A while ago, I tried reading I, Claudius but gave up after the first chapter because the characters were unsympathetic, and I didn't know much about this period of Roman history. On seeing a BBC adaptation I picked it up for a second try. Typically if I dislike a classic book, the BBC adaption is a revelation and redemption. The acting by Derek Jacobi is excellent. The script and production are also well done with small telling audio details that move the story along. At over 5hrs it is an in-depth treatment.

I, Claudius turns out to be very good. It gets better with each chapter. A theme is schadenfreude, the German concept of taking pleasure in the suffering of others. This happens on multiple levels, the characters themselves who gleefully poison, plot and destroy their enemies and public at large. And for the reader, who then enjoys their comeuppance. Only Claudius is immune, because he is a "simpleton" humanitarian and democrat. Which saves him. But even that is not enough to protect him in the end. It is a dark portrait of Roman aristocratic amorality. ( )