Content levels
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
Spartacus, a fictionalization of a slave revolt in ancient Rome in 71 B.C., is well known today partly because of the 1960 movie starring Kirk Douglas and Laurence Olivier. It was originally published in 1951 by the author himself, after being turned down by every mainstream publisher of the day because of Fast's blacklisting for his Communist Party sympathies. The story of Spartacus, born a slave, trained as a gladiator, who led a slave revolt that was eventually put down by Crassus, was immensely popular, has sold millions of copies, and has gone through nearly a hundred editions. The appearance of this title in the North Castle series brings back into print a book that many regard as a classic, and is enhanced with a new Introduction by the author.
Is Spartacus appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This historical novel depicts slavery, gladiatorial combat, warfare, and a violent slave uprising in ancient Rome with battlefield deaths and implied torture. Strong thematic content around oppression and resistance.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, mild sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include torture, slavery, death, and mass death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens interested in ancient Roman history and stories of resistance against tyranny will find this powerful tale of courage and rebellion compelling.