قصة الكتاب :
“Memoirs of Hadrian” is a novel by the French writer Marguerite Yourcenar about the life and death of Roman Emperor Hadrian. Marguerite was born in Brussels and died in the United States in 1987. She is known in the French culture as a poet, translator, essayist and literary critic.
This novel tells the story of the Roman Emperor, Hadrian, who inherited the rule from his uncle and was famous for his educated mind, justice and wisdom. He was also known for his love of travelling. He travelled across the different parts of the Roman Empire and described his journeys to Egypt where he was amazed by the Egyptian civilization. He also visited ancient Palestine and encountered the Jews with whom he clashed due to their fanaticism and rejection of his new ideas. Ancient Persia was also one of his destinations.
The novel is based on a historical fact. Hadrian used to write his own diaries, but no one ever found them. Therefore, the author came up with an imaginary text, drawing from the philosopher Plato’s idea about the philosopher king, especially because science, culture, philosophy, love of music, travel, mathematics, sculpture art and painting made this Emperor quite different from others. Such involvement in these fields of life enabled Hadrian to build a prosperous Roman civilization which featured bridges, temples and libraries. The Roman regime consisted of an advisory board that had members from the intellectuals, jurists and leaders of policy communities.
The author built the plot on one event whereby Hadrian wanted to write a message to Marcus Aurelius who would become his successor. In his message, Hadrian speaks about his illness, but he also talks about philosophy, manners, ruling arts and human relationships. Hadrian was known for his support of the poor. He was the one who cancelled the taxes and relieved the poor from their suffering. He also protected the rights of the people and the minorities who lived within the Empire. Therefore, his era was among the most prosperous of all.
The author succeeded in narrating Hadrian’s life and the details of each day. She described his food, drinks, clothing and his delicate and beautiful treatment of his mother so much so that the reader will feel that the diaries are real. She also succeeded in highlighting her intellectual philosophy with respect to man’s relationship with science, culture and openness to the world’s cultures.