This is not the ultimate in literature, but the stories are vey pretty, nevertheless. The characters of Bethesda and Lucius Claudius are drawn beautifully. Without them, Gordianus the Finder would just be another oppidanus of Subura. But I do not feel that the author brought ancient Rome "to life". and he certainly did not bring history into play, except a few mentions of Caesar, Cicero and Sulla. Still, it was enjoyable light reading.