Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar is a novel that follows the fictionalized autobiography of Roman emperor Hadrian. Published in France in 1951, the novel was first translated and published in the United States in 1955. It follows the death of Hadrian’s great-nephew and adopted son, Lucius Aelius, which triggers a period of deep personal reflection for the Emperor. As Hadrian reviews his life and reign, the novel provides unique insight into the Emperor’s thoughts and philosophies.
The novel is written in a bright, lively prose style which was a departure from typical historical writing of the time. This style was far ahead of its time and helped establish Yourcenar’s reputation as a great novelist. The book is divided into two sections, each made up of five books. The first section deals with Hadrian’s childhood, his time in the military, and his early years ruling in the Roman Empire. In the second section, Hadrian reflects upon his later years, discussing his policies, relationships, and philosophy.
Hadrian was a complex figure, and Memoirs of Hadrian gives insight into his humanity, providing readers with a glimpse into his inner thoughts and feelings. He convincingly conveys his distress and joy, describing his philosophy of stoicism and his thoughts on death. He also poignantly captures his struggle to come to terms with his mortality and the ephemeral nature of life.
An important feature of the novel is its detailed portrayal of the Roman Empire and its culture. Yourcenar paints a vivid picture of life in Rome in the early 2nd century AD, a time of great importance for the Empire, with Hadrian’s reign heralding in an era of expansion and reform for the Roman way of life.
Memoirs of Hadrian was a critical success and is considered to be one of the great historical novels. It won the Prix Femina in France in 1951 and was included in the Penguin Classics library in 2005. The novel’s profound exploration of power, mortality, death, and philosophy have made it a timeless classic, an essential read for fans of historical fiction. Hadrian’s words and thoughts come alive on the pages and stay in the minds of readers, providing them with an insightful glimpse into an influential figure of the past.
