A Christian But a Roman

A Christian But a Roman by Mór Jókai plunges listeners into the glittering, dangerous world of imperial Rome, where faith, family, and power collide. Set in the days of the Caesars, this historical fiction follows the retirement of the venerable senator Mesembrius Vio to his sumptuous villa at the mouth of the Tiber, a refuge from courtly intrigues, the prætorians, and an emperor’s suspicion. Jókai evokes a vivid social panorama of patrician luxury—artists, cooks, and marble halls—while tracing the private struggles of an aristocratic household, including the fortunes of Mesembrius’s daughters and the moral tensions stirred by honor, ambition, and shifting loyalties. Lyrical yet unsentimental, the narrative explores the clash between old Roman identity and the new currents of Christianity, probing questions of conscience, duty, and survival without ever resorting to easy answers. Rich period detail and atmospheric storytelling make the past feel immediate. Perfect for listeners who love character-driven historical fiction, classical Rome, or politically charged family sagas, this audiobook rewards anyone seeking immersive narration and thoughtful reflections on culture and conviction in a pivotal age.