Curses and Smoke: A Novel of Pompeii

Curses and Smoke: A Novel of Pompeii by Vicky Alvear Shecter is a historical fiction set in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, just before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The story follows the lives of two young people: Tag, the son of a medical slave and a healer in his own right, and Lucia, the daughter of a wealthy merchant. Despite their different social standings, Tag and Lucia form a deep bond. As their friendship blossoms into romance, they struggle against societal constraints and personal tragedies. The novel intertwines their personal drama with rich historical details, providing a vivid portrayal of life in Pompeii, including the class system, gladiatorial games, and religious practices. The tension builds as the fateful day of the eruption approaches, culminating in a dramatic and heart-wrenching conclusion as the city is engulfed in volcanic ash and pumice. The book combines love, destiny, and the struggle against inevitable disaster to create a gripping tale set against one of history's most infamous natural disasters.