Description
Rome and Vice Versa
Book Summary
A fast-paced comedy that combines ancient history, science fiction, and absurd humor. Marcelo Mayoral, a dull university professor destined for failure, sees his life turned upside down when he saves an extraterrestrial from a beating. His new friend, a being from another planet addicted to bourbon and heavy metal, has the ability to travel through time and invites him to experience Ancient Rome firsthand. Together, they will dive into a whirlwind of gladiators, orgies, and political conspiracies, with Emperor Nero himself as their host. A novel that proves history was never this much fun.
What is it about?
Marcelo Mayoral is an Ancient History professor who seems destined for failure in every aspect of his life. However, everything changes when, upon leaving the university, he defends a strange being who is being attacked by three mysterious individuals. That being turns out to be an extraterrestrial from the exoplanet KOI.4878.01, an ectoplasm with very earthly tastes: he is addicted to bourbon, roast chicken, heavy metal, and unbridled sex. As a thank you, this peculiar alien, capable of time travel, invites Marcelo on a direct trip to Ancient Rome. There, they will meet one of its greatest protagonists, Emperor Nero, and will be immersed in a chaos of bacchanals, barbarian invasions, and all sorts of historical absurdities.
Main themes
- Absurd humor and historical parody, with a comedic take on Ancient Rome similar to "Monty Python's Life of Brian."
- Science fiction and time travel, featuring an eccentric and hedonistic extraterrestrial.
- The unlikely friendship between a frustrated professor and a being from another world.
- Satire of academia and university life.
Who is it recommended for?
For readers looking for a light and hilarious novel, lovers of absurd humor and parody. It is ideal for those who enjoy science fiction with a mischievous touch and for those who want to rediscover the history of Rome without any academic rigor, just for fun. Also for fans of authors like Terry Pratchett or Douglas Adams.
What this book offers
- An agile and fun read that combines two seemingly opposite genres: the historical novel and science fiction.
- An escape from reality through a zany plot full of comedic situations.
- Eccentric and memorable characters, from a failed professor to an alien with very human addictions.
- An irreverent and lighthearted vision of Ancient Rome that will make you laugh out loud.
Technical specifications
- Author: SANDIN, MIGUEL
- Publisher: EDITORIAL PEZ DE PLATA, S.L
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Modern and contemporary fiction, Science fiction, Fantasy, Humor
- Collection: LA RISA FLOJA
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: October 2021
- Number of pages: 248
- Weight: 320 g
Editorial review
An original and lighthearted proposal that more than fulfills its goal of making you laugh. The combination of a drab professor with a hedonistic, time-traveling alien is a comedic success that carries the entire novel. For the reader looking for a light, unpretentious story with direct humor, "Roma y viceversa" is an entertaining and surprising choice.