Marvel epic). A lot of culture- go see the Budapest Opera, even if you dont like the singing; decor and enormous salted pretzls make it all very worth while.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
This is my Ron Swanson moment- I own two pairs of shoes: one is an ancient black pair of RM Williams boots, one is an old pair of brown RM Williams boots. Depending on location I shall be in one or t’other. Carhart trousers, shirt and (as its winter),a fisherman’s jumper my partner believes I sew myself into during October like some sort of medieval peasant. I also have a continually rewaxed, much mented jacket that looks and smells as if a fox has lived a full and active life within it before expiring.
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites ?
Rooster Sailing
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
Er…Im resisting family presssure to buy a new coat.
Boots or Shoes?
I have long narrow feet, at the risk of sounding like a cheerleader for Andrew Forrest: RM Williams boots are the only footwear that has ever made sense. Just to be clear I have no commercial relationship with any Australian shoemakers but am very very open to the idea if this gets picked up on their Meltwater (you have to try).
Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc
Laurenceread@danubelegion on ‘X’, sometimes posted but was told I was a bot a few months ago so have been less engaged.
Fabulous chatting to you, Laurence! Thank you for the review copy of Danube Legion – I was pleasantly impressed by your novel, and I adored Lady Lassalia! 😊
Linda x
All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Laurence Read. photo credits go to Damien Lewis.
Thanks also to Ben Cameron of Cameron Publicity & Marketing