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Surviving Vesuvius

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Book Synopsis

This narrative non-fiction book brings to life the powerful story of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the destruction of Pompeii, based on the first-hand account of Pliny the Younger.

The year is 79 AD. Seventeen year-old Roman student Pliny the Younger is at his home across the bay from the bustling town of Pompeii, where people are going about their daily business. The tremors that sometimes shake the ground are coming more frequently than usual, but all are unaware of the cataclysmic event that is about to unfold. Meanwhile, underground, pressure is building beneath the mountain that looms over the surrounding towns and villages. What follows is one of the most extraordinary and frightening natural disasters in recorded history.

This dramatic retelling is based on letters written by Roman historian Pliny the Younger after the event, and is reimagined featuring characters from the town of Pompeii who are known to have existed, such as the businesswoman Julia Felix and politician Julius Polybius.

The story describes the various stages of the eruption, as well as detailing how the history of Pompeii was later uncovered by archaeologists. A timeline and glossary provide extra information, ideal for history enthusiasts.

Our Review Panel says...

This beautifully produced large-format book tells the story of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE, based on the writings of Pliny the Younger. The tale is told chronologically, each page offering an illustrated vista of what it would have been like for the people who lived in the town of Pompeii, as well as the surrounding towns in the Bay of Naples.

The narrative shows the events unfolding for a small cast of residents from shopkeepers to slaves, with some fictionalised scenarios, although details are based on truth, having been taken from archaeological findings and Pliny’s letter. Not only does the reader understand the fear and uncertainty at the time of the explosion, but also the geological details, such as the preceding earthquakes, descent of pumice and ash and then of course the gas clouds and lava flows. The language is sophisticated but has good clarity, and it is easy to follow how events unfolded.

The story itself is fascinating, and anyone with an interest in ancient times, geology or human reaction in the face of tragedy will find plenty enough to absorb in the illustrations. A glossary and author’s note give extra information on the history and research, and overall, this is a solid narrative of events, well told and highly engrossing.