Costanza Casati, author of Clytemnestra, draws on a myth inspired by the real Assyrian queen Semiramis in her mesmerizingly intricate second novel, spinning together fact and legend about the first female ruler of one of the most influential kingdoms in world history.
Babylonia begins in 823 B.C.E. in the small village of Mari, where Semiramis lives under the close watch of her adoptive father, Simmas. He is the village’s head shepherd, as well as a drunk and brute. Simmas has always ignored her courage and curiosity, and adopted her with the sole purpose of marrying her off in a gainful exchange. His abuse of Semiramis draws the attention of their new governor, Onnes, who eventually falls for Semiramis’ beauty and decides to marry her. Off she goes to the capital of Kalhu, where her welcome, as a commoner among royals, is unsurprisingly cool. But this is exactly what sets Semiramis apart and gives her the edge she needs to command attention with her wit and intelligence. Her undeniable influence eventually reaches King Ninus, then leads her to the throne.
Casati’s command of historical details and cultural norms is thorough, and her rich cast of characters, representing a range of social classes, gives a comprehensive understanding of what ancient life was like. For instance, there’s Ribat, a slave in the palace who aspires to be a scribe; Sasi, the castrated royal spymaster; and Nisat, the king’s overbearing mother, who rules from behind the scenes. The story leans in to drama, with many unexpected twists and romantic predicaments. Casati doesn’t hold back on violence, either: Scenes of war and its aftermath are brutal, as is the intense pressure on those in power to expand their reign through force.
Captivating and historically insightful, Casati’s Babylonia is a resonant page turner.
